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

Should you visit Dresden or Flam?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Flam? 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.

Dresden

Dresden is a friendly, architectural, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Dresden and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Dresden is well known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Flam is well known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Dresden different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dresden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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 Dresden or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flam is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Flam is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

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 Dresden or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a great city for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Flam?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

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 Dresden or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Flam is known to be 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.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Dresden or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Dresden or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Flam are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Flam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Flam.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Flam offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Dresden or Flam a more walkable city?

Dresden and Flam both are superb when exploring on foot.

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dresden or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dresden 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 Dresden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Flam than Dresden. 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 Dresden. 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 Dresden 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 Dresden.

One day in Dresden or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Dresden or Flam?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dresden or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Dresden. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dresden or Flam?

The architectural city of Dresden offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Flam, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Flam?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 970 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Flam. The autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In October, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Flam. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Flam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Flam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. Dresden is much colder than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dresden is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Flam. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Dresden