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

Should you visit Bern or Lofoten Islands?

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

Should I visit Bern or Lofoten Islands? 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 historic, charming, 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 remote, pristine, and charming archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Lofoten Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Bern and Lofoten Islands are popular destinations, Lofoten Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lofoten Islands is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Lofoten Islands is famous for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also well known for The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Bern different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern 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 Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Bern or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lofoten Islands 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, Lofoten Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Bern 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

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 Bern or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Lofoten Islands is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Bern and Lofoten Islands.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bern. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lofoten Islands. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Is Bern or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Lofoten Islands specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Lofoten Islands?

Bern 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.

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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

Is Bern or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Lofoten Islands.

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, Lofoten Islands is very family-friendly. 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 Bern or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lofoten Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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

Both Bern and Lofoten Islands are great destinations for backpackers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Bern 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 Bern can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Bern or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Bern is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

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 Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Bern?

How long in Bern or Lofoten Islands?

Both Bern 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 Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

Couples should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Bern. 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 Bern than Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands?

The charming destination of Bern 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Lofoten Islands. 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 Lofoten Islands?

The city of Bern 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.

Lofoten Islands is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Lofoten Islands?

Bern 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Lofoten Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bern or Lofoten Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the spectacular archipelago of Lofoten Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Bern and Lofoten Islands, we can see that Bern 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 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 Lofoten Islands.

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