A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Flam for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cesis or Flam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Flam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a small, authentic, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Cesis and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Flam. Although Cesis and Flam are popular destinations, Flam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Flam is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights. Flam is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for the Stegastein Viewpoint. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Flam is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Flam is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Flam. 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.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Flam is a village with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Flam is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is adequate for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

Cesis is a good place to visit the old town. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Flam. 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 Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Flam?

Flam is a village with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Flam is a very kid-friendly village. 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.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Flam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Cesis or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Flam are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cesis is a good town to visit for backpackers. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

Plenty of backpackers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Flam is a village with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Flam, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a local bus service through the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cesis is a somewhat walkable town. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cesis or Flam to fill your time. In our opinion, Flam has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Flam than Cesis. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Flam?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Flam, many people enjoy the food that this breathtaking small town offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cesis or Flam?

Cesis 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Flam?

Cesis is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the small town destination of Flam. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Flam?

Because Cesis is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

You'll find food around the beautiful small town of Flam. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Flam, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Flam?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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.

When is the best time to visit Cesis or Flam?

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 Cesis or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cesis is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Flam. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Flam in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cesis is cooler than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Flam. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Flam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Flam. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Flam can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Flam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Cesis is generally cooler than Flam. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Flam. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Cesis