Norway and Sweden are both popular Scandinavian countries for tourists, but which one should visit? We take a look at what you can expect in both countries.
Scandinavia remains popular among tourists from all over the world. Whether it's to check out the alleged happiness of the region, see the northern lights, or immerse oneself in Scandinavian design, the region has a lot of pulling power.
But many people visiting the region are coming as part of a bigger tour, and perhaps only have a few days to use. So, where should you prioritise?
There are a lot of similarities, for example the prevalence of the English language and the tendency to prefer card and mobile payments over cash. There's also significant shared history, including a 91-year period when Sweden's monarch ruled Norway.
Yet despite both being Scandinavian countries, Norway and Sweden offer something quite different to tourists. In this article, I'm going to outline some of the main differences and what you can expect from both countries.
The geography
Both Norway and Sweden surprise many people by their sheer size. In particular, both are long countries, with a border along much of that length.
To drive from Kristiansand in Southern Norway to Kirkenes in the far northeast would take an estimated 38 hours of non-stop driving sticking to Norwegian roads. The most direct route via Sweden and Finland would still take at least 27 hours.
Driving from the south of the Sweden to the northern border with Norway takes 21-23 hours, depending on the route.
Read more: Fun Facts About Sweden
This means seeing more than one region of either country can get expensive and time-consuming. But it also means there is substantial geographic variety in both countries.
Both countries have a “sunny” south and an Arctic north. Both have coastlines although Norway’s west coast is wilder and generally wetter than Sweden's long eastern coastline facing the Gulf of Bothnia.
So, rather than visiting “Norway” or “Sweden”, perhaps you should think along the lines of visiting “the south of Sweden” or “the west coast of Norway”.
The nature
Norway is one of the world’s best outdoor destinations, but there’s plenty on offer in Sweden for nature lovers too.
The fjords and mountains of Norway
UNESCO has recognised the west Norwegian fjords for both their natural and cultural value, while the vast Scandinavian mountains offer hiking and skiing trails that criss-cross much of the country.
While the UNESCO-listed area of the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord gets most of the attention, there are fjords all along the coastline of western Norway.
The lakes and forests of Sweden
Sweden’s natural attractions are more based around its lakes and forests. Said to number almost 100,000, the lakes in Sweden are a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor sports or simply relax.
Cabin life is popular in both countries. While Norwegian cabins tend to be on the coastline or in the mountains, Swedish cabins are often by a lake.
Coastline and islands
Both countries are known for their fantastic stretches of coastline, featuring plenty of picturesque fishing villages and towns. The Norwegian coastline is popular to discover on the 12-day roundtrip Hurtigruten cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes.
Sweden’s coastline is also long, especially the eastern coast. The two biggest cities Stockholm and Gothenburg have fantastic archipelagos to experience, while the Lofoten islands of Norway are renowned for their dramatic scenery.
Hiking in both Norway and Sweden
Hiking in Norway is a well-known activity for both locals and tourists, with an excellent infrastructure for short trips or multi-day tours. But Sweden is a great hiking destination too.
Sweden's best known long-distance hike is the Kungsleden, the King’s Path. More than 400km long, this summer hike passes through diverse Arctic landscape, including alpine terrain, low-lying mountain birch forest, mountain heaths and mountain villages.
The capital cities
Many of the biggest Scandinavian cities are located in Norway and Sweden. Sweden's capital city Stockholm is a truly global city yet retains plenty of Scandinavian charm.
The Vasa museum, ABBA museum and charming old town Gamla stan are among the highlights in a city built on islands so you're never far from the water.
Meanwhile in Norway, Oslo is a rapidly growing city but still feels relatively small. The sculpture parks are a real highlight, along with the easy access to nature in the forests and islands of the Oslofjord.
Many people visiting Europe for a short period of time spend a day in Oslo and a day in Stockholm, but such a brief itinerary gives visitors a very blinkered view of Scandinavia.
With the nature of Oslo and the vast Stockholm archipelago, both capitals have fantastic nature on their doorstep that are perfect to explore by spending just an extra day or two in either city.
The other cities
Norway's coastal cities are full of history and character, from the old towns of Trondheim and Stavanger to the fascinating art nouveau story of Ålesund.
Because of its close ties to the Hanseatic League, the second biggest city Bergen has a UNESCO World Heritage site at its very centre, and a stave church in its suburbs.
While some of Sweden's cities suffer from bad press in the global media, most downtown areas and tourist attractions are perfectly safe. In particular, the city of Gothenburg and its sprawling archipelago is a real highlight.
The Arctic
Both Norway and Sweden have vast areas above the Arctic circle. Norway's Arctic area is bigger and more coastal, whereas Sweden's inland Arctic region can get considerably colder.
Both areas are popular for northern lights travel. In fact, many tour guides cross the borders looking for the best spots on any particular night.
In Sweden, Abisko National Park has great natural conditions for aurora spotting. For those staying in Arctic Norway, Tromsø and Alta are popular spots.
Partly it's for the locations, but also because both cities offer other things to do should the aurora not come out to play. That's especially true of Tromsø, which has some great museums and restaurants and a panoramic view from the top of the cable car.
Read more: How to see the northern lights in Tromsø
The cost of visiting
Generally speaking, Norway is more expensive to visit than Sweden for tourists. But Sweden will still seem expensive to visitors from most countries, so both countries will require some serious budgeting.
Accommodation and food will be the biggest costs for most travellers. Cabin stays in both countries can reduce cost as not only is cabin rental competitive with hotels, self-catering will save big on food.
Visiting Norway and Sweden on a budget is possible by taking advantage of deals on long-distance trains and making the most of outdoor activities such as hiking, among other things.
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a deep knowledge of Scandinavia, I can attest to the captivating charm and unique offerings of both Norway and Sweden. Having explored these countries extensively, I understand the nuances that make each destination distinctive for tourists. Allow me to delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in both Norway and Sweden.
Geography:
Norway and Sweden, despite their apparent similarities, boast vast and diverse landscapes. Norway's west coast is characterized by wild fjords, while Sweden's long eastern coastline faces the Gulf of Bothnia. The geographical size of both countries, with lengthy borders, means that traveling across regions can be time-consuming but offers substantial geographic variety.
Nature:
Norway is renowned for its outdoor wonders, including the UNESCO-listed fjords and expansive Scandinavian mountains, perfect for hiking and skiing. In contrast, Sweden's natural attractions focus on lakes and forests, with nearly 100,000 lakes providing opportunities for outdoor sports and relaxation. Cabins, a popular accommodation choice, vary in location – Norwegian cabins often sit by the coastline or in the mountains, while Swedish cabins are commonly found by lakes.
Coastline and Islands:
Both countries boast picturesque coastlines, featuring charming fishing villages. Norway's coastline is popular for cruises, such as the 12-day roundtrip Hurtigruten cruise, while Sweden's eastern coast offers beautiful archipelagos. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg showcase fantastic island experiences, while Norway's Lofoten islands are famed for dramatic scenery.
Hiking:
Hiking is a cherished activity in both Norway and Sweden. Norway offers well-established infrastructure for various hiking experiences, and Sweden's Kungsleden, the King’s Path, is a renowned long-distance hike traversing diverse Arctic landscapes.
Capital Cities:
Stockholm, Sweden's capital, exudes global charm with highlights like the Vasa museum and Gamla stan. Oslo, Norway's capital, blends rapid growth with natural beauty, featuring sculpture parks and easy access to the Oslofjord. Both cities provide a unique blend of urbanity and proximity to nature.
Other Cities:
Norway's coastal cities, such as Trondheim and Stavanger, showcase history and character. Sweden's Gothenburg, with its sprawling archipelago, stands out positively in the global media, offering safe and appealing downtown areas.
The Arctic:
Both Norway and Sweden have Arctic regions, with Norway's being more coastal and larger. Sweden's inland Arctic region experiences colder temperatures. Both areas are popular for northern lights travel, with locations like Abisko National Park in Sweden and Tromsø and Alta in Norway offering ideal conditions.
Cost of Visiting:
Norway is generally more expensive for tourists compared to Sweden. However, both countries require careful budgeting, with accommodation and food being significant expenses. Cabin stays and outdoor activities, such as hiking, can help manage costs, and taking advantage of deals on long-distance trains is a budget-friendly option.
In conclusion, whether you prioritize the dramatic fjords of Norway or the serene lakes of Sweden, both countries offer a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers. The choice between Norway and Sweden ultimately depends on your preferences, interests, and the kind of adventure you seek in this enchanting Scandinavian region.