A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Uppsala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bern or Uppsala?

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

Should I visit Bern or Uppsala? 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.

Where Should I go: Bern or Uppsala?

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

Uppsala

Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Sweden, and The Best Budget Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Uppsala or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Uppsala is $135. 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 Bern and Uppsala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Uppsala $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Uppsala $178
Compare Hotels in Bern and Uppsala

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Uppsala? 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 Bern


Hotels in Uppsala


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Uppsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Uppsala $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Uppsala?

Prices for flights to both Uppsala and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    Uppsala $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Uppsala $18

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Tours and Activities in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Vasatid at Uppsala Castle 1h - a guided tour in Uppsala: $27
  • Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $31
  • Guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $55
  • Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $75
  • Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $83
  • Private guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $99
  • Private tour, A Dark perspective, the dark Uppsala city walk, about a dark past!: $113
  • Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $120
  • From Stockholm: Viking History Tour to Sigtuna and Uppsala: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Uppsala $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Uppsala, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Uppsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Uppsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Uppsala 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 Uppsala.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Uppsala?

Uppsala has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Uppsala, 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 Bern or Uppsala?

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 Bern or Uppsala in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Uppsala. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is a little warmer than Uppsala in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Uppsala fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Uppsala. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 260 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in July than Uppsala. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Uppsala 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bern or Uppsala in the Autumn?

Both Uppsala and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is much warmer than Uppsala. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Uppsala averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Uppsala during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Uppsala. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Uppsala 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Bern or Uppsala in the Winter?

Both Uppsala and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Uppsala can be very cold. Bern can be very cold during winter. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Uppsala. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 40 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in January than Uppsala. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Uppsala -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Bern or Uppsala in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Uppsala. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

Bern is much warmer than Uppsala in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Uppsala fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Uppsala during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Uppsala 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Uppsala and Bern

Bern Uppsala
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) -3°C (27°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) -3°C (27°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)