Dreaming of fjords and frolicking via forests?
Whenever you wish to go all over the place (*raises hand*), choosing your subsequent journey vacation spot may be difficult – particularly when it’s between Norway and Sweden. Each nations are ridiculously stunning (like, the take-your-breath-away form), full of wealthy tradition and residential to a few of the world’s happiest individuals – no small feat given how lengthy and darkish Scandinavian winters are.
In a great world, you’d leap on Intrepid’s Style of Scandinavia journey to discover Norway, Sweden and Denmark. But when annual depart or finances limits you to 1 nation, which is able to it’s? We’ve damaged down the highest concerns that can assist you make the decision.
Cities
Oslo is smaller and extra compact than Sweden’s capital, however it has a taking place waterfront, daring trendy structure, a thriving artwork scene and an eclectic vary of museums – together with Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park. Its location on the tip of the Oslo Fjord additionally implies that nature isn’t far, with rugged islands, mountain climbing trails, lakes and mountains all accessible by public transport. In reality, you’ll usually see locals carrying cross-country skis on the metro in winter! If you happen to’re an outdoorsy sort, Oslo may simply win you over.
However Oslo is simply the beginning. Bergen, AKA the gateway to the fjords, has one in all Europe’s oldest harbours, a famend foodie scene and beautiful mountain views. Then there’s the northwest coastal metropolis of Alesund, identified for its vibrant Artwork Nouveau structure, canals, fishing heritage and entry to Geirangerfjord.
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Stockholm radiates cool. It’s a hub for design, trend, music and meals, with eating places, galleries, bars and museums galore. The town can be constructed throughout 14 islands within the huge Stockholm Archipelago, making it an incredible metropolis to discover on foot or by bike. Stockholm can be identified for its combine of contemporary structure and well-preserved medieval streets – notably in Gamla Stan (Previous City), an open-air museum with cobbled laneways, pastel-painted buildings and one in all Europe’s largest palaces.
Past the capital, try Gothenburg – a laidback metropolis identified for its road artwork scene, craft beer breweries and a few of Sweden’s greatest seafood – and Malmö with its multicultural neighbourhoods, Renaissance castles and fascinating modern structure.
Landscapes
The time period ’pure playground’ will get thrown round quite a bit, however that’s precisely what Norway and Sweden are. In reality, entry to nature is a public proper in Scandinavia, that means you possibly can hike, bike, pitch a tent or forage in most wild areas. And it’s simply as effectively, as a result of each nations are recurrently ranked among the many most stunning on the planet.
Norway’s landscapes are as dramatic as they get. Assume imposing peaks, glacial valleys, and a shoreline marked with islands and fjords. One of many nation’s most iconic locations is Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO World Heritage fjord the place waterfalls spill over sheer cliffs and snow-topped peaks roll into the space. It’s up there with probably the most epic backdrops for mountain climbing and kayaking.
Norway’s rugged inside is simply as placing. Huge plateaus stretch between mountains and distant valleys bloom with wildflowers in the summertime. There are 47 nationwide parks and over 3000 protected areas throughout the nation, plus Arctic tundra within the north – together with the Svalbard archipelago – the place the treeless landscapes really feel virtually otherworldly.
Sweden can be full of pure magnificence. Within the south, you’ll discover light hills, forests and farmland, whereas the north is extra rugged with the Scandinavian Mountains (which kind a pure border with Norway) and a few of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Europe. Sweden additionally has over 3000 kilometres of shoreline, greater than 97,000 lakes and one of many world’s largest archipelagos. With over 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is a go-to for island-hopping adventures in the summertime.
Each nations have quite a bit to supply nature lovers. If you happen to’re into mountains, glaciers, and fjords, Norway is the place to be. If forests, lakes and islands are extra your jam, you could choose Sweden.
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Delicacies
As neighbouring nations with robust historic and cultural ties, Norway and Sweden have quite a bit in widespread on the dinner desk. Each cuisines are hearty and comforting, with a give attention to root greens, oily fish and meat. Additionally they share a practice of preserving meals via smoking, pickling and fermenting – a necessity earlier than trendy fridges.
With ample fjords and shoreline, Norwegian delicacies leans closely on the ocean. Should-try dishes embrace gravlax (cured salmon), sursild (pickled herring), tørrfisk (dried cod) and Norwegian fish gratin. For meat lovers, tuck into fårikål (the nationwide dish of mutton and cabbage), bitter cream porridge with cured meat or cinnamon, and brunonst (brown cheese) with waffles and jam. If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, you may additionally attempt smalahove (sheep’s head), a centuries-old delicacy from the village of Voss.
Swedish delicacies additionally options a number of fish, however there’s an even bigger emphasis on pork, beef and sport. In fact, probably the most well-known dish is meatballs (sure, like those from IKEA), usually served with creamy mash, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers.
Seafood lovers can dig into smoked salmon, surströmming (fermented herring identified for its… tangy aroma) and räksmörgås (Swedish shrimp sandwich). Crayfish is one other favorite, and when you’re round in the summertime, you could get to expertise a crayfish get together, a Swedish custom full with crayfish-themed desk decor and hats.
However among the best issues about Swedish delicacies is fika, roughly translating to ‘a espresso break’ – however it’s a lot greater than that! Fika generally is a pause from work, a option to meet up with a good friend, a networking exercise, a time to chill out… it’s an important a part of Swedish life. A standard fika unfold contains seven varieties of muffins, pastries or cookies (cinnamon buns, chocolate balls and princess cake are all agency favourites), washed down with freshly brewed espresso or tea.
When to go to
Norway and Sweden share an analogous local weather with lengthy, chilly and snowy winters and quick however superb summers. The very best time to go to relies on what you’re searching for.
Until you’re into winter sports activities, summertime (June to August) is right. The climate is heat, nature is in full bloom and there are lengthy sunlight hours to discover. Head north above the Arctic Circle between Might and July, and also you may catch the Midnight Solar – a surreal phenomenon the place the solar doesn’t totally set. If you happen to plan your journey in late June, you may additionally get to hitch Midsummer festivities, the place locals collect to eat seasonal meals, drink snaps and light-weight bonfires to have a good time the solstice.
If you wish to chase the Northern Lights, go to between September and March when the skies are tremendous darkish. Each nations provide sightings, however you might have a greater probability the additional north you go.
So, which nation must you select?
If you happen to’re eager for out of doors actions and epic views, Norway is difficult to beat. However when you’re searching for a mix of metropolis life, pure magnificence and foodie adventures, Sweden might be the way in which to go. Whichever nation you choose, you possibly can’t actually lose – each are full of historical past, tradition and surroundings that’ll stick with you lengthy after you come dwelling.
Eager for a Scandinavian journey? Try Intrepid’s journeys in Sweden and Norway.
