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

Should you visit Hannover or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer. 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 dynamic, diverse, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hannover and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hannover or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hannover. Although Hannover and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Hannover has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hannover is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Hannover different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great city for skiing. However, Hannover is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Hannover is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Hannover is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Hannover is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Hannover is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is a great city for hiking. However, Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Lillehammer?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hannover and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly destination. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Lillehammer is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hannover and Lillehammer are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Hannover is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Hannover is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Hannover is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Hannover or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Hannover is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Hannover or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hannover, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

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

One day in Hannover or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Hannover. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Lillehammer offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Hannover. 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.

Lillehammer 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lillehammer, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Hannover or Lillehammer?

The diverse city of Hannover 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.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

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

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hannover and Lillehammer, we can see that Hannover is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Hannover or Lillehammer?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Hannover and Lillehammer, 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.