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

Should you visit Akureyri or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Hamburg $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $86
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $92
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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 $35
    Hamburg $37

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Hamburg $42

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
  • Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
  • Zipline Tour: $90
  • Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
  • The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $3.75

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Hamburg $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Hamburg, we can see that Akureyri 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 Hamburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Hamburg. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Hamburg. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Akureyri

Akureyri Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)