A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bregenz vs. Flam for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bregenz or Flam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bregenz and Flam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a vibrant, cultural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Bregenz and Flam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Bregenz or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bregenz than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bregenz is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Flam is more touristy than Bregenz and is known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Bregenz is well known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. Also, Bregenz is famous for The Lake Promenade.

How is Bregenz different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bregenz or Flam?

Bregenz
Flam

Bregenz is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.


Is the Food Better in Bregenz or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz
Flam

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bregenz and Flam.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Flam makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz
Flam

Bregenz is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Bregenz has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Bregenz or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz
Flam

Bregenz is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

Bregenz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Flam does not have a historic old town.


Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Hiking?

Bregenz
Flam

Flam is a great village for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Flam for the hiking trails. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the FlÄmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Flam?

Bregenz
Flam

Bregenz is a good destination for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bregenz. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Families?

Bregenz
Flam

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Bregenz or Flam.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bregenz. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Flam is a very family-friendly place to visit. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.


Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Couples?

Bregenz
Flam

Both Bregenz and Flam are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Bregenz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bregenz
Flam

For backpackers, both Bregenz and Flam are notable places to visit.

Bregenz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bregenz or Flam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bregenz
Flam

Bregenz and Flam both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.


Is Bregenz or Flam a more walkable city?

Bregenz
Flam

Flam is a great village for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bregenz Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bregenz or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bregenz than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bregenz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bregenz than Flam 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 Bregenz.


  • How many days in Bregenz or Flam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bregenz 1-3 
    Flam 1-2

One day in Bregenz or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bregenz. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bregenz or Flam?

Bregenz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flam has to offer.


Five days in Bregenz or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bregenz. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bregenz or Flam?

The cultural city of Bregenz offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Flam or Bregenz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bregenz is €122, while the average daily cost in Flam is €104. 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 Bregenz and Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bregenz 66
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bregenz 132
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Bregenz and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Bregenz or Flam? 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 Bregenz


Hotels in Flam


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: Bregenz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bregenz 17
    Flam 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Bregenz or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam and Bregenz 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
    Bregenz 41
    Flam 33
Typical Food Prices in Bregenz

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bregenz:


  • Lunch from Market (for 2)
    6.62
  • Kebabs for Dinner (for 2)
    8.00
  • Chocolate
    1.70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bregenz 14
    Flam 16

Tours and Activities in Bregenz

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

  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $294
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $289
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Magical Christmas Walking Tour: $769
  • Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a Local: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bregenz 18
    Flam 3.44


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Flam?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Bregenz and Flam, 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.