Denmark or Finland: which Nordic gem should you explore?

Both nations frequently rank among the top in the world for livability, sophistication, and overall happiness. So, which should be your destination?

Renowned cuisine or untouched wilderness? Comfort or resilience? Endless seaside beaches or secluded lakes?

While we'd love to enjoy all of these options, life's too short for indecision. Sometimes, you have to choose between visiting Denmark or Finland, both of which consistently top lists for livability, sophistication, and joy.

We've invited two enthusiasts to argue why their chosen country stands out above the rest.

Denmark: hygge for everyone

Luke Waterson, a contributor to over 70 Dinogo Planet titles, has traveled extensively in Scandinavia and feels a special connection to Denmark.

On the surface, Denmark may seem the smallest and least rugged of the five Nordic countries, but it has grand ambitions.

Not only does it attract the majority of foreign visitors to Scandinavia, but it consistently ranks among the top 20 most-visited countries globally, as reported by the UNTWO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). What makes it so appealing? After several visits, I’d say one factor stands out above all others: convenience.

This is arguably the easiest country on the planet for first-time travelers to navigate. Almost everyone speaks some English, with many achieving a high proficiency, and every activity a visitor might pursue is supported by an extensive array of English-language websites or apps, making communication a breeze. A fantastic railway network runs the length of the country, while buses effectively connect the few destinations without train stations. The capital, Copenhagen, excels in bike-friendly travel, offering free bike rentals and impeccably maintained cycling paths.

All of this contributes to a low-stress exploration experience, enhancing your enjoyment of the surroundings. While Finland isn't exactly difficult to navigate, traveling in Denmark is notably smoother and faster. For instance, the journey from Copenhagen to Skagen (from southeast to the extreme north) takes under eight hours by train; in contrast, reaching Lapland's adventure center, Inari, from Helsinki requires 15 hours involving both train and bus.

Denmark’s compact size has its drawbacks: it lacks the fells of Finland, the Arctic landscapes, and has fewer forests, resulting in no winter sports or bears (unless you count Greenland, which is technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark, where Danes surpass Finns in terms of highest peaks, Arctic terrain, snow, and bears). However, “mainland” Denmark boasts a sandy coastline that any Scandinavian country would envy, and most tourists generally favor stunning beaches over the presence of bears.

Denmark is indeed dotted with sandy beaches. You can find them everywhere, from Amager Strandpark in Copenhagen, just a 30-minute bike ride from the city center, to the Baltic holiday paradise of Bornholm. The picturesque, dune-laden Wadden Sea islands Rømø and Fanø feature respectively 12km (7.5 miles) and 15km (9.3 miles) of pristine coastline, while the Skagen area boasts over 60km (37 miles) of captivating beaches along its shores.

And what’s something you need to do three times a day during your vacation? Eat! Denmark, the home of New Nordic cuisine and the famed five-time World’s Best Restaurant, noma, excels in fine dining (indeed, Finland falls short here). Consider the Michelin stars awarded to each country's restaurants: as of 2023, Denmark leads with a notable 45 stars compared to Finland's 8.

True to its reputation as a hub of innovation—home to both Lego and Google Maps—Denmark boasts no dull or neglected areas. This is reflected in its offshore waters, which feature the highest number of wind turbines per capita worldwide. What could be just another harbor in other cities has transformed in Copenhagen into an open-air swimming pool and a neighborhood of floating shipping containers, among other creative developments. Additionally, the formerly derelict industrial zones in northern Aalborg now serve as a model for waterfront revitalization across Europe.

Do you lean towards historical experiences over modern advancements during your travels? Denmark has been constructing grand castles and elegant timber-framed towns long before Finland came into being.

At the end of the day, consider this: would you prefer to savor a generous dose of hygge (the cozy and communal essence integral to Danish culture) or undergo a birch branch whipping by a stranger for health benefits, a Finnish practice?

I rest my case.

Finland: discover your inner Finn in the happiest country on Earth.

Kerry Walker is a devoted admirer of Finland, having journeyed extensively throughout the country—from the secluded swamps and bear-laden forests in the east to the frigid northernmost reaches of Lapland.

Finland captured my heart the moment Lapland enveloped me in its snowy embrace over a decade ago. Many visits later, its raw beauty still calls to me.

That initial trip to Utsjoki is etched in my memory: the eerie stillness and biting cold of the Arctic, trees shimmering with hoarfrost, the vast expanse of white tundra, and the gentle rustle of Sámi reindeer under the deep-blue polar sky. I stayed in a cozy wooden cabin and often woke after midnight to witness the northern lights dancing above, as if the gods had turned on a cosmic disco.

I felt an immediate connection to this land, with its astonishing contrasts of darkness and light, a bond that has only grown stronger with time. Drive along the country’s perfectly straight roads for miles, and all you encounter is a continuous vista of forests, lakes, and distant hills—a never-ending canvas of green and blue. In some areas, you're more likely to encounter elk and reindeer than people. Finland is truly woven with nature.

Finland sparks your imagination even before you arrive. This enchanting country features magical elements like flying reindeer, Moomins, and the one-and-only Santa Claus at the sparkling Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. It's a place where your inner child can roam freely. In many ways, Finland stands out as the lovable oddball among the Nordic nations, with its Elvish folklore, a lyrical language that inspired Tolkien, and a quirky love for unique foods like squeaky cheese (leipäjuusto) dunked in coffee, salty licorice (salmiakki), and pine-tar liqueur (terwa).

Finland’s quirky character also shines through in its eccentric competitions: wife-carrying, boot-throwing, swamp soccer, and competitive sauna sessions. It's my kind of place.

Sure, Denmark leads in cutting-edge design and gourmet dining. But while the Danes proudly celebrate their achievements, Finns tend to quietly appreciate their country's allure. To be honest, they have much to boast about. For example, Finland has been recognized as the world’s happiest country in the UN’s World Happiness Report for six consecutive years, including 2023. Indeed, the longer you stay here, the more those positive vibes resonate with you. They’re even offering a free master class in happiness for a select few.

The ultimate secret? Embracing nature. In this spacious land, the sounds of rustling leaves, whistling winds, and falling snowflakes are still a symphony. Even the vibrant cities, like Helsinki, are nestled against vast wilderness, dotted with islands and crisscrossed by inlets. Castle-crowned Turku serves as the gateway to 20,000 islands and skerries, making it a paradise for kayakers, cyclists, and hikers. Meanwhile, the lively, cultured Tampere offers opportunities to paddle across expansive lakes with a canoe in hand.

Some of my most cherished memories come from Finland (which statistically makes sense). I’m referring to unforgettable experiences, like a spine-tingling night spent alone in a hide at the Bear Centre in Lentiira, where brown bears stealthily wander the ancient boreal forest toward Russia. Or wading through swamps adorned with cottongrass in search of the elusive amber-hued cloudberries under the everlasting glow of the midnight sun in Ranua. And feeling the rhythm of the reindeer-herding Sámi as the aurora illuminates Lake Inari.

Many joke about the Finns lacking humor, yet beneath the surface lies a wry, self-deprecating wit, a genuine love for celebration, a disdain for gossip, and a deep appreciation for meaningful conversations. This nation is forged from sisu, an untranslatable quality that embodies resilience, freedom, grit, and courage – a bear hug compared to Denmark’s airy kiss.

If you wish to discover your inner Finn (and the route to genuine happiness), grasp this: trekking for miles through mosquito-laden bogs to forage for berries, disrobing to bask in a sauna, plunging into an icy hole that takes your breath away, and playfully whipping yourself with a birch branch are all considered fun by a Finn.

And you know what? I find joy in those things, too.