These two countries consistently rank among the world’s best for livability, sophistication, and happiness. So which one should you visit?
World-famous cuisine, or wilderness? Coziness or hardiness? Seaside beaches by the mile, or off-the-grid lakes?
While we would gladly opt for all of the above, life is short. Tough choices must be made. And sometimes, you must decide whether to visit Denmark or Finland, two countries consistently ranked among the world’s best for livability, sophistication, and sheer happiness.
We’ve asked two partisans to make the case for why their pick edges out the other.
Denmark: hygge for all
A contributor to over 70 Lonely Planet articles, Luke Waterson has traveled widely in Scandinavia – and is drawn to Denmark most.
On paper, Denmark is the dinkiest and least topographically impressive of the five Nordic nations. However, it thinks mighty big.
Not only does it attract numerous foreign tourists, but it routinely ranks among the world’s top-20 most-visited countries. What renders it so attractive? After many trips there, I’d say one factor stands out above myriad others: ease.
This has to be the planet’s most straightforward country to navigate for first-timers. Almost everyone speaks some English – most to a high level – and everything you’ll want to do as a visitor is backed up by comprehensive websites or apps, making communication effortless. A stellar railway network connects the country tip to tail, and buses efficiently link the few other travel destinations.
Copenhagen is a global leader in pedal-powered travel: there are free bikes to rent and impeccably maintained cycle lanes.
All this makes stress levels stay low as you explore – which only heightens your enjoyment of a place. No one is saying Finland is a navigation nightmare, but the going in Denmark is a good deal smoother and speedier. Travel from Copenhagen to Skagen (so southeast to extreme north) takes less than eight hours by rail; to get from Helsinki to the Lapland adventure hub Inari, you’d need 15 hours by train and then bus.
Denmark’s small size comes with some limitations: it lacks Finland’s fells, no Arctic terrain, and fewer forests, which translates to fewer winter sports options. However, “mainland” Denmark sports a sandy coastline that most other countries in Scandinavia would covet, and tourists generally prefer great beaches over the presence of bears.
Denmark’s sandy beaches are indeed ubiquitous. You’ll find them everywhere from Copenhagen’s Amager Strandpark, just a 30-minute cycle from the city center, to the dreamlike Wadden Sea islands Rømø and Fanø. Moreover, the Skagen region offers over 60km (37 miles) of stunning beaches along its shores.
What do you need to do an average of three times daily during your stay? Enjoy excellent food! Denmark, renowned for New Nordic cuisine, would surpass most countries for fine dining and holds a commendable tally of Michelin stars.
As you might expect from an incessantly inventive country, Denmark’s landscape is dotted with innovation, including a high number of wind turbines per capita. Many urban areas have been transformed into vibrant communities filled with creative public spaces. Denmark has a rich history, showcasing ornate castles and attractive towns long before Finland emerged.
At the end of the day, ask yourself this: Would you rather have a big helping of hygge (a cozy, convivial state integral to the Danish psyche) or endure health practices of birch branch whips in Finland?
I rest my case.
Finland: Find Your Inner Finn in the World’s Happiest Country
Kerry Walker is a lifelong Finland enthusiast and has roamed the country from its remote landscapes to Lapland’s icy extremes.
Finland enchanted me when Lapland first embraced me with its snowy blanket over a decade ago. Many visits later, I still cannot resist its elemental beauty.
My initial encounter with Utsjoki is forever etched in my memory: an eerie silence blanketed by the high Arctic’s bone-chilling cold, steps illuminated by twinkling frost, and the whisper of Sámí reindeer under the starry polar sky. Enveloped in a simple wooden cabin, I was awakened by the surreal dance of northern lights overhead.
Finland captures the imagination right from the onset. This is a country infused with magic, home to flying reindeer and whimsical Moomins. It’s the land where you can let your inner child roam free. In many ways, Finland is the lovable odd one out among Nordic nations, with compelling tales and a unique culture.
The Finnish landscape reveals itself through quirky competitions like wife-carrying and boot-throwing, creating a playful atmosphere. Yes, Denmark excels in design and gourmet dining. However, the Finns quietly showcase their own treasures. Officially recognized as the world’s happiest country, Finland charms visitors effortlessly.
The secret lies in living harmoniously with nature. In this spacious land, you can hear the leaves rustling and the wind gently flowing. The cities, too, embrace the wilderness: Helsinki is a delightful mix of urban and natural vistas, with islands dotting its coastline.
Some of my happiest moments unfolded in Finland—like sleeping in a cozy hide to watch brown bears or navigating cottongrass-covered swamps for rare Arctic berries under the midnight sun.
The Finns might seem reserved, but beneath that surface lies a unique humor and a zest for life. The nation is built on sisu, embodying toughness and courage—a stark contrast to Denmark’s more relaxed charm.
To truly engage with Finnish culture is to embrace their joys: trekking for berries, enjoying sauna rituals, and submerging in icy waters—this, they say, is fun.
And you know what? It resonates with me, too.
