A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Alesund for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Grindelwald or Alesund?

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 Grindelwald and Alesund can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a beautiful, adventure-filled, and high adrenaline town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alesund than Grindelwald, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alesund is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Grindelwald is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is more touristy than Alesund and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Also, Alesund is famous for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Grindelwald different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Alesund is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Alesund is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Alesund is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alesund. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Grindelwald or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alesund is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Alesund is an experience not to be missed. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Grindelwald and Alesund.

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Alesund has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Alesund is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Alesund to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Families?

Grindelwald is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

Alesund is a family-friendly town. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Couples?

Grindelwald is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Grindelwald is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Grindelwald. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Students?

Alesund is very good for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Alesund is popular with students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Grindelwald and Alesund.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

While Alesund offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Grindelwald or Alesund a more walkable city?

Grindelwald and Alesund both are notable when exploring on foot.

Grindelwald is a somewhat walkable town. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

Alesund is somewhat walkable. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Alesund?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Alesund 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 Grindelwald.

One day in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Grindelwald is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Alesund. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Grindelwald 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grindelwald has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Alesund. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Alesund?

Grindelwald 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.

The welcoming city of Alesund offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Grindelwald or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Since Grindelwald is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alesund. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Alesund, 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 Grindelwald or Alesund?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Alesund. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grindelwald is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Alesund. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Alesund. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In October, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. Grindelwald is much warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Grindelwald usually receives less rain than Alesund. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Grindelwald during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Grindelwald is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Alesund. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Grindelwald