Have you ever visited Scandinavian countries? Or are you thinking about planning a trip to Scandinavian countries? Well, in any case, you need to know the best visiting country of Scandinavia for a worthy trip. This article will help you to find the best country to visit out of all the Scandinavian countries.
Geographically, there are 3 Scandinavian countries which are Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. But culturally, there are 6 Scandinavian countries which are Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Island. Here the question arises that what are Nordic countries then? There is often a misconception between the Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Let’s discuss it!
Scandinavian and Nordic Countries
Nordic countries include the islands of the northern part of Europe including the surrounding regions. Nordics generally consist of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Faroe Island, Iceland, and Greenland. So, overall, there are many islands and many worth-visiting places in Scandinavia and the Nordics. Honestly speaking, all of these regions are beautiful places to explore.
They have a good quality of life and are doing well in health, safety, public services, and social security, etc. Overall, these countries serve a decent ex-pat experience. In 2018, all Nordic countries were on the list of the top 10 happiest countries in the World. Let’s take a look at every country’s good point and let’s find the best Scandinavian country to visit.
Sweden
Sweden is famous for a lot of things. For many years it has ranked as one of the top countries of the world according to economic activity and welfare. It is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is an enchanting city to visit.
It looks like a lovely old town with a collection of interesting museums. Kalmar is also a small and beautiful city in Sweden. There is a caste called Kalmar castle which is a must to visit if you are in Sweden.
Moreover, Gothenburg is another city of Sweden that lies in the most western portion of the country. There is also a fancy Ice hotel in Sweden, which is again an interesting place to visit. But Sweden also has one drawback that is the huge amount of sales taxes which may affect your tour. According to OECD, Sweden charges a high rate of taxes including payroll taxes.
Norway
Norway is the neighboring country of Sweden and is quite similar to Sweden. Oslo is the capital city of Norway and the second largest city of Norway is Bergen. It is a great place to experience its rich culture and historical attractions. Therefore, people know this city as the most photogenic place in the world.
Tromso is famous for its northern lights. This country encompasses enchanting glaciers, mountains, and deep coastal fjords. Norway is also famous for fishing, hiking, and skiing. Lofoten islands of Norway are a famous spot for Norwegians which is famous for its beautiful sceneries, northern lights, and mountains.
Finland
In 2018 and 2019, Finland has declared the happiest country in the world. It is a perfect place to experience winters, snow, and deer of course. A city in Finland named Rovaniemi is a good spot for experiencing the northern lights.
Tampere is a perfect city to visit for the little cultural life and natural beauty. Finland is a great place to enjoy big life consisting of many lakes. It has a bunch of amazing towns and villages. Medieval city Turku is the oldest city in Finland. Finland is best for saunas and wild swimming.
Denmark
In 2012, 2013, and 2016 Denmark was declared the happiest country in the world. It is situated below the rest of Scandinavia. Denmark is a beautiful country and home to royal palaces and colorful Nyhavn harbor. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world.
It is famous for its Tivoli, palaces, and the statue of the little mermaid. Denmark is a most beautiful city with enchanting canals, remarkable museums, and galleries. It’s a surprise for most of the people that Denmark also has beautiful beaches.
Iceland
Iceland lies in the middle of the Atlantic. It offers a great quality of life with a pleasant climate. The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik. This city serves authentic Icelandic cuisine and a lot of fun places to visit with friends.
Also, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a perfect place for hot and calming pools for people in the chilling winter or warm evenings of summer. Silica hotel is also worth attention here. If you want to enjoy the sunsets, volcanic beaches, and gorgeous rocky mounts, Vik and Dyrholaey is truly a perfect place.
Faroe Island
Torshavn is the capital of Faroe Island. It is the oldest historic capital and is a great place to wander in along with its tasty cuisine. In Faroe Island, Vagar Island is arguably the most breathtaking island. This incredible island offers a great view of nature. The village Gasadalur of Vagar Island has a beautiful waterfall known as Mulafossur waterfall.
Another island in Faroe Island is eye-capturing which is Eysturoy to experience the charm of island life. Saksun is also a wonderful landscape in Faroe Island with its mesmerizing greenery. It is located approximately a 1-hour drive from Torshavn. It is the quiet and calmest place.
Nordic Heritage & Model of Progress
The Nordic region, with its breathtaking landscapes and abundance of natural wonders like hot springs and national parks, is home to the Scandinavian languages. Rooted in the North Germanic branch, these languages have evolved over centuries and hold the status of official languages in their respective countries.
The 20th century saw a surge in the recognition and promotion of these languages, emphasizing their cultural significance. Across the northern regions, this linguistic tapestry, deeply rooted in the Germanic language family since the 16th century, contributes to the unique identity and heritage of the Nordic countries.
The Nordic model, synonymous with progressive values, emphasizes gender equality as a core principle in the Nordic nations. This commitment is deeply ingrained in the societal fabric, reflecting in policies and practices. Rooted in the Nordic languages with origins dating back to the 13th century, these nations have established themselves as global leaders in gender inclusivity.
Beyond their borders, the Nordic co-operation extends to North America, influencing discussions on social policies and gender rights. The legacy of this model can be traced back to the 11th centuries, shaping not only the Nordic countries but also inspiring similar endeavors in the Baltic countries and beyond. In this context, the Nordic commitment to gender equality serves as a beacon for progress and inclusivity on a broader scale.
Light Pollution & Nordic Heritage
In the context of an island nation surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the impact of light pollution is a concern, disrupting the natural darkness of the night sky. Oxford University Press notes that this phenomenon adversely affects not only astronomical observations but also the overall well-being of both residents and wildlife. Despite being a common characteristic in densely populated areas, managing light pollution is crucial for maintaining social cohesion.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the natural environment, especially for indigenous people, efforts to curb light pollution often extend to safeguarding the national language and recognizing official minority languages, fostering a balance between modernity and environmental sustainability.
The Nordic region, known for its royal families and rich cultural tapestry, boasts a linguistic diversity where Swedish and Finnish speakers coexist. Cambridge University Press acknowledges the importance of understanding and preserving these languages. Beyond linguistic nuances, the region is home to diverse attractions, including theme parks that reflect the creativity and leisure preferences of the Nordic people.
Edvard Grieg, the renowned Norwegian composer, has left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of the region. Spanning thousands of square kilometres since the 9th century, the North Atlantic has been a vital maritime domain for the Nordic people, shaping their history, trade, and interactions with the wider world.
Cultural Influence of Finno-Ugric Family
The Finno-Ugric family, a linguistic group, is embedded in the cultural fabric of the Nordic region, influencing both the Nordic model and the Scandinavian languages. This language family extends beyond the Nordic countries, reaching into the Baltic countries and even North America, reflecting the historical and migratory patterns of the people.
The Nordic languages, with their unique characteristics, contribute to the identity of the region, which includes an island nation surrounded by the Baltic Sea. In the spirit of the Nordic model, the emphasis on public transport underscores the commitment to sustainability and social cohesion, shaping the way these societies navigate their interconnected landscapes.
What is the best Scandinavian country to live in and to visit?
After analyzing all of these countries, Finland is the best Scandinavian country to live in and worth visiting in all terms. Well, it is a good bet because it was marked as the happiest country also in 2019. Thus, there is no secret sauce specific to Nordic countries’ happiness that is unavailable to others. The life expectancy is also rising to a large extent in this country.
In terms of traveling to Finland, one of the major benefits is that it gives you the cheapest budget. Business taxes are also less reliable sources of revenue there. About 100 years ago, the country did not have to come across individual income taxes.
In the twentieth century, the farmers had significant political power even within the Nordic parliaments. And in the 19th century, mass education was the means of building stronger states. Hence, keeping the business environment and living conditions, Finland fulfills the criteria pretty well.
What is Finland famous for?
Well, Finland is famous for having the world’s best educational system and the cleanest air. It is known for its saunas, reindeers, Nokia, and the Santa Claus village. Finland is a Scandinavian as well as a Nordic country. It is sometimes also called the Country of a Thousand Lakes because it has about 187,888 lakes. The native of Finland gets the biggest distribution of happiness from them.
Moreover, it is also famous for its spectacular view of the Northern lights. Although, you can see them in other countries the Aurora Borealis favors Finland in that you get an exceptional amount of privacy while you do it. Moreover, Lapland is my favorite spot, and the best latitude for seeing them is the Kilpisjärvi region.
Finland is also known for its quirky sports but the most catching among all is ice hockey. Many countries indeed have rivalries with their neighbors, but nothing gets Finns and Swedes riled up like an ice hockey match, especially against each other. Finland is also famous for pioneering technological advancement.
For many of us, our first cell phones were made by Finland’s master company, Nokia. If you are living in Finland, you will know the importance of social benefits and healthy life expectancy. Hope this article is helpful for you! If you have any queries, contact the US.
Credit Card: Convenience & Caution
The credit card has revolutionized the way we conduct financial transactions, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility in modern commerce. Acting as a convenient alternative to cash or checks, credit cards allow individuals to make purchases and access funds with ease, both in-person and online. With the swipe or tap of a card, consumers can access a line of credit provided by financial institutions, enabling them to make purchases and pay bills over time, subject to interest charges. Beyond its practical utility, the credit card also serves as a tool for building credit history and financial stability, with responsible use contributing to improved credit scores and access to additional financial products. However, the convenience of credit cards also poses risks, including overspending, debt accumulation, and susceptibility to fraud or identity theft. As such, prudent management and responsible usage are essential to harnessing the benefits of this ubiquitous financial tool while mitigating potential drawbacks.
In the vast expanse of the Scandinavian nation, the phenomenon of the midnight sun illuminates the landscape during the summer months, casting a perpetual glow over its cultural region. With a high standard of living and a reputation for progressive social policies, including heavy taxation to support robust welfare systems, the Scandinavian countries offer their inhabitants a comfortable lifestyle. Across the square miles of this picturesque region, Swedish speakers dominate, contributing to the linguistic tapestry that characterizes the area. Despite the region’s modernity, traditional customs endure, such as the relatively high drinking age and stringent writing standards upheld by educational institutions. As a testament to its cultural significance, the Scandinavia region features prominently in sources like Encyclopædia Britannica, underscoring its influence and appeal on the global stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Scandinavian countries are known for their high standard of living, progressive social policies, strong welfare systems, and emphasis on equality and social justice. They also have a rich cultural heritage, including traditions like Midsummer celebrations and Norden cuisine.
- Scandinavian countries have a diverse climate, with coastal regions experiencing milder temperatures influenced by the Gulf Stream, while inland areas have more continental climates with colder winters. The northern regions of Scandinavia also experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter.
