Your annual go away is valuable. Spend it properly…
They could border one another, however selecting between Sweden and Finland in your subsequent vacation might be tough. One which’s greatest determined after doing a little analysis (studying this weblog).
Sweden has its magnificence (huge understatement), its Viking historical past and a espresso tradition that might rival Melbourne’s. In distinction, Finland has cities steeped in Nordic tradition, Scandinavian model and a snow and sauna tradition we are able to positively get round. However how do you separate them?
So that you don’t must play a sport of eenie meenie miny mo, I’m evaluating each international locations on the subject of their cities, landscapes and cuisines within the hopes that the suitable reply simply presents itself. Fingers crossed.
High journeys
Cities
You will get misplaced in loads of cities in Sweden, and each guarantees extra magnificence than the final. Stockholm has architectural cathedrals, stylish cafes and vigorous 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 overlook Malmo with its multicultural markets, previous however spectacular castles and pulsating promenades good for afternoon strolling.
The purpose is, you’ll at all times 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 modern nation will likely be onerous to beat.
EXPLORE SWEDEN ON OUR COMPLETE SCANDINAVIA TOUR
…however watch me attempt. Finland positively doesn’t skimp out on the gorgeous cities both. And its cool and widespread capital metropolis, Helsinki, is not any exception. Regardless of being round 450 years previous, this culturally aware metropolis has a contemporary really feel and attracts tens of millions 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).
Nonetheless, Helsinki is simply the tip of the iceberg. Savonlinna can be value a go to with its open-air theatres internet hosting ballet and opera performances, underground cave programs and the beautiful Olavinlinna Fortress, 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 at all times 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
Whenever 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 actually spectacular.
You would go wherever on this nation and find yourself with a digicam roll filled 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 significantly mesmerising pure magnificence.
To be trustworthy, I discover it onerous to cease speaking about. There’s Riisitunturi Nationwide Park with its haunting snow-covered timber (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 probably 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
If you happen to’ve by no means discovered your self in the course of an IKEA meals court docket, then you definitely may not be aware of Swedish delicacies (trace: they’re huge on meatballs), however it’s just about inconceivable to depart 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 international locations, it nonetheless has a robust distinction and is loved by each locals and guests alike.
If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, quiet 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 thing. The phrase ‘smorgasbord’ does come from Sweden in spite of everything.
SAMPLE THIS COUNTRY’S DELECTABLE CUISINE ON OUR TASTE OF SCANDINAVIA ADVENTURE
It could be onerous 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 consists of 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 typically be bread and meat-heavy, however the nation’s hottest dishes additionally embrace recent 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 embrace 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 will be onerous to choose a winner. Sweden and Finland are comparable in so some ways, but every nation has one thing totally different to supply each traveller who explores its cities, marvels at its landscapes and dines on its meals.
I do know I promised your determination could be simpler after studying this, however I merely can’t select which nation you must journey to subsequent. In case you may’t select both, why not go to them each? We provide a variety of small group excursions that go by each Sweden and Finland, so downside solved.
VISIT SWEDEN AND FINLAND ON OUR SCANDINAVIA EXPLORER SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE
