A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Dresden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Dresden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Dresden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Dresden?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $142, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $147. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Akureyri and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $92
    Dresden $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $184
    Dresden $134
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Dresden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Akureyri


Hotels in Dresden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $21
    Dresden $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri - Private Airport Transfer: $72
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
  • Private Northern Lights Tour with Transfer & Snack: $554
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $116
  • From Northern Lights Hunting Tour with Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Prague: Bus Transfer to/from Dresden Center: $26
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $160
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $133
  • Private transfer from Prague to Berlin with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Akureyri change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Akureyri $36
    Dresden $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $60
  • Dinner Show “Industrielle Revolution”: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Dresden $10

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Húsavík walking tour: $44
  • Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $48
  • Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket: $50
  • Akureyri Hop on Hop off tour: $69
  • From Christmas House Tour: $71
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $72
  • Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $76
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $83
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
  • Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $87
  • Zipline Tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dresden Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.52
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.59
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.78
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.78
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.78
  • Dresden Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Dresden Transport Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Albertinum Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Advent Tour with Stollen Tasting and Mulled Wine: $14
  • Historical City Tour of Dresden and Frauenkirche: $14
  • Classical Dresden Walking Tour with licensed Guide: $14
  • Complete Walking Tour with Frauenkirche Visit: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Dresden $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $146

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • BURLESQUE - "The art of sensual seduction": $49
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $58
  • Desden: Private pub crawl with insider guide, shots & drinking games: $391
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $408


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Dresden, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Dresden?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Akureyri or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Dresden. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Akureyri usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Dresden. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Dresden. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Dresden. Additionally, many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Akureyri

Akureyri Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)