Denmark vs Finland: which one should you visit?

Eager for a visit to Scandinavia, however can’t resolve which nation to go to?

Each Denmark and Finland are nice selections – however which one is finest for a first-time customer?

Though Denmark and Finland are related in some methods, each are distinctly totally different locations that will take months and even years to discover totally.

We’ll undergo the primary variations right here – from what you possibly can see, to how a lot issues are more likely to value if you arrive – and show you how to resolve which nation to go to.

Size
Population
Climate
What to see and do
Cost of living
Safety
Language

First up: which nation is larger?

Geographically, Finland is larger than Denmark – a LOT larger!

Finland is 338,439 sq. kilometers (that’s round 130,672 sq. miles) and it’s the second largest nation in Scandinavia, simply after Sweden.

Denmark’s dimension is simply a fraction of Finland’s, totalling simply 42,951 sq. kilometers (16,584 sq. miles).

So if you wish to ‘see’ Finland correctly, from the cities of the south to the wilderness areas of the north, you’ll want much more time to get round.

Inhabitants of Denmark vs Finland

Relating to inhabitants, there’s truly not a lot distinction between the 2 international locations.

Finland has a inhabitants of round 5.5 million, whereas Denmark is house to round 5.8 million folks. So that they’re fairly shut, however as you’d anticipate, Denmark is extra densely populated.

This may not sound like an enormous deal, however it’s going to undoubtedly form your expertise of every nation.

So whereas Denmark isn’t crowded, by any means, it feels extra constructed up, and also you’ll encounter large cities and cities extra usually as you journey round.

And conversely, Finland’s larger cities and cities really feel very unfold out, and it’s extremely simple to search out ‘correct’ nature just about wherever you go.

What concerning the local weather?

Denmark and Finland each have chilly winters and delicate, snug summers. So whichever nation you select, you’ll have to pack the suitable garments for the season.

Summer time temperatures in each international locations can hit 25c (77F) on sunny days, whereas winter temperatures in Copenhagen and Helsinki can drop under freezing for days on finish.

And whereas the local weather in several elements of Denmark stays pretty steady, there may be large variations between the north and south of Finland, even on the identical day.

Whereas Helsinki in winter may be chilly, it’s commonplace for Finnish Lapland to see temperatures of -20c (-4F) – and even colder within the darkest depths of winter, when the solar barely rises above the horizon.

These guides have extra on the climate in Finland and Denmark.

What to see and do: Denmark vs Finland

Denmark and Finland are each superb locations to go to, with hundreds to supply first-time guests.

They provide very several types of trip although, and which one you select will rely loads on what you wish to spend your time doing – whether or not that’s hanging out in cool cities, or exploring true wilderness areas which are more and more arduous to search out in Europe.

Cities

Most visits to Denmark and Finland begin within the capital cities – Copenhagen and Helsinki, respectively.

Copenhagen is finest recognized for its vibrant waterfront buildings, its famously good New Nordic food, its biking tradition, and a laid-back vibe that’s arduous to search out in different elements of Scandinavia.

There’s a way more continental really feel in Copenhagen in contrast with different Nordic capitals like Helsinki, particularly throughout the summer season, when folks flock to the waterfront for daytime beers.

Plenty of vacationers begin by getting their bearings on one of the canal cruises, which provide nice views of the town.

Copenhagen can also be house to the historic Tivoli Gardens: a big amusement park with thrill rides, arcade video games, and live shows. You can get admission tickets here!

Different cities value trying out in Denmark embrace Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg, however for tradition, meals and just about all the pieces else, Copenhagen needs to be your first port of name.

Over in Finland, Helsinki is the pure focus for Finnish artwork, music and tradition. Massive vacationer sights are comparatively few and much between, past some lovely church buildings, parks and historic websites, however it’s the good base for journeys out into the encompassing countryside.

Many vacationers keep in metropolis centre accommodations, heading out throughout the day to go to Helsinki’s islands on guided boat tours.

Helsinki additionally has bar and nightclub scene, with all the pieces from karaoke joints and stay music venues to themed bars.

Different large cities value trying out in Finland embrace Tampere, Turku, and Oulu, however in the event you’re solely visiting Finland for just a few days and wish to combine city-centre sightseeing with a while in nature, Helsinki is a protected guess.

Nature

Denmark is a flat nation, unfold throughout a number of islands, so that you gained’t discover any mountains there.

Nevertheless you’ll find picturesque landscapes with inexperienced rolling farmland, plus seashores with crystal-blue waters.

Meaning a rural vacation in Denmark is extra more likely to be targeted on lazy bike rides and picturesque villages, somewhat than true back-to-nature experiences.

Finland’s nature is much more various, with dense forests and lots of, many lakes – over 188,000 in complete.

If you happen to go to the north of Finland throughout the winter, you even have likelihood of seeing the northern lights, one thing that’s not normally doable in Denmark. In summer season, you may as well see the midnight solar!

Finland additionally has quite a lot of different winter actions to strive, from dog sledding and reindeer farm experiences to visiting Santa in Lapland.

There are additionally distinctive locations to remain, just like the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, the place you possibly can sleep below the northern lights – in an igloo!

Talking of snow and igloos, Finland can also be well-known for its many winter sports activities corresponding to snowboarding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

The large query: which nation is cheaper to go to?

Nicely, irrespective of the place you journey in Northern Europe, it’s going to be expensive. Scandinavia is legendary (or notorious!) for being one of the crucial costly elements of Europe.

There’s not an enormous distinction between the 2 international locations, however Denmark is mostly dearer than Finland – whether or not you’re planning to stay there, or are merely visiting.

And as a rule of thumb, issues are normally much more costly within the cities – lodging and eating are particularly expensive in Copenhagen, for instance (listed here are some suggestions for free and cheap things to do instead!).

If you wish to discover low cost lodging round Denmark, Booking.com is a good place to begin. There are additionally a number of superb hostels in places like Copenhagen. Simply be sure to ebook upfront, to get the very best bang on your buck.

Finland isn’t precisely a cut price vacation spot both; lately, it’s develop into one of the most expensive countries in the EU, behind Denmark and Eire.

One factor to think about is that, as a result of Finland is a lot bigger than Denmark, transportation would possibly find yourself costing you extra.

Finland additionally has much more set-piece excursions (like this epic snowmobile tour), that are nicely value doing, however can rapidly add up.

Which nation is safer: Denmark or Finland?

Each Denmark and Finland rank up there among the many most secure international locations in Europe. However which one is safer?

When evaluating crime, the 2 international locations rank nearly identically. In mid-2022, the crime index was 26.23 in Denmark and 26.52 in Finland.

After all, it’s at all times necessary to pay attention to your environment. However usually talking, you gained’t have to fret about your security in both of those international locations.

What concerning the language?

The Danish and Finnish languages are very, very totally different!

They’re every a part of a unique language household: Danish is a Germanic language, whereas Finnish is a Uralic language.

Danish is carefully associated to Swedish, Norwegian, German, and English. In the meantime, Finnish is carefully associated to Estonian and Hungarian.

Danish is by far the better language to study in the event you’re a local English speaker. The identical can’t be stated about Finnish: it’s stated that Finnish is likely one of the very hardest languages to study as an English speaker.

The Finnish language may be very complicated and introduces ideas that don’t actually exist in English. For instance, a single phrase may be a whole sentence.

Moreover, it makes use of double vowels and double consonants. An instance of that is ‘kuunnella’, which implies ‘to hear’. Or ‘hyvää iltapäivää’, which implies ‘good afternoon’.

It’s additionally necessary to notice that in the event you’re within the southeastern area of Finland, you might hear quite a lot of Swedish along with Finnish.

Do Danes and Finns converse English?

Now, in the event you’re visiting comparatively quickly, it’s unlikely that you just’ll be capable to get fluent in both Danish or Finnish in time on your journey.

However the excellent news is that this: most Danes and Finns converse English with disarming fluency, and you should not have any hassle getting by with English alone, particularly in the event you follow large cities!

So, must you go to Denmark or Finland?

Each Denmark and Finland have loads to supply guests.

• If you happen to’re searching for wilderness actions, and a real sense of ‘getting away from all of it’, Finland is the higher possibility.
• If you happen to’re searching for cool cities, world-beating delicacies, and a relaxed vibe, Denmark is the way in which to go.

Whichever nation you resolve to go to, you gained’t remorse it. Our trustworthy recommendation, in case your finances can stretch to it, is to provide each of them a strive.

See additionally:

Nordic vs Scandinavian: what’s the difference?
Sweden vs Norway: which one should you visit?