Historic Bergen is a fantastic choice as a base. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68706850', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car or doing trip by public transport? Many visitors come here for adventure trips and also get access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing, and skiing. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57769, 1) : metaslider_57769(window.jQuery); } init: function(slider) { Finland is actually not part of Scandinavia, but it shares the larger Nordic culture with countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. slideshowSpeed:3000, Tell me more! $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { This we are assuming will be max we can do in about a week. Though both Norway and Switzerland are very mountain-centric countries. Its a city for architecture and design lovers, with popular stops including the hidden church carved out of the bedrock and the Helsinki design museum. animation:'slide', 2. Sweden is more easily accessible by car, bus, train and air compared to Norway, and scores higher in infrastructure. Start by checking out the amazing capital city of Oslo, where youll find some forward-thinking architecture and even heated roads to tackle the snow. In the whaling capital at Sandefjord, you will find a busy port filled with different ships for both whaling and cruising.In other areas of the country, you may find beaches and deep fjords that are open to the public and people sporting beachwear despite the area's cold climate.. Alaska, on the other hand, has big business with fishing . Outside of Bergen, there are plenty of other spots to soak up some natural beauty, like the Lofoten islands, where you can board a ship and interact with the locals. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Daytime temperatures: 15.3 C. However, to look for the Northern Lights you must have to endure a lot of colds to be able to get a view of it. There's something for everyone in this beautiful country- the adventure junkies can hike up to the snow-capped peaks or go on a skiing vacation in winters. It also has a similar appearance to Switzerland and again German is spoken -, Chamonix & Mont Blanc area - this is very close to Switzerland in the south east part of France, and shares some of the same features -, Various parts of British Columbia, depending on what type of scenery you're looking for. $('#metaslider_57782').flexslider({ ", Switzerland is "No? Head over to Bergen as the gateway to the fjords and grab a guided tour to check out the scenery. The experience you get when you visit Sweden is a world apart from the one available in Norway. }); Season: Mixed (Late-winter and early-spring) Daylight: 8 to 13 hours in Oslo, 10 to 14 hours in Tromso. Bergen is a charming historic city best known for its fjords. }); ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91202434', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland a lot, I prefer Norway. itemWidth:300, Usually, you can move between Scandinavian regions quite easily when youre there, so you can split up your days however you choose. hope this helps. How much? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. score for Swiss. Buying groceries is up to 34% more expensive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68706850', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car or doing trip by public transport? Scandinavian countries are known for their amazing quality of life. Youll love every moment spent exploring Sweden. Are you ready to discover the most famous landmarks in Norway? 5. When it comes to choosing between Sweden or Norway, its worth checking out some of the wonderful things you can do in each region. You decide. It feels like home and you can try your hand at dog-sledding or summer hiking. $(this).css('display', 'block'); Despite their similarities, there are a . So, if you are more of an adventure person, wanting to explore nature in its best possible ways, Iceland is the best for you. Consumer Prices in Switzerland are 34.8% higher than in Norway (without rent) Consumer Prices Including Rent in Switzerland are 43.3% higher than in Norway: Rent Prices in Switzerland are 69.2% higher than in Norway: Restaurant Prices in Switzerland are 25.6% higher than in Norway: Groceries Prices in Switzerland are 44.0% higher than in Norway When youre deciding whether to visit Norway or Sweden, make sure you think about your outdoor options. . Switzerland. In Sweden, you can find low-percentage alcohol in the supermarkets of up to 3.5%, Norway sells alcohol in the supermarkets up to 4.75%, and everything else needs to come from a specialist retailer. For some drop-dead scenery, I'd try the American Southwest in May: do a park trip of Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches & Canyonlands. The hiking, views, hospitality, and food are all wonderful, and less expensive than Switzerland. var el = $(this); The water is rich in silica and minerals and has worked well on all sorts of eczema and other skin related diseases. It is buses, not trains, to get around on, but scenery is amazing and the prices, compared to Switzerland, are a bargain. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, like Geirangerfjord, and check out some amazing waterfalls, or you can check out locations like Priekstolen and Pulpit rock. Norway is 10 times wider and less people, Switzerland sits in the middle of Europe surrounded by big countries, Norway is on the northern edge surrounded by ocean (and Sweden). Nighttime temperatures: 6.5 C. I and my parents are visiting Europe this June-July. Apart from penguins, however, the most iconic antarctic bird is the albatross. In Sweden, everyone gets the Right of Public Access, which means you can camp and walk anywhere you like, as long as you treat nature with the right respect. the BIG difference is price. Similar touristy feel with tons of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and accomodations. Btw, New Zealand is like a 'compressed' europe ( scenery wise) but without the crowds. Switzerland is a very expensive country, but as I said to a Swiss friend, "They are not making any more Switzerlands, so I guess we just have to pay up." To advertise your brand to a global audience, contact our advertising team below. And is traveling by public transit a necessity (previous mention of loving the trains)? var layer = $(this); It is a great nesting spot for the 30 species of birds who squat there every spring. Rankings of Swiss quality of life and value of citizenship were also strong, both placing at seventh in the world. Today, were going to be covering the differences and similarities between Norway and Sweden. pauseOnHover:false, Tunkannock Area School District. Personally - and it's a close run thing - I'd say that if I had the choice, and I'd spent some time in Switzerland beforehand, I'd go for Iceland. First, let's start with the colors. I can't say anyplace is more beautiful, but there are some that are equal. If you can spend a day in Basel (or more), Easyjet has (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A fun-filled destination for ages indeed! Sweden is a happy and comfortable place, ideal for people who want to get outdoors, but not expose themselves to too many challenges at once. Ocean Scenery. Since I have no knowledge of Norway, Switzerland or New Zealand I'll stick with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? orig_width: 300 The fjords, mountains, and Sami culture were fascinating and blew my mind. Norway is a little smaller than Sweden, at 148,729 square miles, Although the country is also far less populated, with only a little over 5 million residents. Danish shoe brands: Fall head over heels for these Danish shoes, The best Scandinavian Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, What is Stockholm known for? Both have high mountains, lakes, trolleys and glaciers. After that we have about 8 more days left in our trip. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. There's an extensive range from mountain scenery to semi-desert in the beautiful Okanagan and coastal. Is this assumption correct ? Scandification is a participant in Amazon Service LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites. The currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone and stands at an equivalent of 8.24 Indian rupees. In both countries, it feels extremely liberating to have the freedom to go wherever you choose. Actually I love any scenic places. Italian Dolomites Many, if not most, of the mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere could be at least partially inaccessible due to snow in May. Svalbard is also an amazing place to watch the Northern Lights, as its remote location can mean less light pollution and better visibility. There are more than 90,000 lakes in Sweden, but the region is about more than just flowing water. The mountain peak offers stunning views of the city of Alesund along with the surrounding islands. 1. Photographers have a great time in clicking pictures of birds here. The Dolomites of Italy are spectacular and at times other-worldly, especially at sunset. Otherwise, the island of Kauai in Hawaii has 10,000 ft. mountains rising straight up out of the Pacific. Its also worth thinking about other expenses you may need to consider, such as the price of transportation if youre going to be using public transport or owning your own car. If youre looking for an outdoor adventure, both Sweden and Norway have a lot to offer, though each will give you a vastly different view. Because penguins are so cute and popular, many people think these flightless birds are the only feathered creatures that live near the south pole. The arctic aquarium Polaria and the Polar Museum are the popular assets of the city. Sweden's flag features blue and yellow, designed to personify generosity (yellow) and justice, loyalty, perseverance, and vigilance (blue). However, if you do feel like a change of pace, you can always hop on the Oresund bridge in Malmo and make your way over to Denmark for a quick daytrip too. }, The plan for Iceland is realistic for summer travel. High speed rail connects Stockholm with the other big cities Gothenburg and Malm, enabling tourists to explore them with relative ease. Google up some pictures. VS. 60%. Alternatively, why not take a trip to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where youll see more than 650 sculptures created by the amazing Gustav Vigeland. Ireland. There are some significant discrepancies between cities and states and also between jobs. Re: Norway or Switzerland. Norway is best known for its unforgettable fjords, and its also a wonderful place to check out natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91199697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Renting a car, and exploring at our own pace, is what we prefer usually, but because Switzerland has such fantastic public transport we'll use that mostly. $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { While both countries are brimming with history and Viking heritage, Norway feels more like another planet with sights you wont find anywhere else. When you move to Sweden, the most expensive places to live will often be the regions tourists visit most often, like Stockholm. The nightlife and shopping etc is better in Sweden. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The median income in Switzerland is significantly higher than in most countries. var cloned = el.clone(); 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Finland or Norway can really add to your travel budget. Cocktail parties. In addition, both countries have fantastic alpine regions, which attract countless tourists every year. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { Cities: Norway +1 This is an unfair comparison because cities are a function of the population, and Norway has more than 16 times the amount of people than Iceland. The Norwegian fjords have previously been named as the worlds best tourist destination, but they are just one of the natural attractions Norway has to offer active travelers. Because we are spending a long time in Switzerland already, we want the next country to have very different scenery. Overall marks: 1. Sabyacsachi's Romantic Trip Proves Europe To Be The Mother Of All Vacations, Srishti Talks Of Her Amazing Trip To Singapore With Her Mother & Niece. Water sports. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. 4: Penguins are the only antarctic birds. Many of Icelands famous hot springs are found here. }); There is a high possibility that you will spot a polar bear. be 55.0% more likely to die during infancy. If you consider Norway vs Iceland northern lights, Svalbard in Norway has one of the most fascinating lights that appear very appealing in winter. Now the final question is, which is it for you? var cloned = el.clone(); $('li:not(".flex-active-slide") .animated', slider).not('.disabled').each(function(index) { Both regions are low on crime, and both can be quite welcoming to new community members, so you shouldnt worry too much about not fitting in. When youre deciding whether to live in Norway or Sweden, its worth noting both countries give you an excellent opportunity to absorb the best experiences in nature. If youre choosing whether to live in Norway or Sweden, youll need to consider the costs associated with both locations. Prev. Interestingly, the average income is considerably higher at around 8000 CHF. Every place has its own standards and beauty that depends on the preferences of people where they would like to visit. For outdoor fans, there are tons of opportunities to go hiking along the fjords, with trails for people at every experience level. Restaurant on the south coast for return trip to Reykjavik, Lodging in Reykjavik with two Teenagers -base for day trips. orig_width: 300 we were in the dolimites in may and it was so quiet ( no tourists) , as it is between seasons. Re: Norway or Switzerland. 2. The Nordic countries can be difficult to get used to at first, but once you settle in, youre sure to fall in love with the experience. var timer_metaslider_57769 = function() { So as much as we love the Swiss Alps (and hope to be back many times), we still are drawn to the American and Canadian West while we're still able to complete longer, more strenuous hikes (and enjoy the search for moose, bear, elk, eagles, etc.). 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy, The Dolomites (Italy) and Alpi di Siusi - as others have suggested there are some incredibly scenic places there -, Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut (Austria) - the village of Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Europe. Re: Norway or Switzerland. Free shipping for many products! With a population of more than 10 million, Sweden has the biggest population in the region. I've been to almost all of the places mentioned, and while many areas have spectacular mountains, what makes Switzerland unique (in the world, in my experience) is the easy access to amazing views via the myriad cable cars/trains, etc (which in part is what you're paying those exhorbitant prices for). Accommodation is often cheaper in Norway compared to Finland ($51 vs. $63). A fire in 1904 destroyed most of the city and after the renovation and reconstruction, it has become a wonderful picturesque in the present day. New Zealand in February is fabulous whereas Norway then is very cold. $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { For volcanic and otherworldly landscapes, Iceland is your best bet. Symphony Orchestra of Northern Iceland is very popular here. For a trip into the heart of Scandinavia, both Sweden and Norway have a lot to offer. Ireland is simply stunning and incredibly underrated as a naturally beautiful country that will leave you feeling a world away from reality. If youre looking to live in a new Scandinavian region, then it might be tougher to make your decision. Suggested Read: 8 Magnificent Waterfalls In Iceland Every Nature Lover Out There Must Visit. These places in Norway should definitely be on your checklist: It is located on the western coast of Norway. Norway Travel The Land of Midnight Sun Is Calling, Make Your Reservations At The Upcoming Worlds Largest Underwater Restaurant In Norway, 12 Beaches in Norway Where You Can Spend A Tranquil Evening, 8 Magnificent Waterfalls In Iceland Every Nature Lover Out There Must Visit, The 7 Best Water Parks In Iceland For A Great Weekend Out, 10 Museums In Iceland That Must Feature On Your Euro Trip Itinerary. Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Duarte 2015 1 Peso NGC MS66 Magnetic KM# 80 (028) Sponsored. Norway and Sweden have a lot of similarities, but Norway can be a lot more expensive when it comes to food and restaurant prices. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { Thanks. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. Depends on what you're looking for; I would pick Norway any day over Switzerland. You could start in Sweden and work your way through to Iceland and beyond. score for Swiss. Support local journalism. Explore similarities and differences. According to My Life Elsewhere cost of living index, restaurants are 75% more expensive in Norway than Sweden, groceries are 50% more expensive and transportation is 65% more expensive. early May could be different however, depends on the season/year. Answer (1 of 15): Having visited both, they are both stunning places and a must to visit, as a preference and a photographer, it is very subjective, but I preferred Norway, for its fjords, glaciers, safety, kind people, beautiful wildlife, vastness and most definitely, the Northern Lights! }); It's just an amazing country full of waterfalls, hills, rocky coastlines, glaciers Is Jasper / Banff area of Canada is good and worth to visit because I didn't heard about this area. It stands as an example of Jugendstil design. It can be called a perfect place for adventurous people. Also I prefer the norwegian landscape, it feels more accessible with beautiful forests, coast lines and fjords rather than rugged tall mountains. The data for each country can be found here: Switzerland and Norway. Norway and Switzerland have some similarities, because of the mountains, but it's the fjords that make Norway so stunning (which Switzerland obviously doesn't have). Start in the relatively modern capital city Helsinki where Scandinavian and Russian influences mix. Finland's capital city Helsinki is a must for, Iceland Expects One Million Tourists In 2022, Norway's glaciers hide magnificent blue ice caves. By the way, they're also the three most expensive countries in Europe. Two beautiful cats needing a friendly human to keep them company! Having done some number crunching, Iceland is generally more affordable than Norway by around 15%. downscale_only: false, Sweden 2. The only thing Switzerland really has going for it is its location at the heart of Europe. Sweden and Norway are vastly different in terms of scenery and experience. Norway is much more beautiful for me, more peaceful, less commercialized, and with much friendlier and smiling people. The 510-mile Baltic Sea Route is the pick of the bunch. Try this image for instance. You should expect to pay around $21 USD for a basic meal at a restaurant with a drink in Norway, whereas in Iceland you'll be paying $16.50.