A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Lillehammer for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or Lillehammer?

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

Should I visit Bern or Lillehammer? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Bern and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Bern and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Lillehammer has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also home to Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Bern different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Bern is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. 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.

Bern is not a skiing destination.

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

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Bern or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Lillehammer are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Bern is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Lillehammer?

Bern is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Lillehammer.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. 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 Bern or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Lillehammer make for a very good place to visit.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Bern or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Bern or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Bern or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

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

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Bern?

How long in Bern or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Bern or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern 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 Bern.

One day in Bern or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Lillehammer?

The cultural city of Bern offers shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The natural city of Lillehammer offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, 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 Bern and Lillehammer, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive? and Is Lillehammer Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bern or Lillehammer?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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.