A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Lofoten Islands for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Basel or Lofoten Islands?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Lofoten Islands, 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a spectacular, dramatic, and remote archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, food, and beaches.

Basel and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands than Basel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lofoten Islands is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Lofoten Islands is well known for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. Also, Lofoten Islands is famous for The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Basel different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Basel is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lofoten Islands. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.

Is the Food Better in Basel or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lofoten Islands is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lofoten Islands. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lofoten Islands. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is notable for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lofoten Islands. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Lofoten Islands both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Lofoten Islands is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Lofoten Islands draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Basel is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its shopping areas.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Lofoten Islands has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Basel and Lofoten Islands are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lofoten Islands. Outdoor adventures await at this breathtaking archipelago. There's kayaking, hiking, whale watch, and even a few Viking museums that the kids will enjoy.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Lofoten Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning views, dramatic fjords, and world class outdoor adventures make this an amazing romantic destination for couples. If you enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities, then there is no shortage of opportunities to explore here.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lofoten Islands is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. However, Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Basel is very popular with students. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Basel can get you to some places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Basel or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable city. Although the area is filled with hikes, you really must have a car if you hope to explore it with flexibility and accessibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Basel?

How long in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Both Basel and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Basel 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 Lofoten Islands.

One day in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

The historic destination of Basel offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this dramatic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

The city of Basel offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lofoten Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Basel is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lofoten Islands is a fun place to experience. In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Lofoten Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this dramatic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.

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

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