A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Frankfurt vs. Lofoten Islands for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a dramatic, remote, and pristine archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and food.

Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands are both popular with visitors, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lofoten Islands is known for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center. Lofoten Islands is popular for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lofoten Islands. 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 Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its evening party scene.

Frankfurt offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its shopping areas.

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Lofoten Islands has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Is Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Frankfurt. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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

Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for students. However, Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

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

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

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

Frankfurt is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

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

Couples should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt than Lofoten Islands 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 Frankfurt.

One day in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Frankfurt is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the archipelago of Lofoten Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Frankfurt is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Lofoten Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

Frankfurt 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming archipelago of Lofoten Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

A week in Frankfurt or Lofoten Islands?

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

Lofoten Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lofoten Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, 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 Frankfurt and Lofoten Islands, we can see that Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Lofoten Islands Expensive?.