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4-day side-trip from Iceland: Geneva or Helsinki/Talinn

Hello! I posted on here a few weeks ago about deciding on a side-trip to take from Iceland next month (only my trip will now be 4 days instead of 5). After a lot of research and comparing flights/lodging, I have narrowed it down to two cities: Geneva and Helsinki/Talinn (would spend one night in Talinn after taking the ferry there). For reference, I am a late-20s female traveling solo. Here are the pros and cons I've listed for each destination:

Geneva Pros:
-GORGEOUS scenery and hiking trails nearby
-I have a friend in Geneva that I haven't seen in 5 years, so it would be really nice to see them.
-Really good food

Geneva Cons:
-Potentially a lot of tourists/very crowded (though those of you that have been to Geneva in the summer, you can tell me what it is like).
-A little skeptical of doing hikes alone since my friend may not be able to join me during the day due to work.
-Day-to-day activities (food, excursions, etc.) a little more expensive.

Helsinki/Talinn Pros:
-Less common of a tourist destination. I like to explore places a little off the beaten path.
-I've been to all of the Scandinavian countries except Finland, so if I go there I will finally be able to say that I've been to all of the Scandinavian countries.
-I'm personally intrigued by how different I've heard Finland is from the other Scandinavian countries and am interested in exploring the city/nearby sights. I'm also very interested in seeing Talinn.
-Day-to-day activities (food, excursions, etc.) a little cheaper.

Helsinki/Talinn Cons:
-Not the same type of hiking/scenery that is in Geneva
-Wouldn't be able to see my friend in Geneva.

Would love to hear some thoughts/opinions! Thanks!

Posted by
308 posts

Hard to decide between the 2 options. I have been to Geneva and will be going to Helsinki/Tallinn next March. 1st off, I would "plan" a trip to both locations, seeing how easy it would be to travel to both locations by plane. There may not be direct flights from Iceland that are convenient for you. You did not mention where you would be traveling home from. You can expect good weather in each location since you are traveling in the summer, but again, Geneva could be more crowded than Helsinki. Good Luck!

Posted by
7050 posts

I've been to all of the Scandinavian countries except Finland

Finland is not a Scandinavian country.

This is a tricky question and in the end a matter of opinion. But if you have a friend in Geneva that you haven't seen in five years, that sounds like a very good reason to choose Geneva.