Countries bordering Sweden, Finland and Norway are among the most beautiful countries in Northern Europe. They are appreciated for their natural sites of exceptional beauty. So how to choose between these two lands of adventure and discovery, difficult to decide, without taking into account other criteria of choice? This is the subject of this destination match!
Finland or Norway: which one to choose?
To designate the winning destination between Finland and Norway, it is advisable to take into account the criteria that can influence the success of your stay: climate, cost of living, available activities, tourist attractions, etc... This coincidence of destinations makes it possible to compare the strengths of Finland and Norway.
Finland, a Nordic state bathed by the Baltic Sea, is a land of adventure that will delight young and old alike. It is appreciated for the beauty of its landscapes, including Lapland, forest areas, thousands of lakes and numerous islands. This destination is also ideal for aurora borealis observation during winter nights.
Port of Oslo, Norway
Norway, a country located in the west of the Scandinavian peninsula, is a land with a rich historical past and a strong Viking culture. It is also famous for its sumptuous fjords, with breathtaking scenery. A favorite land for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking and skiing, Norway is also known for its modern cities characterized by their avant-garde architectures.
Which city to choose based on climate and weather?
The most climate-friendly destination is the one that allows you to benefit from weather conditions conducive to outdoor activities.
Most pleasant climate: Finland and Norway
These two Nordic countries exhibit the characteristics of a subarctic climate, resulting in long, harsh winters and mild summers with beautiful, long, bright days. But if Norway enjoys a relatively mild winter climate, due to the oceanic influence that softens temperatures, especially in the west and south of the country, Finland enjoys more pleasant weather conditions in summer. The atmosphere is pleasantly warm on sunny days. In terms of climate, Finland and Norway are tied.
Which city to choose according to the price of airline tickets?
The cheapest airline ticket prices during the high and low tourist season are used as a point of comparison to find the preferred destination.
Cheapest average round-trip airfare: Finland
Airfare to Finland saves on average about sixty euros compared to Norway, all other things being equal. That is to say in the same period and from the same starting point, such as the city of Paris for example. Some travel agencies may offer a discount on the price of a flight, but Finland often beats Norway.
Helsinki Cathedral
The destination to choose according to your budget
Taking into account the costs of living during the stay, it is possible to determine which city is the most accessible with a reasonable travel budget.
Cheapest city: Finland
For a two- or three-day getaway, the difference is hardly noticeable, but it becomes more important for a stay of one or two weeks. The cost of living in these two countries is a bit high in general, but depending on the cost of accommodation, food, transportation and activities: a stay in Finland is more advantageous than a stay in Norway. It is mainly the cost of accommodation and the price of transportation that disadvantages Norway. So, if you have a limited budget, consider favoring Finland.
Quality of life: health, safety, pollution
Which country should be favored in terms of welfare: Finland or Norway? To get the answer, all you have to do is analyze the health and safety issues.
Advantages of living in Finland
The Nordic countries are known for their better quality of life. Thus, these two destinations are characterized by impeccable sanitary conditions. They promote access to care in modern, well-equipped and competently staffed healthcare infrastructures. However, note that Finns, who enjoy a high level of safety, are happier and more welcoming. Is it because of the quality of the air they breathe? Of course the air in Finland is the least polluted of all the Nordic countries.
Which destination to choose for a weekend or a week: Finland or Norway?
Which destination to choose according to the time you have available: Finland or Norway? To answer, you just need to find out what activities to do during that time.
For a romantic weekend, we chose Norway.
Places like Oslo, Bergen (the starting point for cruises to the spectacular Sognefjord) and the Lofoten Islands in Norway are full of magnificent places, conducive to romance. As for Oslo, the capital of Norway, just a few hours by plane from France, the city combines relaxation in the heart of nature and an urban getaway.
For a week with the family, both Norway and Finland.
Allowing you to diversify your pleasures during a stay of a week or more, Finland is a family destination par excellence. Children will be able to discover the nature and culture of Sames and have fun in the theme parks... If you like excitement, you can admire the magnificent dancing lights of the Northern Lights in winter. And in summer you'll enjoy endless days of partying.
The same goes for Norway, where you can alternate immersion in the heart of nature, urban escapades and other cultural entertainments.
Lapland, Finland
Which country to choose, depending on the places of interest to visit?
Which country is more attractive in terms of cultural discovery, Finland or Norway? In answer to this question, discover the activities you can do during your stay.
The country with the most UNESCO-listed sites: Norway
The UNESCO World Heritage List counts eight Norwegian natural and built sites. These are the most important natural and cultural sites in the world. Indeed, your trip to Norway will give you the opportunity to discover Bryggen in Bergen, the wooden church of Urnes, the mining town of Røros, the petroglyphs and cave paintings of Alta. And it is also in Norway that you will discover the Vega archipelago, the geodesic arch of Struve, the fjords of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord in western Norway and also the industrial cities of Rjukan and Notodden.
A trip to Finland allows you to admire the fortress of Suomenlinna, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, there are six other cultural and natural sites. These are the old town of Rauma, the old church of Petäjävesi, the Verla wood processing plant, the Samallahdenmäki burial site, the Kvarken archipelago and the Struve geodesic arch (joint site with Norway).
The most cultural destination: Finland and Norway
The two Nordic countries have some similarities and share a common history and culture. You will discover in Finland an impressive number of museums and historical monuments as well as architectural heritage. You will also appreciate Norway for its rich historical past, in particular the Viking culture and its beautiful wooden houses.
The most festive destination: Norway
In winter as in summer, festivals follow one after the other and they are not the same in Norway. Among the festivals not to be missed are:
- the Aurora Borealis Festival in January in Tromsø;
- the Solfestuka (Sun Festival) between late February and early March;
- the Sami Easter Festival in Kautokeino;
- the Bergen International Festival;
- St. John's Day (Sankt Hans or Jonsok);
- the Viking festival in Bøstad;
- Christmas and New Year's Day.
Queen's Mosque, Lofoten, Norway
Which city to choose according to travelers' reviews: Finland or Norway?
If you still have trouble deciding, you can also rely on the opinions of travelers who have had a successful stay in Norway or Finland.
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Travelers prefer: Finland and Norway
Based on travelers' opinions, it's clear that they have a hard time agreeing. And for good reason, these two countries have many natural and cultural assets that attract thousands of tourists every year. Museums, gastronomy, fjords, architecture, nature and landscape are some of the reasons for this craze. Norway and its breathtaking scenery, including majestic fjords and the great outdoors, attract adventurers and thrill-seekers in both winter and summer. As for Finland, it attracts culture lovers, in particular through the visit of the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Children and sports lovers will find their happiness there, the country of Santa Claus is also a ski destination not to be missed.
So, what is your choice: Finland or Norway?
Finland or Norway? The question you should ask yourself is rather where to go first: Finland or Norway? If the lover of history and monuments starts with Norway, the traveler, lover of open spaces, forests, lakes and archipelagos, will choose Finland. And you, what is your choice, tell us in the comments!
