This is arguably the hardest question I’ve had to answer, and in a sense, it’s because it’s impossible, everyone has something else they want to see and experience, different priorities and so on. Therefore I’ll be ranking these countries by price, landscape, attractions, and ease (of transport, navigation, communication, a.s.o.)
Hopefully after reading, you’ll know which Nordic country is the best for you.
SWEDEN- Our best Nordic country?
Price: 7/10
Sweden is slightly more affordable than Norway and Iceland, especially outside of Stockholm. Still, it’s no budget destination. Trains and groceries can be reasonable.
Landscape: 7/10
Beautiful forests, thousands of lakes, the archipelagos, and the northern Lapland with auroras. But it’s flatter and less dramatic than Norway or Iceland.
Attractions: 8/10
Plenty of museums, castles, and cozy towns. Stockholm is a cultural gem. Lapland and Sami culture add uniqueness. Southern cities feel livable and lively.
Ease: 9/10
Trains are efficient, signs are clear, and almost everyone speaks great English. Urban areas are especially easy to navigate.
Total: 31/40
NORWAY
Price: 4/10
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, from accommodation to food. However, nature is free, and the views are priceless.
Landscape: 10/10
Unmatched fjords, cliffs, northern lights, midnight sun, and dramatic mountain ranges. Easily one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world or so my mental echo chamber says.
Attractions: 8/10
Fjords, Viking heritage sites, scenic train rides, and charming cities like Bergen and Oslo. Outdoor activities abound. A “nature is the attraction” place for me, but you’ll enjoy the urban sprawls and architecture for sure as well.
Ease: 7/10
Efficient transport in cities and scenic train routes, but rural areas may require a car. English is widely spoken, but distances between points of interest can be large; this may make your trip even pricier.
Total: 29/40
FINLAND
Price: 7/10
Comparable to Sweden. Helsinki is pricey, but countryside and public transit are fairly budget-friendly. Grocery stores are accessible and reasonably priced, as God knows they should be.
Landscape: 6/10
Heavily forested with tons of lakes, and Lapland offers snowy magic. However, less variation in terrain compared to the others, especially if you’re considering Sweeden where you could get much of the same experience.
Attractions: 7/10
Santa Claus Village, saunas, quirky architecture, lakeside cabins, and heavy metal festivals. Understated but unique vibe. Pretty decent all around, D&D fantasy stuff.
Ease: 9/10
Excellent English, simple infrastructure, organized public transit (especially in cities), and polite, reserved people. That’s the jam for me, you may like friendly locals more so…
Total: 29/40
DENMARK
Price: 6/10
Copenhagen is expensive, but smaller cities and bikes help reduce costs. Eating out is pricey, but transport and basic needs are manageable.
Landscape: 4/10
Mostly flat and coastal. Cute, but lacks the drama of the other Nordic countries. Good for peaceful countryside or beaches, not for wild nature.
Attractions: 9/10
Copenhagen, castles, museums, design culture, and LEGO. It’s rich in cultural attractions and day-trip-worthy towns.
Ease: 10/10
Extremely bike-friendly, great public transport, and very high English proficiency. One of the easiest Nordic countries to get around.
Total: 29/40
ICELAND
Price: 3/10
Stunning, but extremely expensive for everything—accommodation, gas, food, tours. One of Europe’s priciest destinations.
Landscape: 10/10
Jaw-dropping nature: glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Attractions: 7/10
Nature is the attraction. Not much in terms of cities or historical sites, but the raw beauty, hot springs, and adventure options are world-class.
Ease: 7/10
Reykjavik is easy. Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond the capital. English is very widely spoken, but driving can be tough in bad weather.
Total: 27/40
I know that 3 countries tied, but that really speaks to how incredible they are (and similar, while we’re at it) here’s where your own opinion comes in, if you’re okay with a more restrictive price wise but more magical experience, maybe Norway, if you want an all rounder, Sweeden, more central? Denmark.
This ranking isn’t end-all be-all and is also not applicable to everyone because you may care more for the touristic or cultural spots, or about affordability, or not care about the price as much, so take what works for you. We’re also open for any questions on social media below and by email.
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