Planning a winter trip to Scandinavia often comes down to two magical choices: Sweden or Finland. Both countries offer snow-draped landscapes, cozy traditions, and unique adventures that make winter an unforgettable season. But if you’re wondering which one is better for your trip, here’s a complete comparison of what Sweden and Finland have to offer. Also, featuring insider’s tips and essential hacks from our expert travelers (a.k.a TripLeaders) for you to navigate on lesser-known places and best activities.
What Do Sweden and Finland Have to Offer?
Sweden in winter is all about fairy-tale cities like Stockholm, skiing in the north, cozy fika culture, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in Lapland.
Finland in winter shines with its famous glass igloos, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, pristine snowy wilderness, and endless opportunities for snow sports and Arctic safaris.
Landscape and Cityscape
Sweden: Offers a mix of elegant historic cities, charming coastal towns, and dramatic northern landscapes. Stockholm’s archipelago is stunning even in winter.
Finland: Known for vast forests, thousands of frozen lakes, and wilderness stretching to the Arctic. Helsinki has a modern Nordic vibe but is less historic compared to Stockholm.
Verdict: Sweden is better for travelers seeking both urban beauty and landscapes, while Finland appeals more to pure nature lovers.
Winter Activities
Things to Do in Sweden in Winter
Northern Lights
Sweden’s Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. Abisko National Park is particularly famous, thanks to its clear skies and the “blue hole” effect that makes sightings more likely.
Ice Hotels
The world’s first Ice Hotel is located in Kiruna, Sweden. Rebuilt every year using ice from the Torne River, it offers an unforgettable overnight stay in a frozen art masterpiece.
Hiking
Even in winter, Sweden offers accessible hiking trails. Snowshoeing in the forests of Lapland or trekking across frozen landscapes gives adventurers a magical way to explore nature.
Museums
For days when the cold is too strong, Sweden’s cities offer cozy indoor escapes. The country is known for interesting and fun museums, collaborating pop culture, timeless history, and science. Some of the popular ones include Vasa Museum and ABBA Museum in Stockholm. We also heard about Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö from TripLeader Jai, who has traveling back-forth across Europe for the last 15 years. It is a quirky experience you can try while escaping the cold.
Things to Do in Finland in Winter
Northern Lights
Just like Sweden, Finland’s Lapland offers prime conditions for the Northern Lights. Glass igloos and remote cabins make the experience extra special by allowing you to watch the skies from your bed.
Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi in Finland is officially known as the home of Santa Claus. Visitors can meet Santa, send letters with the Arctic Circle postmark, and enjoy a family-friendly winter wonderland.
Winter Sports
Finland is a paradise for snow sports lovers. Levi and Ylläs are famous ski resorts, but you can also try snowmobiling, husky sledding, and ice fishing across the country.
Unique Hotels
Finland is famous for its unusual accommodations, from glass igloos and snow castles to cozy wilderness lodges. These stays combine luxury with the magic of the Arctic.
Sauna and Cold Plunge
Sauna is a big thing in the Finnish culture. Locals in Finland indulge in a hot sauna sizzling with temperatures around 80-110°C, kicking away the winter cold. Moreover, sauna is more than a mere survival thing, it is also a symbol to clean the body and mind. Saunas are available almost everywhere in Finland, from Helsinki’s central areas to remote mountains.
Winter Destinations
Best Places to Visit in Sweden in Winter
- Stockholm: The capital of Sweden offers a vibrant Christmas scene, especially in the Gamla Stan. The snowy weather makes it perfect to visit museums and have a nice fika coffee hour
- Kiruna: A humble town serving as the gateway to the Arctic and offering exciting winter activities, from dog-sledding to snowmobiling
- Abisko National Park: A part of Swedish Lapland that comprises beautiful Arctic wilderness, mountains, and clear skies where the Northern Lights dance for four months
- Åre: Sweden’s most popular ski destination with thick-powdered slalom sports and glimmering ski resorts
Best Places to Visit in Finland in Winter
- Rovaniemi: A small Arctic city that brings your childhood Christmas dreams to life. It is the place where you can see Santa Claus’ home in the Santa Claus Village, sled with huskies and reindeer, and see the Arktikum Museum.
- Helsinki: The capital of Finland turns cheerful with cozy Christmas markets, sizzling saunas, and
- Levi: A charming village and ski resort in Lapland that invites you to enjoy a mix of relaxation and winter sports. TripLeader Hannes, who considered Levi his second home, recommended taking a full-day snowmobiling trip through the forest.
Getting Around
Which one is easier to get around in – Sweden or Finland? Well, both countries have excellent public transportation networks and lots of transportation options for tourists. Here is the breakdown:
Sweden
Excellent train connections, regional flights, and affordable bus networks are available. Traveling between cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö is easy, especially using the Swebus bus operator. Moreover, the easiest way to get to the Arctic Circle is by domestic flights.
Finland
When it comes to intracity transportation, Finland has a brilliant transportation system. You can roam comfortably with buses and trains in Helsinki and Tampere. Then, if you are looking forward to visiting Lapland, you can board a domestic flight. Trains are reliable but slower. Roads can be icy, making car rentals challenging in winter.
Cost
Both Sweden and Finland are far from the definition of ‘affordable’, even compared to Western European countries. Here is a general overview of costs in Sweden and Finland
- Sweden: Considered the cheapest Scandinavian country, a few essentials in Sweden might not break your bank. You can save up on accommodation in bigger cities like Stockholm and Malmö, especially with their choices of hostels. Moreover, there are more affordable options for dining in Sweden. Swedish Lapland tends to be more affordable compared to Finland. Staying in Kiruna allows you to save more money than in Rovaniemi.
- Finland: One of the most expensive countries in Europe, traveling to Finland requires a bigger budget. Additionally, winter is a popular time to visit Finland, resulting in higher prices for accommodation and activities. It is possible to choose more budget-friendly accommodation in cities like Helsinki. However, if you are looking for an amazing Arctic experience, you need to splurge more. Lapland’s activities and igloo stays can be very costly, but are worth the experience.
Final Verdict: Sweden or Finland in Winter?
- Choose Sweden if you want a balance of city culture and snowy adventures, with beautiful historic towns and Northern Lights experiences.
- Choose Finland if you dream of glass igloos, meeting Santa Claus, and diving deep into Arctic wilderness and traditions.
In the end, both Sweden and Finland make incredible winter destinations—your choice depends on whether you’re after urban charm with snowy escapes (Sweden) or once-in-a-lifetime wilderness and unique Arctic activities (Finland).
Travel Scandinavia with New Friends
No matter which country you choose, experiencing Scandinavia in winter is even better with travel buddies. Join group trips with local guides and experienced travelers on JoinMyTrip to make your winter adventure truly unforgettable.