A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bamberg vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bamberg or Karlovy Vary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bamberg or Karlovy Vary, 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: Bamberg or Karlovy Vary?

Bamberg

Amidst the rolling green hills and clear blue skies, you find yourself in a town that holds a certain magic in the air that leaves you in an intoxicated languor. Quaint, picturesque, charming - from its medieval and baroque architecture to its breathtaking gardens, the romantic flair of Bamberg, Germany is simply spell-binding. One of Europe's largest intact old town centers, Bamberg is located in northern Bavaria, established over 7 hills where the rivers of the Regnitz and Main conjoin. Preserving structures from the 11th to 19th centuries, Bamberg was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The town is filled to the brim with arts and culture, holding the world-renowned Bamberg Symphony Orchestra as well as such festivities as the international magician and street performers' festival. A gorgeous countryside town, Bamberg also provides its guests with many metropolitan amenities such as restaurants, cafes, malls, and antique shops. Whether it be beer gardens or nature parks, Bamberg has it all!

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Bamberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bamberg is €127, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Bamberg and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bamberg 75
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bamberg 150
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Bamberg and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Bamberg or Karlovy Vary? 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 Bamberg


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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: Bamberg Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bamberg 14
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Bamberg or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Bamberg 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
    Bamberg 41
    Karlovy Vary 25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bamberg 17
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

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

  • Bamberg Countryside Breweries Beer Hike Food Experience (departs Bamberg): $281
  • Bamberg Crime-Trail: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bamberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $240
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Bar & Club Tour with free drinks & VIP entry: $31
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bamberg 19
    Karlovy Vary 6.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bamberg or Karlovy Vary?

Bamberg has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Bamberg and Karlovy Vary, 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 Bamberg or Karlovy Vary?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bamberg or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bamberg as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bamberg is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bamberg this time of the year. In the summer, Bamberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Bamberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Bamberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bamberg is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bamberg in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Bamberg usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Bamberg gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bamberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Bamberg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Bamberg in the winter. In January, Bamberg is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bamberg average around 0°C (33°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Bamberg often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Bamberg usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bamberg and Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Bamberg for the natural beauty.

Bamberg is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Bamberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Bamberg gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Bamberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bamberg 10°C (50°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Bamberg

Bamberg Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)