Dreaming of fjords and frolicking through forests?
When you want to go everywhere (*raises hand*), picking your next travel destination can be tricky – especially when it’s between Norway and Sweden. Both countries are ridiculously beautiful (like, the take-your-breath-away kind), packed with rich culture and home to some of the world’s happiest people – no small feat given how long and dark Scandinavian winters are.
In an ideal world, you’d jump on Intrepid’s Taste of Scandinavia trip to explore Norway, Sweden and Denmark. But if annual leave or budget limits you to one country, which will it be? We’ve broken down the top considerations to help you make the call.
Cities
Oslo is smaller and more compact than Sweden’s capital, but it has a happening waterfront, bold modern architecture, a thriving art scene and an eclectic range of museums – including Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park. Its location on the tip of the Oslo Fjord also means that nature is never far, with rugged islands, hiking trails, lakes and mountains all accessible by public transport. In fact, you’ll often see locals carrying cross-country skis on the metro in winter! If you’re an outdoorsy type, Oslo might just win you over.
But Oslo is just the start. Bergen, AKA the gateway to the fjords, has one of Europe’s oldest harbours, a renowned foodie scene and gorgeous mountain views. Then there’s the northwest coastal city of Alesund, known for its colourful Art Nouveau architecture, canals, fishing heritage and access to Geirangerfjord.
Related: Check out some tips to visit Oslo on a budget
Stockholm radiates cool. It’s a hub for design, fashion, music and food, with restaurants, galleries, bars and museums galore. The city is also built across 14 islands in the vast Stockholm Archipelago, making it a great city to explore on foot or by bike. Stockholm is also known for its mix of modern architecture and well-preserved medieval streets – particularly in Gamla Stan (Old Town), an open-air museum with cobbled laneways, pastel-painted buildings and one of Europe’s largest palaces.
Beyond the capital, check out Gothenburg – a laidback city known for its street art scene, craft beer breweries and some of Sweden’s best seafood – and Malmö with its multicultural neighbourhoods, Renaissance castles and interesting contemporary architecture.
Landscapes
The term ’natural playground’ gets thrown around a lot, but that’s exactly what Norway and Sweden are. In fact, access to nature is a public right in Scandinavia, meaning you can hike, bike, pitch a tent or forage in most wild areas. And it’s just as well, because both countries are regularly ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
Norway’s landscapes are as dramatic as they get. Think imposing peaks, glacial valleys, and a coastline marked with islands and fjords. One of the country’s most iconic places is Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO World Heritage fjord where waterfalls spill over sheer cliffs and snow-topped peaks roll into the distance. It’s up there with the most epic backdrops for hiking and kayaking.
Norway’s rugged interior is just as striking. Vast plateaus stretch between mountains and remote valleys bloom with wildflowers in the summer. There are 47 national parks and over 3000 protected areas across the country, plus Arctic tundra in the north – including the Svalbard archipelago – where the treeless landscapes feel almost otherworldly.
Sweden is also packed with natural beauty. In the south, you’ll find gentle hills, forests and farmland, while the north is more rugged with the Scandinavian Mountains (which form a natural border with Norway) and some of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Europe. Sweden also has over 3000 kilometres of coastline, more than 97,000 lakes and one of the world’s largest archipelagos. With over 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is a go-to for island-hopping adventures in the summer.
Both countries have a lot to offer nature lovers. If you’re into mountains, glaciers, and fjords, Norway is the place to be. If forests, lakes and islands are more your jam, you may prefer Sweden.
Related: Why consider solo travel in Scandinavia
Cuisine
As neighbouring countries with strong historical and cultural ties, Norway and Sweden have a lot in common at the dinner table. Both cuisines are hearty and comforting, with a focus on root vegetables, oily fish and meat. They also share a tradition of preserving food through smoking, pickling and fermenting – a necessity before modern refrigeration.
With abundant fjords and coastline, Norwegian cuisine leans heavily on the sea. Must-try dishes include gravlax (cured salmon), sursild (pickled herring), tørrfisk (dried cod) and Norwegian fish gratin. For meat lovers, tuck into fårikål (the national dish of mutton and cabbage), sour cream porridge with cured meat or cinnamon, and brunonst (brown cheese) with waffles and jam. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try smalahove (sheep’s head), a centuries-old delicacy from the village of Voss.
Swedish cuisine also features a lot of fish, but there’s a bigger emphasis on pork, beef and game. Of course, the most famous dish is meatballs (yes, like the ones from IKEA), typically served with creamy mash, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers.
Seafood lovers can dig into smoked salmon, surströmming (fermented herring known for its… tangy aroma) and räksmörgås (Swedish shrimp sandwich). Crayfish is another favourite, and if you’re around in the summer, you may get to experience a crayfish party, a Swedish tradition complete with crayfish-themed table decor and hats.
But one of the best things about Swedish cuisine is fika, roughly translating to ‘a coffee break’ – but it’s so much more than that! Fika can be a pause from work, a way to catch up with a friend, a networking activity, a time to relax… it’s an essential part of Swedish life. A traditional fika spread includes seven types of cakes, pastries or cookies (cinnamon buns, chocolate balls and princess cake are all firm favourites), washed down with freshly brewed coffee or tea.
When to visit
Norway and Sweden share a similar climate with long, cold and snowy winters and short but glorious summers. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.
Unless you’re into winter sports, summertime (June to August) is ideal. The weather is warm, nature is in full bloom and there are long daylight hours to explore. Head north above the Arctic Circle between May and July, and you might catch the Midnight Sun – a surreal phenomenon where the sun doesn’t fully set. If you plan your trip in late June, you may also get to join Midsummer celebrations, where locals gather to eat seasonal foods, drink snaps and light bonfires to celebrate the solstice.
If you want to chase the Northern Lights, visit between September and March when the skies are super dark. Both countries offer sightings, but you have a better chance the further north you go.
So, which country should you choose?
If you’re keen for outdoor activities and epic views, Norway is hard to beat. But if you’re looking for a blend of city life, natural beauty and foodie adventures, Sweden could be the way to go. Whichever way you go, you can’t really lose – both countries are packed with history, culture and scenery that’ll stay with you long after you return home.
Keen for a Scandinavian adventure? Check out Intrepid’s trips in Sweden and Norway.
