A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Lillehammer for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Annecy or Lillehammer?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Lillehammer can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Annecy and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing. Annecy is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Annecy different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Annecy. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great city for skiing. However, Annecy is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Annecy is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Lillehammer.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Annecy or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Annecy and Lillehammer.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Annecy and Lillehammer.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Lillehammer?

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Lillehammer both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer to go shopping. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Lillehammer.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Lillehammer is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Lillehammer is a great alpine town if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Lillehammer are nice places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy and Lillehammer both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Annecy or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Annecy is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Annecy Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Annecy or Lillehammer. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Annecy than Lillehammer. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Lillehammer. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Lillehammer. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Lillehammer if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Annecy.

One day in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Annecy or Lillehammer?

Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Lillehammer, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Lillehammer?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Lillehammer, 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.