Scandinavia is a must-see destination for travelers, but which country should you visit first? Norway vs Sweden is the biggest debate: both countries have stunning landscapes, approachable culture, renowned attractions, and unforgettable experiences.
Unsure of which to choose? We’ve broken down the hallmarks of both countries to help you decide if you should visit Sweden or travel to Norway first based on your vacation preferences.
Norway vs Sweden FAQs:
Before we dive into the side-by-side comparisons, we’ll answer some of the most commonly-asked questions that visitors to Norway and Sweden want to know.
How different are Swedish and Norwegian?
The Swedish and Norwegian languages are distinct languages, though vocabulary and grammar are similar. Pronunciation and spelling may also differ, but a native Swedish speaker and a native Norwegian speaker should be able to understand each other well enough to have a casual conversation.
Which country is happier?
Sweden and Norway are two of the happiest countries on the planet, according to the World Happiness Report, but Sweden has a slightly larger smile. Norway ranks number seven on the report, while Sweden ranks sixth. Many of the happiest countries in the world are Nordic; Finland, which is also home to the World’s Greenest City, tops the list.
Read next: Where to find the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia
Is Sweden richer than Norway?
In real GDP per capita, Norway ranks eighth in the world while Sweden ranks twenty fifth. Estimates published in the Central Intelligence Agency’s The World Factbook in 2023 price Norway’s at $90,500 and Sweden’s at $64,200.
Norway vs Sweden: which destination will win?
Attractions
Planning a Norway or Sweden tour involves plenty of preparation and research, much of which yields similar results. Both countries have dazzling art collections, great exhibits about Viking history, and immersive experiences that’ll blow you away.
For museum hoppers: Tie
You can flip a coin to decide on which museums in Sweden or Norway to visit and come out a winner every time. We’ve found that museum hoppers who benefit the most from either country are those who deliberately plan their cultural excursions. ABBA The Museum, the Vasa Museum, and the Maritiman floating museum are among the best in Sweden. MUNCH, the Fram Museum, and the Norsk Folkemuseum are the top museums to visit in Norway.
For families: Sweden
Sweden is regarded as a spectacular place for family vacations. While Norway welcomes your kin as well, families traveling with smaller children may find Sweden much more accessible and accommodating. The Junibacken, Tom Tits Experiment, and Toy Museum in Stockholm make the capital city a must-see for little ones. With playgrounds and parks nearly everywhere you go, Sweden is a safe space for young families.
For theme parks: Norway
Not every vacation abroad needs to focus on culture, history, or nature. Sweden offers loads of old school fun at their theme parks, but Norway’s amusement parks are next-level. Oslo’s Tusenfryd has rollercoasters with VR technology, the fairy-tale themed Hunderfossen Adventure Park in Lillehammer is a charmer no matter your age, and Bø Sommarland is the largest water park in all of Scandinavia.
Winner: Tie
Choosing between Norway and Sweden’s attractions is very subjective. Older families or adults will likely enjoy the diversity of Norway’s attractions more while families who want their children to indulge in curiosity at a calmer pace will gravitate toward Sweden.
Experiences
When it comes to experiences, Norway vs Sweden are again in close contention. Judging where to go boils down to the level of activity you desire and how far off the beaten path you want to venture.
For animal lovers: Norway
Sweden wins with its moose and wolf populations, but Norway wins for its presence of polar bears. In Norway, you can also see humpback and springer whales, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, and so many rare avian species that you’ll return from your trip as a birder.
For relaxing: Sweden
Travel to Sweden if you want to relax. Swedish sauna culture is integrated into everyday life. Even in the winter, a dip in a frosty lake after a steamy sit in the sauna is never a question. Sweden’s larger cities also offer more accessibility to spa hotels if you don’t want to venture out into the wilderness for your sauna experience. Although one key point to remember is that you won’t be able to relax under the Northern Lights in Sweden — Norway’s where you’ll find Aurora Borealis.
For mingling with others: Sweden
When it comes to rubbing elbows and engaging with locals, Sweden is a better bet than Norway, but only by a slight margin. Norway’s outdoor attractions lean more towards intimate experiences with strangers while the cosmopolitan cities of Sweden invite larger and livelier experiences with locals and travelers alike. Both are regarded as some of the safest countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers, though Norway’s #5 rank is below Sweden’s silver-coated #2 status.
Winner: Sweden
In terms of experiences, Norway and Sweden really are neck and neck. Sweden pulls ahead thanks to its more prominent sauna culture and its larger cities for prime socializing. While Norway’s polar bear excursions are absolutely mesmerizing, Sweden’s wildlife viewing opportunities from the capital through Lapland won’t leave you longing for Norway’s neighboring bears.
Landscapes
Scandinavia is jaw-dropping. From the Norwegian Sea to the Baltic Sea, every bit of these countries is sure to wow you. But herein lies the problem: with so much inspiring scenery, you’ll need to identify not only what you want to see, but how you wish to view it.
For Photographers: Norway
Sweden is more than photogenic, but Norway’s landscape is arguably the most awe-inspiring in Scandinavia. Geiranger and the tip of Svolværgeita alone will leave you breathless. Norway spoils shutterbugs in a way few European destinations do. Stand on Preikestolen with your camera in hand and you’ll wish your memory card had unlimited storage.
For Outdoor Adventurers: Norway
You don’t have to merely look at the landscape when you visit Norway. Soak in the views and get an adrenaline rush while whitewater rafting through Sjoa. Hang ten around the Lofoten Islands. Sweden does have attractions for thrill seekers, but we’d recommend it as a better fit for low-impact travelers who prefer fishing, golfing, sailing, and foraging.
For Backpackers: Sweden
To have an adventure and return with breathtaking photos, you first need to get to these landscapes. Train and bus travel is the best way for backpackers to traverse both countries, though public transport costs are generally cheaper in Sweden. Sweden’s railway system is much more extensive than Norway’s, offering more opportunities for exploration at a lower cost.
Winner: Norway
Sweden and Norway share the Scandinavian Peninsula so there’s no denying that they harbor some of the most incredible landscapes in the region. Norway’s scenery, however, will make your eyes — and camera lens — open wider. Skiing through forests, kayaks through fjords, and biking across the landscape no matter the season provide a front row seat to Norway’s incredible landscape. Just keep in mind that your wallet will likely open wider, too.
Culture
Swedish and Norwegian cultures have some similarities, but diverge in everything from clothing and cuisine to traditions and modern ways of life. History aside, here are a few considerations for which country to visit first based on how you can readily experience these cultures.
For foodies: Tie
A trip to Sweden and a trip to Norway will be equally tasty, but for different reasons. The adventurous foodie should head to Norway. Fermented fish like Rakfisk, the soft Brunost cheese, and smalahove or sheep’s head offer an edible adventure. Those who savor more accessible flavors won’t go hungry in Sweden. Swedish meatballs or reindeer meat with lingonberry sauce, pickled herring, roast pork sausages with creamed dill potatoes, and yellow pea soup are on the menu.
For festivals: Norway
With nearly 1,000 annual festivals, boredom is never on the itinerary during a Norway trip. Popular music festivals line the summer months, as do food festivals. Film festivals invite you indoors during the winter months while July’s list of outdoor festivals in the wild encourage you to get outdoors and learn about indigenous Sami. Attending a festival during a Norway tour is an instant way to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture.
For holidays: Sweden
Norway knows how to embrace festivities, but for pure holiday celebration, there’s something about Sweden that’s extra special. Maybe it’s the enchanting landscape that adds an extra layer of “wow” to the vibrant Christmas markets, somber All Saints’ Day, and colorful National Day of Sweden. Swedish holiday celebrations include singing and bonfires during April’s Walpurgis Night and ring dances in the countryside during Midsummer. Perhaps it’s the fact that there are no public holidays between Midsummer and Halloween that makes the autumnal, winter, and spring holidays all the more significant.
Winner: Tie
No one can truly lose when comparing the culture of Norway vs Sweden. If you’re on the fence with Norway vs Sweden, let the season help sway your decision. Your vacation dates might match up perfectly with one of Norway’s music festivals or with a special Swedish celebration like Lucia or Midsummer
Final Scores: Norway 7 | Sweden 7
In the debate of Norway vs Sweden, travelers are the real winners. Both of these Scandinavian countries offer a wealth of experiences for adventurers, dozens of museums for culture vultures, and endless opportunities where Scandinavia will find a permanent place in your heart.
Savor it all with our Grand Scandinavia tour. Spend 20 days traversing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland where you’ll cruise the Baltic Sea and cross the Arctic Circle.