Helsinki vs Stockholm: Finse sauna or Zweedse design?
Helsinki has best sauna's and interessante modern architectuur (Oodi-bibliotheek). Stockholm has historischer charme + grotere museum-offer.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the groene north-European capital: sauna's, design (Iittala, Marimekko), eilandfortressen and zomerlange days. Flights from Schiphol from €100 return, 3 days from €520 per person.
Flight from NL: €100 return
View Helsinki →Stockholm
Stockholm strekt zich uit about 14 islands in the Oostzee: gele and rode facades, design-museums (ABBA, Vasa), and the highest levenskwaliteit-scores ter world.
Flight from NL: €90 return
View Stockholm →Best time to visit compared
Helsinki
June-August for lange days + festivals. December for snow and Christmas markets. Vermijd November (donker and grijs).
Stockholm
June to August: 18-22 degrees, lichte zomernachten, all terrassen open. May and September are quieter. December has Christmas markets + snow, magical but cold. Vermijd January/February (donker and -5°C).
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Helsinki
Directly from Schiphol to Helsinki (HEL) in 2 hour 40 minutes. KLM, Finnair. Train to center €4.10 in 30 minutes.
Stockholm
Directly from Schiphol to Stockholm Arlanda (STO) in 2 hour 15 minutes. KLM, SAS. Arlanda Express €30 or bus €10 to center.
Costs compared
Helsinki
Hostels from €30, hotels €120-180, vacation rentals €140/night. Food: lihapullia €12, dinner €30-45, biertje €7. Saunabezoek €15-25.
Stockholm
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €130 to 180, vacation rentals €150 per night. Food: lunch €15, dinner €30 to 45, kanelbulle €4. Tip: Saluhall is cheaper than restaurants.
Who is it for?
Choose Helsinki if you are...
Sauna-fans, design-junkies, who something less gebaande paden searches.
Choose Stockholm if you are...
Klassieke Skandinavië-fans, islands + Vasa-museum-lovers.
Our verdict
Helsinki is something cheaper. Stockholm is bigger and gevarieerder. Veerboot between 17 hour (slapen on boord), €60.