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

Should you visit Helsinki or Flam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Flam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Helsinki and Flam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Flam?

Both Flam and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Helsinki is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki
Flam

Helsinki is a great 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 Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Helsinki
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Flam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Flam

Helsinki is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Helsinki has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

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 Helsinki or Flam Better for Hiking?

Helsinki
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 FlÄmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Flam?

Helsinki
Flam

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Flam Better for Families?

Helsinki
Flam

Both Helsinki and Flam are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Flam is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Helsinki or Flam Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Flam

Both Helsinki and Flam are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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.


Is Helsinki or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Flam

Helsinki and Flam are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Helsinki or Flam Better for Students?

Helsinki
Flam

Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Flam

Helsinki is a great 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 Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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


Is Helsinki or Flam a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Helsinki or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Helsinki than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Flam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Flam 1-2

One day in Helsinki or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Flam?

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. 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 is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village 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 Flam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Helsinki or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the environmentally conscious destination of Helsinki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam 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 Helsinki or Flam?

The environmentally conscious city of Helsinki offers nightlife and food. 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.

Flam 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 village offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Flam or Helsinki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Flam is €104. 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 Helsinki and Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Flam? 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 Helsinki


Hotels in Flam


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Flam 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $749
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $221
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $154
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $149
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $149
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $147
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $141
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $138
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $136
  • VIP Helsinki Private Transfer : $133
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $131
  • Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam and Helsinki 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
    Helsinki 34
    Flam 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $108
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $109
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Flam 16

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $143
  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $287
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $239
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $27
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,059
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $109
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $108
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $337
  • Forest Fun: Treetop Adventure Experience in Espoo: $29
  • From Helsinki, Ice fishing experience with meal and drink.: $92
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Flam 3.44


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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Flam?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 1120 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Flam?

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 Helsinki or Flam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Flam. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Flam. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Flam 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Flam. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Flam in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is much colder than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Flam 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Flam can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Flam. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Flam 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Flam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Flam. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Flam 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Flam and Helsinki

Helsinki Flam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)