A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Lillehammer for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Helsinki or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer 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 active, nature-focused, and coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Helsinki and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Helsinki and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Helsinki different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. 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.

Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

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

Helsinki is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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 Helsinki or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Lillehammer.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. 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.

Lillehammer has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. 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.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Lillehammer?

Helsinki is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Helsinki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Lillehammer are high quality 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.

Lillehammer is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Lillehammer are high quality 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 Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

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

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Lillehammer are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Lillehammer. In our opinion, Helsinki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Helsinki than Lillehammer. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lillehammer than Helsinki. 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.

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

One day in Helsinki or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Helsinki. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Helsinki or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Helsinki. 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 Helsinki or Lillehammer?

The nature-focused city of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. 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 The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, 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 Helsinki and Lillehammer, we can see that Helsinki 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 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Lillehammer?

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