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

Should you visit Hamburg or Flam?

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 Hamburg and Flam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Hamburg and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hamburg is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Flam is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Also, Hamburg is famous for St. Michael's Church. Flam is well known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Hamburg different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg is a great port city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flam is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Flam Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Hamburg has something for everybody. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Flam Better for Music?

Hamburg is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Flam is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Flam is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Flam?

Hamburg is a great port city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg or Flam Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Flam.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Flam is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Hamburg or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Hamburg or Flam Better for Students?

Hamburg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Hamburg is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Hamburg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Hamburg or Flam a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Flam both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Flam?

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

Couples should spend more time in Flam than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

One day in Hamburg or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Hamburg. 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 Hamburg or Flam?

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

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 Hamburg or Flam?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. This port city offers something for everyone. 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 Hamburg or Flam?

The cultural port city of Hamburg offers shopping and museums. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Flam, we can see that Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Flam?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 3480 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Hamburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hamburg is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hamburg in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hamburg usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Flam. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hamburg is generally around the same temperature as Flam. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 10°C (50°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Flam. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hamburg or Flam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Flam. The winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Flam in the winter. The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Hamburg is much colder than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Hamburg usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hamburg is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hamburg in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In April, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Flam. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Hamburg