A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Alesund for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Alesund?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Alesund, 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.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a nature-oriented, peaceful, and historic spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alesund. Although Baden-Baden and Alesund are popular destinations, Alesund has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alesund is very popular for its big city activities, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Alesund is famous for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also well known for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Baden-Baden different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Baden-Baden and Alesund.

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alesund. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Baden-Baden is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Both Baden-Baden and Alesund are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Baden-Baden is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Both Baden-Baden and Alesund are nice shopping destinations.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Alesund has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Baden-Baden is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Alesund is a family-friendly spa town. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Baden-Baden is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.


Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Students?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Alesund is a nice place to visit for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Alesund is a good city to visit for students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Alesund is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Alesund a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Alesund

Baden-Baden and Alesund both are nice when exploring on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable spa town. The city center can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baden-Baden and Alesund. In our opinion, Baden-Baden has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baden-Baden than Alesund. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

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


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

In Baden-Baden, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This spa town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Alesund. 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.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

In Baden-Baden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Baden-Baden has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Alesund. This city 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.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The laid back city of Alesund offers shopping and museums. 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.


A week in Baden-Baden or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baden-Baden. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alesund. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Baden-Baden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Baden-Baden and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Alesund? 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 Baden-Baden


Hotels in Alesund


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $140
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Alesund 11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and Alesund, we can see that Baden-Baden is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden than you might in Alesund.

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


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Alesund?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Alesund, 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 Baden-Baden or Alesund?

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 Baden-Baden or Alesund in the Summer?

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

In July, Baden-Baden is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 20°C (67°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Baden-Baden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alesund. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Baden-Baden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Alesund. The winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. In the winter, Baden-Baden is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baden-Baden in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Alesund. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Alesund. The natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. In April, Baden-Baden is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 10°C (50°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)