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. ", and Norway is "WHAT?? You decide. Both countries follow a similar approach to distributing alcohol, like most Nordic countries. The mountain peak offers stunning views of the city of Alesund along with the surrounding islands. Also I prefer the norwegian landscape, it feels more accessible with beautiful forests, coast lines and fjords rather than rugged tall mountains. If youre choosing whether to live in Norway or Sweden, youll need to consider the costs associated with both locations. You can also learn about Swedens history with the Vikings at destinations like Sigtuna Viking Town or check out some of the local museums for a deep dive into the heritage of the locals. animationSpeed:600, $(this).remove(); Many of Icelands famous hot springs are found here. You need to get your rupee notes converted into Kroner before you get into this nation. You can embrace the culture like one of the locals or get the full tourist experience with things like guided tours. While both countries are brimming with history and Viking heritage, Norway feels more like another planet with sights you won't find . While Europe is an all-around beauty, when it comes to the land of rising sun, you should be nit-picky. controlNav:false, last year we toured switzerland ( lauterbrunnen area etc) , also ramsau am dachstein, ramsau bei berchtesgaden, and alta badia italy ( dolomites) - we have previously been to the french alps eg: chamonix In fact, a number of gulls and petrals can be found in Antarctica. Norway is best known for its unforgettable fjords, and its also a wonderful place to check out natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights. The expression has been Norway to visit, Sweden to live, because of the . Of course, theres far more to Sweden than just its bustling cities. Btw, New Zealand is like a 'compressed' europe ( scenery wise) but without the crowds. Norway does have a few more limitations for locals, including restrictions on where you can build farms or use the land for architecture. }); The Nordic countries are known around the world for their unique history and culture. Zrich, Switzerland. Despite their similarities, there are a . You could start in Sweden and work your way through to Iceland and beyond. 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) 6. downscale_only: false, This is a very rough sketch of what we might consider doing in the two countries: Iceland : Take the ring road in anti-clockwise direction, exploring all the attractions in route till we are all the way up at Akureyri. $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { Sky-high peaks, glaciers and thundering falls elicit gasps of wonder wherever you go. Also, the Nobel Peace Center located in the citys former railway station, Oslo is culturally rich and the people are amiable. So, if you are more of an adventure person, wanting to explore nature in its best possible ways, Iceland is the best for you. 4 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland & Norway - Travel Video-----LIK. + $4.63 shipping. We are really confused between Iceland and Norway right now. Scranton, PA (18503) Today. Nearly half of the inhabitants of the country live in the far south, in the region around Oslo, the capital. easing:"linear", The currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone and stands at an equivalent of 8.24 Indian rupees. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { -Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Switzerland is a lot smaller. The Nordic countries are known around the world for their unique history and culture. It stands as an example of Jugendstil design. Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand. 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. Here you have the comparison of Switzerland vs Norway. Norway is usually considered to have a bit of a little brother complex when it comes to Sweden. It is a great place to relax and has some real healing powers. From there we drive back straight to Reykjavik. Does Norway use the Euro? Oslo is the capital city of Norway and is a hub for various tourist destinations. It feels like home and you can try your hand at dog-sledding or summer hiking. Despite their similarities, each of the five main Nordic countriesDenmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Swedenoffers something different to travelers. pauseOnHover:false, Try this image for instance. $('#metaslider_57782').flexslider({ Depends on what you're looking for; I would pick Norway any day over Switzerland. timer_metaslider_57782(); 53 Tourist Places In Jaipur To Visit In 2023 For An Experience Like Never Before! You will find a number of museums in this city which are even kid-friendly and will make your kids curious about this place too. 1:02. Daytime temperatures: 15.3 C. var layer = $(this); Norway : We'll strart in Oslo, take the scenic train to Flam. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Norways second biggest city has a fascinating history to uncover, before road, rail and passenger ferry links take you into the heart of the country. Is this assumption correct ? timer_metaslider_57769(); It is also one of the worlds northernmost inhabited areas. 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). Nomadic Nordic nation Iceland was excluded due to lacking a national Match.com site. If public transport, then Switzerland would be better as they have very well connected train/cable car links everywhere. Theres something here to suit almost every type of tourist and plenty of places to stay, so Norway is great for entire families to visit. So, does it have to have mountains to be beautiful? Start in the relatively modern capital city Helsinki where Scandinavian and Russian influences mix. 5. This relatively flat landscape has plenty of other benefits though, most notably turning Denmark into a top cycling destination. Bangkok. They constantly communicate with your brain, and decide how you perceive the world. downscale_only: false, Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. The country's total water area, summing up all inland waters: lakes, rivers, reservoirs, wetlands, etc. The Dolomites in Italy are the affordable version of Switzerland! Further Read: 10 Museums In Iceland That Must Feature On Your Euro Trip Itinerary. Norway. I think that Switzerland has better public transport links and is more tourist friendly. directionNav:true, Iceland is "Eh? The view from the south side of The Alps there is breathtaking. Don't know enough about Patagonia, New Zealand or Nepal but those are others that many bring to similar conversations. We will also call you back in 24 hrs. 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. Scandification 2023. Restaurant on the south coast for return trip to Reykjavik, Lodging in Reykjavik with two Teenagers -base for day trips. ", Switzerland is "No? $60.00. The city was rebuilt with stone and brick in the architectural style of the time. Kashmir is very affordable. }, 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) 6. For an interesting perspective on the beauty of Switzerland in comparison to British Columbia, I recently spoke with a Swiss couple in Bella Coola, B.C. I managed to upload it on google drive. So, is Sweden better than Norway for things to do? We have summarised below the main similarities and differences in business culture between Switzerland and the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. } 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. $('#metaslider_57769').metaslider_scale_layers({ In May in the European Alps in many locations one may find it beautiful from the village to see the snow at the higher altitudes and the lifts still operating. The downside of that access is that you don't really have much "wilderness" left (and the wildlife that goes with it) like you do in the American and Canadian West. The survey was a collaborative effort by Match.com and Hotels.com, and surveyed singles registered on Match.com in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. The 510-mile Baltic Sea Route is the pick of the bunch. But I am not sure how to upload it on tripadvisor. Winter is also a gorgeous time to visit when the Northern Lights in Iceland are more visible and Norway's ski slopes and nordic trails are open. Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500, Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499, Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199. itemMargin:0 prevText:"<", Its a very difficult task to choose a specific destination for your next travel list. Switzerland has a more extensive public transport system. Otherwise, the island of Kauai in Hawaii has 10,000 ft. mountains rising straight up out of the Pacific. The median income in Switzerland is about 6200 CHF (6200 USD) per month. 71st. I am planning to visit to go somewhere in May, 2019 with 2 kids and want to book airline and hotels. The only cost is your annual membership, making it an affordable and fulfilling way to travel. 95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape! (It should really go in Switzerland forum instead).. Hi the best thing is to do both if not in one trip then on two different times. Copenhagen red light district: Where is it, and is it safe? Rush hour in Copenhagen is a sight to behold, with the capitals cycle lanes busier than the roads. This we are assuming will be max we can do in about a week. And as May is an unusual month to travel with children unless they're not school-aged, it might also be helpful to know how young they are? Writing from Bolzano . Italian Dolomites Everything in Sweden is universally accessible thanks to a wonderful public transportation system. Much of this is located close to the cities. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57769, 1) : metaslider_57769(window.jQuery); Prev. Alternatively, why not take a trip to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where youll see more than 650 sculptures created by the amazing Gustav Vigeland. On the shores of Skjlfandi Bay is located the famous city, Hsavk. Antarctica is a land of superlatives: the coldest, driest, highest and most remote continent on Earth. slideshowSpeed:3000, Svalbard is also an amazing place to watch the Northern Lights, as its remote location can mean less light pollution and better visibility. The same applies in Norway, with Oslo often measuring up as more expensive than places like Bergen. Ireland is simply stunning and incredibly underrated as a naturally beautiful country that will leave you feeling a world away from reality. $(e.target).closest('a').length) { In an ideal world, youd be able to take your time adventuring through each part of Scandinavia at leisure. 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. Switzerland is the Federal Republic, whereas, Sweden is a Constitutional monarchy. var el = $(this); When it comes to choosing between Sweden or Norway, its worth checking out some of the wonderful things you can do in each region. The only thing Switzerland really has going for it is its location at the heart of Europe. For a trip into the heart of Scandinavia, both Sweden and Norway have a lot to offer. controlNav:false, It is believed to have cured diseases of many. For mountains and fjords, look to . But I will give a shout out to the Dolomites in Italy, especially Val Gardena. But Iceland is said to be quite similar to NZ (I've never been so that I can't comment on). You can even see whales if you visit the right location at the right time. It is a home to just over two thousand locals and various forms of countless adventures are prevalent in this place. Everything you need to know about travelling in Scandinavia. [1] [2] On 15 December 2021 the first film of the festival was announced. Aren't you located either in or near Toronto? Not Adventure Lovers? I also visited the Paris but it was "just OK" for me but I liked Switzerland due to best unforgettable scenic views. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Both have high mountains, lakes, trolleys and glaciers. }); Iceland is often called the Land of Ice and Fire and is mainly known for its rugged terrain, steep mountains, and wide landscapes. Re: Norway or Switzerland. Aside from stunning landscapes, Norway is also home to the worlds longest road tunnel in the world, and its packed full of extremely happy people. Tunkannock Area School District. Forget about the Canada areas mentioned for May. If these movies are not available in your region, use a reliable VPN tounblock content on Netflix. Country Subcontinent Continent World. Sweden's total area is 10 times larger than that of Switzerland. Norway is much more beautiful for me, more peaceful, less commercialized, and with much friendlier and smiling people. }, the BIG difference is price. The trailer of Rani Mukerji's Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway hit the internet just a few days back that moved the audiences. We are planning to start at around 18 June, spend around 8-10 days in Switzerland. Symphony Orchestra of Northern Iceland is very popular here. Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. If you want to visit the place during midnight Sun, a phenomenon where the sun never sets, you should visit in July or August. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91199940', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland. I can't say anyplace is more beautiful, but there are some that are equal. Which country depends on what time of year you want to go. Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark are. Ocean Scenery. The famous Blue Lagoon is situated here and has milky blue water and is surrounded by lava, making the place enchanting and mysterious. From a shared Viking past through to their Nordic model approach to society, the Nordic region of northern Europe attracts many curious travelers from all over the world. High speed rail connects Stockholm with the other big cities Gothenburg and Malm, enabling tourists to explore them with relative ease. Finland's capital city Helsinki is a must for, Iceland Expects One Million Tourists In 2022, Norway's glaciers hide magnificent blue ice caves. A trip to either place makes most sense to combine with a visit to Denmark itself given the direct flights from Copenhagen. Rent is much more expensive in Norway than Sweden, up to 32% higher in fact. Great Antarctic explorers like Roald Amundsen have described the seventh continent as . 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. 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. They love this lifestyle and prefer "roughing it" rather than having all the amenities that most of us take for granted in the modern world (that would NOT work for me!). getty. Free shipping for many products! Other beautiful mountains can be found in Alaska, Canada, and California ( the Sierras), but we were not thrilled with the mountains of New Zealand. $('#metaslider_57782').metaslider_scale_layers({ Make sure you do your research before you plan your transition. Rainfall: 40 to 45 mm. It is buses, not trains, to get around on, but scenery is amazing and the prices, compared to Switzerland, are a bargain. slideshow:false, If youre hiring a travel agent, better confirm all the details regarding the cost of accommodation so that you can manage your budget accordingly. Today, were going to be covering the differences and similarities between Norway and Sweden. Norway Vs Iceland: A Face-off Of Two European Heavens. Actually the most beautiful mountain scenery I Ave seen was in Patagonia, but that is a long way away, and one must hike many miles for the best scenery. You can climb up and ride and get a view of grazing reindeer, hundreds of idle seals can be seen, lazing under the midnight sun. While Sweden is brimming with magical forests and lakes, Norway is packed full of sensationally beautiful fjords and icy locations.. At the time of writing, $1 = 9.72 Swedish krona and costs overall are less than Norway. You can learn a lot about Norway and enjoy its scenery while watching movies. $('#metaslider_57769').flexslider({ total water area. Finland is actually not part of Scandinavia, but it shares the larger Nordic culture with countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. orig_width: 300 If you consider Norway vs Iceland in summer, Husey can be considered the best place to visit in summer because the view is excellent there. On the other hand, Iceland has a weaker currency unit, known as Icelandic Krna that values for around 0.57 Indian rupees. Sweden is a little warmer than Norway, especially if you visit at the right time of year, and its easier to see more of the country in one go. We also provide a more detailed climate comparison of both countries. Norway has the same kind of right, where you can walk around freely, as long as you protect nature, and dont leave any trash wherever you go. Currency: Norway vs Iceland. 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. The natural attractions of Icelandlava fields, hot springs, geysers and blue ice glacier cavesare seemingly endless, yet theres a new destination that everyones talking about in 2022. 1 280 km. The region is home to various world records, and its one of the best regions in the world for dramatic views. From world-class hiking trails to jaw-dropping fjords and the chance to catch a glimpse of the show-stopping Northern Lights, it can be hard choosing between the two. Suggested Read: 12 Beaches in Norway Where You Can Spend A Tranquil Evening. Contents1 Is Norway more beautiful than Sweden?2 Is Norway better than Sweden?3 Which [] And pet parents offer you free accommodation in return for looking after their home and furry friends. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Finland include hiking, skiing, camping, sailing, and ice hockey. Head over to Bergen as the gateway to the fjords and grab a guided tour to check out the scenery. A win-win without money. 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. }); $(window).resize(function(){ Norway is a great destination for hikers and those in search of a challenge. Bergen is a charming historic city best known for its fjords. Home to many protected species of plants, birds and animals, Norways 40 mainland national parks are the best place to start. var slider = !window.jQuery ? Re: Norway or Switzerland. Photographers have a great time in clicking pictures of birds here. Tromso gives an excellent trip of the Storsteinen Mountain in the Fjellheisen Cable Car which offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding fjords and steep mountains. I'm not sure there are countries "more beautiful" than Switzerland, but there are certainly some that are equally as beautiful in Europe (IMO). In Sweden, you can travel easily between must-see destinations like traditional villages and the beautiful Abisko National Park. Norway was beautiful. Of course, the exact price youll expect to pay for life in Norway or Sweden will depend heavily on a lot of different factors. Jasper/Banff/Assinboine/Glacier ; all near Calgary, Canada The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months in Norway compared to 2.3 months in Switzerland. Thanks. Norway is good for steep hikes up high-drama peaks, where you can get your winning Insta pose - the trek up to Pulpit Rock is the classic example of this.. Sweden, meanwhile, has some amazing long-distance hikes, such as the Kingsleden, that wend their way through national parks . Sweden's flag features blue and yellow, designed to personify generosity (yellow) and justice, loyalty, perseverance, and vigilance (blue). several times a year and stay in a remote location about an hours boat ride from the town. Find out more about memberships. Switzerland is a tiny Country where you can easly move from one place to the other within a single day, that is totally impossible in Norway, where just a few People live on a giant area. if( ! However, the two locations do share a lot of similarities. Scandinavian watches: What are the best Scandinavian watch brands? $(e.target).closest('a').length) { On the other hand, like Iceland, Norway is a hub for scenic beauty, hiking or a taste of a variety of culture. Real travel stories. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. You can also visit Grimsey Island in Akureyri, which is a home to one hundred people and a million seabirds. 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) 6. $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { Welcoming locals. It seems there is almost no mountain area that you have easy access to (including a restaurant and berghotel) - because of this access we fully expect to be able to hike in Swiss Alps well into our 70's - this is also a factor if you're taking kids along. }); Ireland. There is a high possibility that you will spot a polar bear. $(this).remove(); }); You certainly notice that in the capital city Stockholm where there's plenty of things to do to suit all tastes. Additionally, Sweden is a little more restrictive with alcohol. Saurabh's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong To Still Be Full Of Fun. This is why a lot of people who work in Norway will actually live outside of the country and commute every day. When you're house and pet sitting, you provide free house and pet care. }, The fjords are filled with snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling hills, and lush green flora. Both have high mountains, lakes, trolleys and glaciers. It is a geothermal spa, filled with seawater and has healing powers. $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { el.before(cloned); The 72nd annual Berlin International Film Festival, usually called the Berlinale ( German pronunciation: [blinal] ( listen) ), took place from 10 to 20 February 2022 in person. }); Trekking and outdoor activities are also popular here. Swiss the entire country is beautiful and being small, it is vey easy to travel without any issues. Nordic nations Iceland and Norway are both known for offering spectacular scenery and intoxicating adventures bordering the Arctic Circle. 2. Iceland is no less when it comes to places with breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring beauty. Travel and lifestyle in Europe with a focus on Norway & Scandinavia. VS. 60%. In addition, both countries have fantastic alpine regions, which attract countless tourists every year. The makers drop their first song - 'Shubho Shubho,' a glimpse of which . easing:"linear", 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 city which is present on the island of Tromsoya has a great collection of museum and the city has a historical importance. on all of our trips we have found switzerland 'punishingly' expensive compared to other areas. This museum hosts the best-preserved 17th century ship in the world. itemWidth:300, I love both countries and since I was not able to decide, I made. Stein am Rhein is a European town that is so idyllic that it looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. We have already had a Fjord experience in Milford Sound, New Zealand. I think Norway is better for watching fjords, adventure hiking in the mountains, and getting out of the world experience (see Atlantic Road, Pulpit Rock, Northern Lights at Tromso etc). In 2022, the Tour de France comes to Denmark, further highlighting the countrys benefits for cycling. just the reverse, there has been just enough to enjoy seeing it ( on the sides of roads etc) at higher altitudes. Most any mountain area you are taking a chance with a May trip. Talking about which, a valid passport for up to 3 months beyond the stay is sufficient for a trip to Norway. Is Norway a very different experience in comparison? $(this).css('display', 'block'); Its worth noting, however, that it can be a little colder in Norway, so make sure you wrap up warm. Cocktail parties. It is well known for its raw and rocky landscapes and is often compared to the moon. At their "wilderness home", there's no electricity, running water or plumbing, no communications etc. }); 73rd. Suggested Read: Make Your Reservations At The Upcoming Worlds Largest Underwater Restaurant In Norway, Jotunheimen is also known as Home of the Giants and is one of the famous national Park of Norway. The best time to visit Iceland depends on what youre looking for. In Norway, there are approximately 12.2 babies per 1,000 people as of 2020. Norway has plenty of delicious food and drinks to explore, just like Sweden, as well as happy people who will welcome you into the area. var timer_metaslider_57782 = function() { Though I enjoyed (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If car, then Norway could be better. As mentioned, Norway is a lot more expensive than Sweden in a lot of ways, but it also has higher salaries, and wonderful sights to see. 8.74M. Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Duarte 2015 1 Peso NGC MS66 Magnetic KM# 80 (028) Sponsored. }); You can get the exchanged notes and coins at several currency exchange centers within the country itself. In Norway, approximately 2.3 children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the age of one as of 2022. Re: Norway or Switzerland. after spending many weeks in these areas , over previous trips, we never cease to be impressed with alp areas, and they all offer similar experiences. A hike up the 400 steps can give a view of Fjellstua which is worth the time. Tero Laakso (CC) Hiking: Norway vs Sweden. If youre looking for a relaxed trip or more means to explore, it is suitable for both types. Norway ranked 14th vs 4th for Switzerland in the list of the most expensive countries in the world. Support local journalism. The currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone and stands at an equivalent of 8.24 Indian rupees.