Norway vs. Sweden: Two Scandinavian countries compared
Norway and Sweden are both popular Scandinavian countries for tourists, but which one should you visit? We take a look at what you can expect in both countries.
Scandinavia is still popular with tourists from all over the world. Whether it is to check out the region’s alleged happiness, see the northern lights or immerse yourself in Scandinavian design, the region has a lot of traction.
But many who visit the region come as part of a larger tour, and may only have a few days to use. So where should you prioritize?
There are many similarities, such as the spread of the English language and the tendency to prefer card and mobile payments over cash.
Although both are Scandinavian countries, Norway and Sweden offer something completely different for tourists. In this article, I will describe some of the key differences and what you can expect from both countries.
Geography
Both Norway and Sweden surprise many with their large size. In particular, both are long countries, with a border along much of that length.
Driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Kirkenes in the far northeast would take an estimated 38 hours of uninterrupted driving on Norwegian roads. The most direct route via Sweden and Finland would still take at least 27 hours.
Driving from southern Sweden to the northern border with Norway takes 21-23 hours, depending on the route.
Read more: Fun facts about Sweden
This means that it can be expensive and time consuming to see more than one region in both countries. But it also means that there is significant geographical variation in both countries.
Both countries have a “sunny” south and an arctic north. Both have coastlines even though Norway’s west coast is wilder and generally wetter than Sweden’s long east coast towards the Gulf of Bothnia.
So instead of visiting “Norway” or “Sweden”, maybe you should think in line with visiting “southern Sweden” or “Norway’s west coast”.
Nature
Norway is one of the world’s best outdoor destinations, but there is a lot to offer in Sweden even for nature lovers.
Norway’s fjords and mountains
UNESCO has recognized the West Norwegian fjords for their natural and cultural value, while the vast Scandinavian mountains offer hiking and skiing trails that cross large parts of the country.
While the UNESCO-listed area of Geirangerfjorden and Nærøyfjorden receives the most attention, there are fjords along the coast in western Norway.
Sweden’s lakes and forests
Sweden’s natural attractions are more based around its lakes and forests. Said to be almost 100,000, the lakes in Sweden are a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor sports or just relax.
Cabin life is popular in both countries. While Norwegian cottages tend to be located on the coast or in the mountains, Swedish cottages are often located by a lake.
Coastline and islands
Both countries are known for their fantastic coastlines, with lots of picturesque fishing villages and towns. The Norwegian coast is popular to discover on the 12-day round trip with the Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes.
Sweden’s coastline is also long, especially it east coast. The two largest cities Stockholm and Gothenburg have fantastic archipelagos to experience, while Lofoten in Norway is known for its dramatic landscape.
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 trips. But Sweden is also a good hiking destination.
Sweden’s most famous long-distance hike is Kungsleden, Kungsvägen. More than 400 km long, this summer hike goes through a varied Arctic landscape, including alpine terrain, low-lying mountain birch forest, mountain heaths and mountain villages.
The capitals
Many of the largest Scandinavian cities are located in Norway and Sweden. Sweden’s capital Stockholm is a truly global city but still has the Scandinavian charm.
The Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum and the charming old town of the Old Town are among the highlights of a city built on islands so you are never far from the water.
At the same time in Norway, Oslo is a fast-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 Oslo Fjord.
Many people who visit Europe for a short period spend a day in Oslo and a day in Stockholm, but such a short itinerary gives visitors a great view of Scandinavia.
With Oslo’s nature and the large Stockholm archipelago, both capitals have fantastic nature on the doorstep that is perfect to explore by just spending an extra day or two in one of the cities.
The other cities
Norway’s coastal cities are full of history and character, from the old cities of Trondheim and Stavanger to the fascinating art nouveau story about Ålesund.
Due to its close ties to the Hanseatic League, the second largest city, Bergen, has a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center and a stave church in its suburbs.
While some of Sweden’s cities suffer from bad pressure in the global media, most city centers and tourist attractions are completely safe. The city of Gothenburg in particular and its vast archipelago is a real highlight.
The Arctic
Both Norway and Sweden have vast areas above the Arctic Circle. Norway’s Arctic area is larger and closer to the coast, while Sweden’s inner Arctic region can become significantly colder.
Both areas are popular for Northern Lights travel. In fact, many travel guides cross borders and look for the best places one night.
In Sweden, Abisko National Park has great natural conditions for the northern lights. For those who live in Arctic Norway, Tromsø and Alta are popular places.
This is partly because of the places, but also because both cities offer other things to do if the northern lights did not come out to play. This is especially true of Tromsø, which has some fantastic museums and restaurants and a panoramic view from the top of the cable car.
Read more: Then you see the northern lights in Tromsø
The cost of visiting
In general, 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 serious budgeting.
Accommodation and food will be the biggest costs for most travelers. Cottage stays in both countries can reduce costs because cottage rentals are not only competitive with hotels, self-catering will save a lot on food.
Visiting Norway and Sweden on a budget is possible by taking advantage of offers on long-distance trains and using outdoor activities such as hiking, among other things.