Hello,
We are planning to travel from the U.S. to England via Iceland in June and have 2 extra days on the way over. Having been to Iceland, we want to visit a new place. At this point we are considering Stockholm and Oslo. There will be 2 adults, a 5 year old, and a 1 year old. Both seem to have plenty to do to fill 2 days and are child friendly. Any suggestions on which place to visit?
You're right: both Stockholm and Oslo have plenty to do to fill 2 days.
But whereas 2 days in Oslo will allow you to enjoy a good amount of what the city has to offer, 2 days in Stockholm is just enough to scratch the surface. I think 4 days in Stockholm is about right.
So the question is, do you think you'll get back to either of these cities? If so, do Oslo now, and save Stockholm for when you have more than 2 days. But if not, Stockholm would be the better choice.
Both cities have a lot to offer and you will have a great time no matter which one you choose. Although my vote goes to Stockholm, I think it has a bit of an advantage.
You could check the AT A GLANCE section for each city to see which one has things that appeal to you.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/norway/oslo
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/sweden/stockholm
Since you are buying an extra flight, is one city a lot more expensive than the other, or provide better flight times or airport choices in the UK?
Perhaps Norway would be right for you, as it is the parent of Iceland.
Both cities need more than 2 days ony and seem more a detour with entering Schengen zone - and this whole logistics for 2 days?
Realistically choose a destination in Scotand or Ireland, e. g. Edinborough.
Both cities need more than 2 days ony
I disagree. Both cities can certainly support more time, but suggesting someone avoid them with only two days available is just ...
This whole business of destinations "needing" some minimum number of days has gotten out of hand. We have the time we have. Even for cities like London and Paris, a single day there can provide the thrill of a lifetime for many people.
I have always enjoyed Stockholm and would make that my first choice if I had not been to both already. For such a short visit, either one will be entertaining enough, but Stockholm is a good destination.
I always think it's a shame to visit only the cites in these countries. There is so much more to see and experience, but it's a starting point.
Both cities can certainly support more time, but suggesting someone avoid them with only two days ...
These are not 2 days. Realictically they need half a day to travel to and half a day to travel out. The kids reduce the first evening to max 6 or 7 p. m.. Starting a tourist day before any sights or HoHo tours are beginning business makes no sense. The second day ends realistically at noon before traveling back. So, time to explore is reduced to appr. 8 hours or less.
