Should you visit Finland or Germany?
Finland and Germany are both very different countries in Europe with unique things to offer visitors. In general, Finland is a bit more expensive than Germany.
Finland is a northern European country that is relatively expensive when compared to the rest of Europe. Helsinki is the capital city, and it is a fun place to spend some time. Finland also has many beautiful lakes that provide excellent fishing and outdoor opportunities, and Finland is known for its outdoor sports year around. Skiing, snowmobiling, and ice diving are all popular activities.
Germany is a large country with diverse landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, and charming towns. Despite its large size, it is a very efficient country to visit. Trains and buses are reliable and run like clockwork. The cities are very clean and modern and the facilities are comfortable. If you hope to explore Germany in great depth, it's worth having a good amount of time. There are so many places worth visiting, even with the efficient transportation, you'll need a lot to time to really soak up the country.
Which country is cheaper, Germany or Finland?
Should I visit Finland or Germany? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Germany can cost you about €1,061 (per person), while a week in Finland may cost you around €1,100. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Germany or Finland can really add to your travel budget.
Accommodation is often cheaper in Finland compared to Germany (€73 vs. €75). Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels usually appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Compare hotel prices here: Finland Hotel Prices and Germany Hotel Prices.
Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Germany and Finland to find the cheapest accommodation here: Germany hostels and Finland hostels.
When comparing food in Finland vs. Germany they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Finland (€37) are often cheaper than Germany (€40).
When is the best time to visit Finland and Germany?
Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, Finland
The best time to visit Finland is during the summer months between June and August. This is when the temperatures are at their warmest and the tourist facilities are open and operating at full capacity. Do note that many residents take a holiday during the month of August and head to the countryside. Prices can be a bit higher during this time and some places get a bit more crowded.
Fall is a nice time to visit the country as well, although temperatures start to drop as early as the beginning of September. Lapland is a beautiful area during these months as the colors turn to gold and orange. Many attractions do reduce their hours starting in September.
Winters are actually a bit milder in Finland than in other parts of Scandinavia, but temperatures are still very cold. This is an interesting time to visit the country because there are plenty of winter sports that you can enjoy including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice diving.
Germany is a beautiful country to visit year around, but temperatures are most comfortable and crowds less intense during the spring and fall seasons. These shoulder seasons are good options if you don't want to pay peak prices and wish to avoid the heaviest crowds. If you do plan to visit during the summer months, Germany ha several destinations that have slightly cooler climates that might be more pleasant.
Winter is also a beautiful time to visit Germany. In general, prices tend to be a bit cheaper during this season, but good off season deals have become hard to come by. Even during the coldest winter months, many hotels are still popular with business travelers or tour groups, which prevents major price reductions. Deals on airline tickets can still be found during these low times, but the holiday season around Christmas can also be a more expensive time to visit as vacationers head to both countries.
Why is Finland more expensive than Germany?
Finland, like much of northern Europe, is an expensive country to visit. Depending on what you want to see and do, transportation and organized activities can be quite expensive. Food, accommodation, and entertainment are all expensive throughout Finland, regardless of the season you visit. Finland also has a high cost of living, so restaurants and other amenities are more expensive than in many parts of Europe.
Although Germany is not a cheap place to visit, it does have a wide range of accommodation options including hostels and very budget hotels. This diversity of facilities means that even the most budget travelers can likely find an affordable place to stay.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Finland and Germany?
Bamberg, Germany
Finland is an expensive country to visit, regardless of where you go. Helsinki is a relatively expensive city, but it is possible to find some reasonably priced hostels and budget hotels. Lapland is an expensive part of Finland, in part because visitors often book organized activities and excursions before they arrive. These activities and excursions can be very expensive and raise your overall daily budget. If you're hoping to save some money, do some research and figure out what you can do independently, which is often the cheaper way to go.
In Germany, cities like Berlin can be a bit more expensive than the countryside. There are some smaller towns that only have a couple of hotels and no hostels, so if you're on a budget you might find yourself spending more money in a small town than you do in a large city.
How you can save money when visiting Finland and Germany?
Look into discount cards for specific cities to see if they'll save you any money.
Make reservations well in advance, particularly for trains. Prices tend to climb as the date approaches.
Taxis can be very expensive, so look into public transportation whenever possible.
Plan to cook some of your own food, as eating out is also a very expensive experience.
Transportation costs in both Germany and Finland can be high. If you travel to less cities you'll keep your costs in check and be able to explore the places you do visit in more depth.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
