A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Tromso for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Heidelberg or Tromso?

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 Heidelberg and Tromso. 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heidelberg than Tromso. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Heidelberg is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Tromso attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Tromso is famous for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

How is Heidelberg different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Heidelberg or Tromso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Tromso can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a great town for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Heidelberg is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Tromso both very good destinations for a couple.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Students?

For students, both Heidelberg and Tromso are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Tromso is a good town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heidelberg is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Heidelberg or Tromso a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Tromso are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Both Heidelberg and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Heidelberg. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Tromso 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 Heidelberg.

One day in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Heidelberg or Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Heidelberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Tromso?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Tromso, 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 Heidelberg or Tromso?

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 Heidelberg or Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heidelberg is much warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Tromso. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. In the autumn, Heidelberg is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Tromso. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. In January, Heidelberg is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Tromso. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Tromso. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. Heidelberg is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tromso. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Heidelberg