Ranked and rated: Which Scandinavian country is the best destination?

Revered for their superb ­landscapes, quirky cultures and ability to nurture the finer details of life, the six main Nordic nations have a lot in common. Choosing the best one to visit can be difficult.

Despite their shared latitudes, these countries are wildly different. When it comes to good looks, Norway steals the show with soaring mountains and photogenic fjords. Greenland rates high on solitude; Finland charms with fairy-tale forests; and Iceland is simply like no other place on Earth.

Inside Iceland’s Vatnajokull Glacier.Credit: iStock

But a Nordic holiday is about much more than appreciating the scenery. Both Denmark and Sweden have ­fas­c­in­ating pasts, told through Viking ruins and well-preserved castles and ­palaces. Copenhagen is at the forefront of a New Nordic culinary scene, while Stock­holm is a hub of ­hipster bars and cafes.

And let’s not forget those special ­qualities that make a country unique – whether it’s a penchant for sweating in saunas or a passion for carving ice hotels. We’ve rated each according to var­i­ous criteria. Let’s see which comes out best.

Sweden

The northern lights over northern Sweden.

City cool More island-hopping heaven than ­commuter hell, capital Stockholm and second city Gothenburg belong to ­scenic archipelagos. Sustainably small yet big enough to create a buzz, both have ­gourmet restaurants and trendy bars. You’ll find great cocktails at both ­Akk­u­rat and Pharmarium in Stockholm’s hipster district, Sodermalm; and seasonal ­champion Bhoga is one of Gothenburg’s five Michelin-starred spots. In Swedish Lapland, in the far north, the Treehotel and Arctic Bath are cool places to stay.

History and culture With 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites – more than any other Nordic nation – the Swedes showcase their riches. Rock carvings in Tanum date from the Bronze Age; Visby, on Gotland, is a fine example of a Hanseatic town; and Gammelstad, near Lulea, has a 15th century church and red clapboard cottages. Museums are entertainingly diverse, too – from the Disgusting Food Museum, in Malmo, to Stockholm’s triumphant ode to ABBA, stacked with spangly memorabilia.

Snowshoeing in Swedish Lapland.

Outdoor adventure Swedish Lapland excels at winter adventures: dog-sledding, snowshoeing and skiing are possible. But it’s the ­lesser-known summer spots that set the destination apart. Tackle an intrepid rock climb at Europe’s biggest via ­ferrata centre at Skuleberget, with views across the High Coast, or hike across Fulufjallet National Park in Dalarna to discover the 9565-year-old Old Tjikko tree.

Practicalities The instability of the Swedish krona means prices are almost on a par with London. Public transport is decent, with ferries, trams and generous bike lanes within cities. The train network reaches right up to the Arctic Circle, and the introduction of an ­overnight sleeper service from Berlin to Stockholm means that it is now ­poss­ible to travel all the way from London by train.

X factor The Icehotel has been freshly carved in Jukkasjarvi since 1989. Crayfish parties, held in August and September, have also been a tradition since the 16th century.

See visitsweden.com

Total score: 8/10

Norway

The redeveloped waterfront of Aker Brygge has transformed Oslo.

City cool Unfairly accused of being drab and ­boring, strait-laced Oslo has loosened its collar in recent years with a raft of grown-up hotels, such as the Thief and Sommerro. The heat has also been turned up on a sizzling sauna scene: relax in a barrel at waterside Salt, or sweat and sightsee on a floating Kok raft. In central Norway, the Trondelag region offers an abundance of artisanal produce and is the champion of the Norwegian food scene. Up in the far north, the Arctic gateway of Tromso is a hub for adventure-seekers, soon to be connected to the UK with several direct flights.

History and culture The redeveloped waterfront of Aker Brygge has transformed Oslo. Its ­architectural marvels include an opera house where you can admire ­spectacular views of the city as you walk on its vast marble-covered roof, the Munch Museum, with its rooftop cocktail bar and terrace, and several leading contemporary art galleries. Just as ­aesthetically pleasing are the colourful houses at Bergen’s Bryggen wharf and the art nouveau buildings of Alesund.

Majestic landscapes at Pulpit Rock.

Outdoor adventure Few places trump the splendour of ­Norway’s spiky mountains, deep ­valleys and narrow fjords. For high-rise, ­scenic hikes, Lofoten and Senja are unbeatable. Or hike up to Pulpit Rock, a sheer cliff with a flat top, which rises 600 metres above the Lysefjord. Above the Arctic Circle, dramatic backdrops intensify the thrill of seeing the northern lights.

Practicalities Beauty has historically come at a price, but a devalued currency means Norway is now much cheaper for most of us. Besides, most of the key attractions are outdoors and free. During the summer, an excellent network of electric ferries connects the islands. But to make the most of the destination, you’ll need a car. Coastal weather can be stormy and unpredictable, especially as the seasons switch.

X factor Wildlife sightings are top-class. See polar bears and walruses on a ­summer cruise through the Svalbard ­archipelago, snorkel with orcas off the coast north of Tromso, and track musk oxen in the fells of Dovrefjell.

See visitnorway.com

Total score: 9/10

Iceland

Isafjordur in the Westfjords region.Credit: iStock

City cool In a country with fewer than 400,000 people, it might be difficult to generate any sort of scene. But Icelanders succeed. Bars along the capital Reykjavik’s main drag pulse with off-kilter music, and edgy acts perform at the Airwaves music festival every November, in ­venues such as galleries and even ­public pools. Second city Akureyri is slowly shaping an identity in the north.

History and culture Collectors of oddities, Icelanders have a passion for museums. In the capital, ­Perlan gives an introduction to the ­geological landscape, and Marshall House showcases modern art. Go ­further afield to the Westfjords region and the themes get weirder – including a hall dedicated to sea-monster sightings, and a museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft.

Outdoor adventure Explosive geysers, thundering ­waterfalls, bubbling mud pools and ­crystal ice caves make this a land of unique experiences. Crawl through a lava tunnel on the Snaefellsnes ­Peninsula, ice climb over the ­Vatnajokull Glacier or snorkel between two tectonic plates at Silfra. The Highland Base resort, below the Kerlingarfjoll mountain range, has opened up the Central Highlands region.

Strokkur Geysir at dusk.Credit: iStock

Practicalities Coach tours connect popular ­attractions such as the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, but a car is ideal to explore ­further. Although geared up for van life, free camping is banned. During peak summer season, campsites must be booked in advance. In fact, crowds are Iceland’s biggest drawback, best avoided by visiting in shoulder seasons or hitting remote areas such as the Westfjords. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest ­country in the world.

X factor From raw, steaming wilderness spots to polished designer spas, geothermal energy fuels hundreds of hot springs. Bathe in splendour at Reykjavik’s Sky Lagoon, Akureyri’s Forest Lagoon and the caldera-edge Myvatn Nature Baths.

See visiticeland.com

Total score: 7.5/10

Denmark

Copenhagen – design capital. Grundtvig’s Church, commemorating Danish poet. NFS Grundtvig.

City cool Effortless dressing is a Nordic trademark and Copenhagen wears the trend best. Everything about the city is ­stylish – from the sprawling pavement ­restaurants along the colourful Nyhavn water­front to cosy “hygge” cafes in ­multicultural Norrebro. The New ­Nordic food scene was born here at the hallowed Noma restaurant, which is closing next year. Regardless, places such as Host, with its use of speciality Nordic ingredients and seasonal greens, still intrigue. Although hugely overshadowed, second city Aarhus sparkles with Arne Jacobsen architecture.

History and culture Home to one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Denmark is dotted with enchanting fairy tale castles. See the crown jewels at Rosenborg, in ­Copenhagen, or channel Hamlet at Kronborg Castle, where Shakespeare set his play. There’s a rich Viking ­heritage, too: find longboats at the Viking Ship Museum, in Roskilde, and decipher the runic alphabet at Jelling.

A bicycle bridge in Copenhagen. The country has several great cycling routes.Credit: Visit Copenhagen

Outdoor adventure It can be difficult to be inspired by largely flat terrain. On the plus side, it’s good for cycling. In the absence of ­elevation, the natural attraction is an extended coastline. Sandy shores and pebble beaches stretch 8700 kilometres around a jigsaw of almost 1500 islands. In the north, Rabjerg Mile is northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune. Blustery West Zealand is ideal for windsurfing, while the crumbling chalk cliffs of Mon make the Baltic look like the Indian Ocean.

Practicalities Friendly, laid-back and sociable, Danes buck the aloof Scandi stereotype. The country is small enough to cross with its decent train, ferry and bus network, and there are several great cycling routes. Flights from the UK to Copenhagen and Billund are a short two-hour hop. A warming climate makes Baltic and North Sea beach breaks a possibility.

X factor The world’s first Lego brick was laid in Billund and an empire has since been built. The Legoland Billund Resort amusement park is a family favourite.

See visitdenmark.com

Total score: 7/10

Finland

Helsinki and its old town.Credit: Adobe Stock

City cool Quietly becoming one of Europe’s quirkiest city destinations, art-nouveau capital Helsinki has a lot to shout about: its most luxurious hotel to date, the Hotel Maria, opened last year; the art scene is booming with a successful biennale; and a food movement is evolving with restaurants such as the kitsch Yes Yes Yes, Michelin-starred ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan and the Finnish food champion Skord. Skateboard on a gallery rooftop at Amos Rex, thrift shop in Kallio or hire an electric guitar and recording studio at progressive public library Oodi. In addition, the red-brick city of Tampere has a lively craft-beer scene.

History and culture It’s just over 100 years since the country declared independence, and its ­troubled past is documented in military barracks and forts around the Helsinki arch­i­pelago. More idyllic spots are the cobblestoned city of Porvoo and the ­former capital, Turku. This is also the home of Moominworld (arguably ­Finland’s greatest creation) – although Tampere’s Moomin Museum is far ­superior. Fiskars Village, in the west, is an arts-and-crafts enclave, and design giants Iittala, Marimekko and Arabia can be found in Helsinki’s shoppable Design District.

Finland has a great tradition of waterside saunas.Credit: Visit Finland

Outdoor adventure About 75 per cent of the country is covered in forest – more than anywhere else in Europe. Hiking trails wind through multiple national parks, where cabins stocked with firewood are free to use. Lemmenjoki National Park, in the north, is a sprawling wilderness of ­waterfalls, lichen-draped pines and ­edible berries. Above the Arctic Circle, conditions are perfect for aurora ­viewing, especially in the Sami heartland of Inari. This is also the land of a thousand lakes, inviting swims and kayak trips.

Practicalities Despite their dour demeanour, the Finns are an entertaining bunch. It is repeatedly named the world’s happiest country for good reason. Part of the eurozone, costs are lower than the other Nordics. Winter temperatures in the north can plunge to minus 25 degrees – but if the skies are clear, that heightens the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

X factor A place to relax and debate, saunas are sacred in Finland. You’ll find the highest number of public saunas in Tampere, including the lakeside Rauhaniemi. In Helsinki, Loyly is an upscale glass-walled hothouse overlooking the Baltic. For an island adventure, try Lonna, a short ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square.

See visitfinland.com

Score: 9.5/10

Greenland

Northern lights ove Nuuk.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

City cool Nuuk is the largest city in Greenland, though its population is only 20,000. Its strength lies in its obscurity; score immediate bragging points for even saying you’ve been. Despite a few teething problems, a new airport should improve access to a thriving street-art scene and cafe culture. Another airport is planned for Ilulissat, a tourist town dominated by the iceberg graveyard of Disko Bay. Highlights in Sisimiut, the second largest town, include an open-air pool and a church gate made from a whalebone.

History and culture In a land with little development, the cultural highlight is the Indigenous Inuit community. One of the best ways to experience local culture is by ­joining a cruise visiting villages along the east coast. Although there are few remains, the 4000-year-old settlement of ­Sermermiut, in the west, is a pleasant hike. In the green south, Qaqortoq town features stone carvings by local artists, and nearby Hvalsey island has ­several Viking ruins from the reign of Erik the Red.

Intrepid traveller’s are well catered for… dog sledding in a winter wonderland.

Outdoor adventure On both land and sea, this is a country made for intrepid explorers: hiking through the pastures of south ­Greenland, glamping at Camp Kiattua, or trekking across the ice cap from ­Kangerlussuaq.

Practicalities Dominated by a giant ice cap covering 80 per cent of its surface, Greenland isn’t an easy country to navigate. Cruise ships operate fixed itineraries along the east and west coastlines in the summer. If you’re going independently, the only options are to fly between destinations or to take Arctic Umiaq Line’s Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry from north to south between May and January. It’s generally chilly throughout the year and storms can disrupt travel plans.

X factor One of our last true wilderness regions, Greenland can be frustratingly challenging to conquer, but that’s its charm.

See visitgreenland.com

Total score: 7/10

The overall winner

Fresh powder at Finnish Lapland.Credit: iStock

It’s a tough battle between mountains, volcanoes, ice caps and forests, but when it comes to a balance of hip cities, heart-stirring landscapes and a general feeling of welcomeness and quirky Nordic oddities, Finland has the edge.

This is an edited extract from the Telegraph, London