Your annual depart is valuable. Spend it correctly…
They may border one another, however selecting between Sweden and Finland in your subsequent vacation may be troublesome. One which’s finest determined after performing some analysis (studying this weblog).
Sweden has its magnificence (large understatement), its Viking historical past and a espresso tradition that might rival Melbourne’s. In distinction, Finland has cities steeped in Nordic tradition, Scandinavian fashion and a snow and sauna tradition we are able to undoubtedly get round. However how do you separate them?
So that you don’t should play a sport of eenie meenie miny mo, I’m evaluating each nations on the subject of their cities, landscapes and cuisines within the hopes that the correct reply simply presents itself. Fingers crossed.
Prime journeys
Cities
You may get misplaced in loads of cities in Sweden, and each guarantees extra magnificence than the final. Stockholm has architectural cathedrals, stylish cafes and energetic nightclubs – all set on winding cobblestoned streets surrounded by water. There’s Gothenburg with its crisscrossing canals, vibrant arts scene and bustling waterfront. And we are able to’t neglect Malmo with its multicultural markets, outdated however spectacular castles and pulsating promenades good for afternoon strolling.
The purpose is, you’ll all the time discover a cute hang around spot or fascinating museum to wander round, no matter which Swedish metropolis you end up in. So on this class, this revolutionary nation will probably be laborious to beat.
EXPLORE SWEDEN ON OUR COMPLETE SCANDINAVIA TOUR
…however watch me attempt. Finland undoubtedly doesn’t skimp out on the gorgeous cities both. And its cool and common capital metropolis, Helsinki, is not any exception. Regardless of being round 450 years outdated, this culturally acutely aware metropolis has a contemporary really feel and attracts hundreds of thousands of travellers yearly due to its historic websites and luxurious museums.
Wander the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, stroll round Senate Sq., peruse the stalls of the of the harbour-side market or just sit down at a café and tuck right into a plate of herring (however extra on that later).
Nevertheless, Helsinki is simply the tip of the iceberg. Savonlinna can also be price a go to with its open-air theatres internet hosting ballet and opera performances, underground cave techniques and the beautiful Olavinlinna Citadel, a 550-year-old fortress that tells the story of Finland’s dramatic historical past. If that doesn’t tickle your travel-loving fancy, there’s all the time the medieval settlement of Porvoo, the museum-filled Tampere and Rovaniemi (the house of Santa Claus) to discover.
VISIT HELSINKI ON OUR BALTIC EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE
Landscapes
If you consider the landscapes in Sweden (or any Nordic nation), I do know all you actually care about is the place to go to higher catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. And whereas I don’t blame you, Sweden’s landscapes deserve some appreciation in their very own proper as a result of they’re really spectacular.
You could possibly go wherever on this nation and find yourself with a digital camera roll stuffed with insta worthy pictures. From the Stockholm archipelago with its 30,000 islands and islets and the Koster Islands with their breathtaking views to the picture-perfect area of Osterlen with its sandy seashores and clear waters, not one single a part of this nation is ugly. And that’s a promise.
VISIT THE LANDSCAPES IN SWEDEN ON OUR SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CIRCUIT
Whether or not you’re eager to climb snow-capped climb mountain ranges in Pyha-Luosto Nationwide Park, discover Finland’s personal archipelago, together with Uto Island with its rocky shoreline and Baltic Sea views or chase waterfalls (each frozen and free-flowing) in Oulanka Nationwide Park, there’s no denying that Finland is made up of some severely mesmerising pure magnificence.
To be trustworthy, I discover it laborious to cease speaking about. There’s Riisitunturi Nationwide Park with its haunting snow-covered bushes (look them up the second you’ve completed studying this weblog), Kilpsjarvi – the purpose the place Finland, Sweden and Norway meet – and Koli Nationwide Park, maybe essentially the most well-known panorama in all of Finland for its eponymous peak.
MARVEL AT SNOW-COVERED LANDSCAPES ON OUR FINNISH LAPLAND IN WINTER TOUR
Delicacies
When you’ve by no means discovered your self in the course of an IKEA meals court docket, you then may not be accustomed to Swedish delicacies (trace: they’re huge on meatballs), but it surely’s just about inconceivable to go away Sweden with out loving its meals. And why wouldn’t you?
Centred round native produce, Swedish dishes are charaterised by their freshness and flavour with many recipes together with fish and meat from the nation’s mountainous areas. Whereas Swedish delicacies has been influenced over the centuries by neighbouring European nations, it nonetheless has a robust distinction and is loved by each locals and guests alike.
When you’re feeling adventurous, calm down with a plate of surstromming (fermented herring), unfold some reindeer pate on a chunk of crusty bread, slurp up a hearty bowl of Swedish fish soup or dine on some beef and pork meatballs served with mashed potato. Higher but, have a little bit of every little thing. The phrase ‘smorgasbord’ does come from Sweden in any case.
SAMPLE THIS COUNTRY’S DELECTABLE CUISINE ON OUR TASTE OF SCANDINAVIA ADVENTURE
It may be laborious to inform the distinction between a Swedish meatball and a Finnish meatball at first chew however there are some dishes in Finland that you simply simply can’t get wherever else. This contains conventional Finnish flatbread served with cured salmon and dill, kalakukko (a rye bread full of fish and bacon after which baked), and maksalaatiko; a liver casserole made with rice, onions, eggs, bacon and raisins.
It’s true that Finnish delicacies can usually be bread and meat-heavy, however the nation’s hottest dishes additionally embody contemporary berries and greens due to Finland’s huge farmland areas. You’ll additionally discover loads of fish dishes on the menu as Finland borders each the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Some must-try fish recipes embody salmon soup and fried herring.
TASTE THE FLAVOURS OF FINLAND ON OUR OSLO TO VILNIUS CIRCUIT
The decision
Once I got down to write this weblog, I knew it might be laborious to select a winner. Sweden and Finland are related in so some ways, but every nation has one thing completely different to supply each traveller who explores its cities, marvels at its landscapes and dines on its meals.
I do know I promised your resolution could be simpler after studying this, however I merely can’t select which nation it’s best to journey to subsequent. In case you possibly can’t select both, why not go to them each? We provide a spread of small group excursions that go by means of each Sweden and Finland, so drawback solved.
VISIT SWEDEN AND FINLAND ON OUR SCANDINAVIA EXPLORER SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE
