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

Should you visit Cesis or Gjovik?

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 Gjovik 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 natural, traditional, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Gjovik

Gjovik is a friendly, relaxed, and accessible town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Gjovik travel costs.

Cesis and Gjovik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Cesis or Gjovik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gjovik. Although Cesis and Gjovik are both popular with visitors, Gjovik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gjovik is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cesis is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes. Gjovik is popular for its beautiful surrounding countryside and nice landscape. It is also home to the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall.

How is Cesis different from Gjovik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Gjovik offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of sights and attractions near town such as the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall and the Royal Palace.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik 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 Gjovik. You'll find many local restaurants that range from fine dining opportunities to local cafes. Dishes usually include local ingredients that are fresh and high quality.

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 Gjovik Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Gjovik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find some bars and pubs around town as well as a couple of nightclubs.

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 Gjovik Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Gjovik

Cesis is a decent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Gjovik does not have a historic old town.


Is Cesis or Gjovik Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Gjovik

Cesis is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gjovik is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cesis. 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.

Gjovik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Gjovik?

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gjovik offers some nice shopping areas. The town center has some nice retail shops with clothing and other interesting items.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Gjovik More Beautiful?

Cesis
Gjovik

Cesis is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Gjovik is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Gjovik is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cesis or Gjovik Better for Families?

Cesis
Gjovik

Both Cesis and Gjovik are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cesis. 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.

Gjovik offers lots of family activities. You'll find a combination of museums and outdoor adventure activities. There are climbing parks, Olympic centers, and art galleries that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Cesis or Gjovik Better for Couples?

Cesis
Gjovik

Both Cesis and Gjovik are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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

Gjovik is a good town for couples to visit. You'll find romantic hotels and many great museums or outdoor parks that couples will appreciate.

Is Cesis or Gjovik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Gjovik

Cesis and Gjovik are good 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 Gjovik. There's at least one hostel around town, and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.


Is Cesis or Gjovik Better for Students?

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Gjovik is popular with students. The location offers access to much of what Norway has to offer, making it a nice place to base yourself while you're studying.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Cesis
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town 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 Gjovik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel through town.

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 Gjovik a more walkable city?

Cesis
Gjovik

Cesis and Gjovik both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Gjovik is a somewhat walkable town. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas as well as walking paths just outside of town.


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

Should I spend more time in Gjovik or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Gjovik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cesis and Gjovik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gjovik than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Gjovik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gjovik 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 Gjovik.


  • How many days in Cesis or Gjovik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Gjovik 1-3

One day in Cesis or Gjovik?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Gjovik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. This town 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 Gjovik?

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gjovik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Gjovik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gjovik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Gjovik. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Cesis or Gjovik?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Gjovik. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Gjovik or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €138, while the average daily cost in Gjovik is €85. 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 Cesis and Gjovik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Gjovik 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Gjovik 88
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Gjovik

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Gjovik? 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 Cesis


Hotels in Gjovik


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Gjovik 5.47

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Gjovik?

Prices for flights to both Gjovik and Cesis 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
    Cesis 71
    Gjovik 37
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Gjovik 6.08

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Gjovik 5.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Cesis

Also in Cesis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Riga: Cesis Castle, Soviet Bunker &Wine Tasting in Cave: $428


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Gjovik?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Gjovik. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Gjovik, 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 Gjovik?

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 Gjovik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Gjovik. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Gjovik for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cesis is around the same temperature as Gjovik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Gjovik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gjovik. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Gjovik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Gjovik in the Autumn?

Both Gjovik and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gjovik because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as Gjovik. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Gjovik fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Gjovik 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Gjovik in the Winter?

Both Gjovik and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gjovik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gjovik in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. Cesis is cooler than Gjovik in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Gjovik fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Gjovik. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Gjovik -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Gjovik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Gjovik. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year.

In the spring, Cesis is around the same temperature as Gjovik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Gjovik averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gjovik. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Gjovik 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Gjovik and Cesis

Cesis Gjovik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)