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

Should you visit Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

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 Lofoten Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a cultural, historic, and medieval city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a dramatic, remote, and pristine archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and food.

Bregenz and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Bregenz and Lofoten Islands are both popular with visitors, Lofoten Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lofoten Islands is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is known for its nightlife. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. Lofoten Islands is popular for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also home to The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Bregenz different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Lofoten Islands and Bregenz.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bregenz. 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.

Lofoten Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Bregenz or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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, 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.

Is Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

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 Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for the beach. However, Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Lofoten Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Is Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is terrific for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Lofoten Islands specifically for its hiking. 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.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bregenz and Lofoten Islands both offer plenty of good spots.

Bregenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Lofoten Islands is a great destination for shopping. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Is Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Bregenz or Lofoten Islands.

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.

Lofoten Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bregenz or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is terrific for couples. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Lofoten Islands has plenty to offer. 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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Bregenz is very good for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines 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 Bregenz or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

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

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore 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 Bregenz Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Bregenz. 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 Bregenz 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 Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

The historic destination of Bregenz offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Lofoten Islands, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

The city of Bregenz offers food and shopping. 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.

In Lofoten Islands, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

Bregenz is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lofoten Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lofoten Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bregenz or Lofoten Islands?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lofoten Islands. In Lofoten Islands, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, 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 Bregenz and Lofoten Islands, we can see that Bregenz 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 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 Lofoten Islands.

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