A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hannover vs. Alesund for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hannover or Alesund?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Alesund. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a vibrant, cultural, and dynamic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hannover or Alesund?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hannover. Although Hannover and Alesund are both popular with visitors, Hannover has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hannover is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights, while Alesund is known for its food and impressive beauty. Hannover is popular for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. It is also home to The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

How is Hannover different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hannover
Alesund

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Hannover or Alesund.

Hannover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


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

Hannover
Alesund

Alesund is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Alesund. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Hannover or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Hannover offers plenty to do in the evening. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Hannover or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hannover to see the historical old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Alesund?

Hannover
Alesund

If you're looking to go shopping, Hannover and Alesund both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hannover. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Alesund offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Hannover or Alesund Better for Families?

Hannover
Alesund

Both Hannover and Alesund are good family-friendly destinations.

Hannover offers lots of family activities. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Alesund is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hannover or Alesund Better for Couples?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover and Alesund both good destinations for a couple.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

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 Hannover or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

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 Hannover or Alesund Better for Students?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a well-known place for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. 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.

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

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Hannover can move around easily with public transportation. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.


Is Hannover or Alesund a more walkable city?

Hannover
Alesund

Hannover is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Alesund?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hannover or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Hannover or Alesund?

In Hannover, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Alesund offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Hannover or Alesund?

In Hannover, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hannover has to offer.

Alesund is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alesund, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Hannover or Alesund?

Hannover is a great place to explore. 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.

Alesund is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Hannover or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hannover. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hannover. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Alesund is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Hannover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Hannover and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Alesund? 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 Hannover


Hotels in Alesund


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Hannover 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
    Hannover 49
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $131
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Alesund 11


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


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Alesund?

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

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 Hannover or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Hannover during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hannover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hannover is a little warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hannover usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Alesund. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hannover is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hannover in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hannover usually receives less rain than Alesund. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Alesund. Many visitors come to Hannover in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. Hannover can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hannover is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 1°C (33°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Hannover usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hannover for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Hannover is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Hannover usually receives less rain than Alesund. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Hannover

Hannover Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)