{"id":15576,"date":"2018-08-17T00:09:57","date_gmt":"2018-08-16T23:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=15576"},"modified":"2019-04-29T13:40:02","modified_gmt":"2019-04-29T12:40:02","slug":"iceland-vs-norway-where-to-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/iceland-vs-norway-where-to-next\/","title":{"rendered":"Iceland vs. Norway: Where to Next?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re seeking chills, thrills, and amazing views on your next trip, may we recommend Iceland<\/a> or Norway<\/a>? Both offer incredible scenery, hidden gem experiences, and unique food and culture, but how different are they, really? Answer: very! If Iceland vs. Norway has been all you can think about, we\u2019re here to help. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n Iceland <\/strong><\/th>\nNorway<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Capital city<\/td>\nReykjavik<\/span><\/td>\nOslo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National language<\/td>\nIcelandic<\/td>\nNorwegian and Sami<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Popular attraction<\/span><\/td>\nHot springs<\/td>\nFjords<\/span>nzanella<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Must-try dish<\/td>\nIcelandic lamb<\/td>\nBrunost, or brown cheese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Iceland<\/b><\/h2>\n

What type of traveller is most suited to Iceland?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Land of Ice and Fire is known for its rugged terrain and incredible natural beauty. That being said, if you\u2019re looking for a more relaxed, beachy vacation, Iceland may not be for you! While temperatures tend to be much milder than the country\u2019s name would suggest, even the warmest summer days tend to hover at around 20 degrees celsius. If you\u2019re looking for a trip<\/a> spent exploring truly unique cities and untouched nature, Iceland could be calling your name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Northern
The Northern Lights in Iceland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best time to visit Iceland<\/b><\/h3>\n

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you\u2019re looking to do while you\u2019re there. For warmer weather and the famous \u201cmidnight sun\u201d (a period of time when the sun never sets), visit in July or August. However, if you\u2019re chasing the Northern Lights, February and March, as well as September and October, are your best chances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights<\/b><\/h2>\n

Reykjavik<\/b><\/p>\n

Iceland\u2019s largest city is also its capital, and Reykjavik is home to endless possibilities for relaxation, exploration, and experiences uniquely Icelandic. With dozens of museums, ranging from the kid-friendly (museums showcasing Iceland\u2019s history and nature, such as the Whales of Iceland museum), to the\u2026 not so much (like the Iceland Phallological Museum.) Reykjavik also boasts great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife: no matter what you\u2019re seeking in Iceland, you\u2019ll probably find it in Reykjavik.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
Reykjavik’s city centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Akureyri<\/b><\/p>\n

This city sits at the base of <\/span>Eyjafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<\/span> Fjord, in the north of Iceland. While the pace here may be slightly slower than Reykjavik, that doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t still plenty to do! The city is famous for its botanical garden, which contains nearly every plant found naturally in Iceland, as well as 7,000 other species of plant. Take in a show performed by The North Iceland Symphony Orchestra, explore a Medieval trading place preserved in time, or take a ferry to Grimsey Island, home to one hundred people, and one <\/span>million <\/span><\/i>seabirds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
Enjoy breathtaking scenery in Akureryi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

H\u00fasav\u00edk<\/b><\/p>\n

On the shores of <\/span>Skj\u00e1lfandi Bay sits <\/span>H\u00fasav\u00edk, home to just over two thousand locals and countless adventures. The area is famous for its hot springs, so come prepared to take a dip and experience their healing powers for yourself. H\u00fasav\u00edk also offers opportunity for horse riding, golf, hiking, and birdwatching. Keep in mind, though, that since H\u00fasav\u00edk is a smaller town, certain amenities, such as restaurants, are limited in the off-season.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"h\u00fasav\u00edk
Go whale watching in H\u00fasav\u00edk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Must-try dishes in Iceland<\/b><\/h3>\n

Humar<\/b><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a seafood lover, you\u2019ll be thrilled with what Iceland has to offer! Historically, the Icelandic people have relied on the sea for food, as the landscape isn\u2019t always the best to grow produce. Humar, or Langoustine, is Icelandic lobster that, while smaller than other lobster species, is full of flavour. <\/span><\/p>\n

Laufabrau\u00f0<\/b><\/p>\n

A special occasion dish, leaf bread, or Laufabrau\u00f0, is a traditional flatbread most often eaten during the Christmas season. Intricately designed and then fried in mutton fat or oil, these crispy treats bring Icelandic families together during their long winters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Camping in Iceland: Rules, Packing Tips and Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Sn\u00fa\u00f0ur<\/b><\/p>\n

This decadent pastry is Danish-influenced and amazing. A type of cinnamon roll, Sn\u00fa\u00f0ur is popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Dough baked with spices like cinnamon and cardamom and then topped with melted chocolate or another sweet glaze makes up this amazing treat. Sn\u00fa\u00f0ur is perfect to share, but we won\u2019t blame you if you keep it all for yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n

Local Experiences<\/b><\/h3>\n

Waterfalls<\/b><\/p>\n

Iceland is home to over 200 waterfalls. In the summer, when conditions are good, making a trip to hike the area surrounding one can be almost as rewarding as getting the perfect shot of all that water crashing down. <\/span><\/p>\n

Our top picks:<\/span><\/p>\n