Sweden vs Norway: A Guide to Nordic Adventures

With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes, and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. If you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?

To help you make up your mind, we explore two of the region’s best-known countries, Sweden and Norway. Good luck as you consider your options up north.

Select Sensational Sweden

Paula Hotti’s first trip abroad was a family holiday to Stockholm in her early teens. Later, she road-tripped around the country and lived for a year in Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg – only to fall in love with the charms of Sweden’s west coast.

Although Norway boasts its Arctic archipelagos, meandering mountain roads, and cascading waterfalls, in Sweden, you can let your soul drift in seaside paradises, on epic hikes, or under the magic of the aurora borealis.

If you venture to Sweden for the first time, start in the capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands, the city’s oldest quarter is Gamla Stan (Old Town), with its centerpiece being the Royal Palace. While the area dates back to the 13th century and the majority of its buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, Gamla Stan is a vibrant neighborhood whose cobbled streets brim with cafes and boutiques that beg to be explored.

From Stockholm, it’s easy to jump onto a ferry and head to the archipelago that radiates from the capital. In just 20 minutes, you’ll glide from trendy city streets to a calmer place, where the pace of life is set by the ripples of the Baltic Sea.

Although I adore Stockholm, my heart belongs to Bohuslän on the west coast. Bohuslän lies between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border, featuring thousands of islands and cute coastal towns like Smögen and Fjällbacka. This area is a summer haven – think hiking, biking, and consuming all the fresh seafood you can manage. In winter, a light dusting of snow blankets the coastal cliffs, transforming the summer idyll into a serene winter wonderland with lighthouses and red huts dotting the white seascape.

For the adventurous, Swedish Lappland is unbeatable. Among an abundance of hiking treks, the Kungsleden, or King’s Path, reigns supreme. Running for about 450km (280 miles) from Hemavan to Abisko, the trail is easily divided into shorter stints, and Abisko is reputedly the world’s finest spot to see the aurora borealis – a true spectacle of nature.

When it comes to cities, there’s no real competition between Sweden and Norway. Stockholm exudes unbeatable Scandi-cool vibes, thriving with modern culture and innovation.

Designed by the Dutch in 1621, Gothenburg is a charming city filled with character. Known for its sustainability, the city features beautiful parks and quaint neighborhoods tucked between canals. Perhaps the most appealing is the formerly working-class suburb Haga, an epicenter of fabulous boutiques, restaurants, and cafes housed in pastel-colored wooden houses.

To sum it up, a sojourn in Sweden soothes your spirits. Life just tastes sweeter here.

Norway: Nature in Overdrive

A lover of cold, mountainous places, author Kerry Walker has made it her mission to explore the stunning landscapes of Norway over the past decade.

Norway’s beauty is simply awe-inspiring. With its snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear fjords, this country offers breathtaking natural wonders that seem to leap from the pages of a fairy tale.

On my first visit, I was immediately captivated by its surreal landscapes. The Northern Lights danced overhead, adding a touch of magic to the already breathtaking scenery. The thrill of mushing huskies across frozen landscapes is a memory I cherish.

While Sweden may be pretty, Norway’s wilderness is unparalleled, featuring glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and mountain vistas that create a landscape seemingly transported from a child’s dream. Explore the ethereal beauty that inspired numerous legends and stories.

In a country that prizes outdoor living, you’ll find that culture seamlessly blends with nature. In Oslo, you can experience extraordinary art inspired by the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Norway’s captivating sites, from historic stave churches to prehistoric rock art, showcase its deep cultural roots.

Moreover, the culinary scene in Norway is thriving. Offering a fresh take on traditional dishes, chefs are using local ingredients from fjords, forests, fields, and mountains to create unforgettable dining experiences. Norway features some of Europe’s top culinary destinations, including unique dining experiences submerged in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Ultimately, it’s the outdoors that keeps drawing me back. In Norway, you can hike stunning trails in national parks renowned for their dramatic landscapes. Kayaking among turquoise fjords, witnessing spectacular waterfalls, and exploring majestic mountain ranges are experiences that resonate with nature’s grandeur. Each visit uncovers more breathtaking sights that fulfill the spirit of adventure.

Wherever you go in Norway, be prepared to embark on an unforgettable journey that offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration.