A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hofn vs. Bruges for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hofn or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Bruges, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Hofn or Bruges?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

Bruges

Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Hofn?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $132. 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 Hofn and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Bruges $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Bruges $126
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Bruges? 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 Hofn


Hotels in Bruges


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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Bruges $18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    $16
  • Bike Rental for Day
    $8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

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

  • Shuttle Transfer Bruges <-> Paris (1 to 8 PLACES): $291
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
  • Transfer Shuttle Bruges <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bruges to Amsterdam: $274
  • Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261
  • Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
  • Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
  • Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Hofn 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
    Hofn $36
    Bruges $55

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    $2.14
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    $3.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

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

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Bruges $16

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    $8.57

Tours and Activities in Bruges

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

  • "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour (2hr open city tour & workshop): $76
  • "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bruges: $229
  • BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $55
  • Beery Bruges Tasting Tour: $58
  • Bike Your Way Through Bruges A Fun & Active Sightseeing Adventure: $44
  • Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $152
  • Bruges : Highlights & Hidden gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bruges Beer Tour with chocolate pairing by a young local: $60
  • Bruges Beer and Chocolate Walking Tour: $95
  • Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Bruges $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:

  • Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
  • Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
  • Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Bruges, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Bruges, 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 Hofn or Bruges?

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 Hofn or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Bruges. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Bruges. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. Hofn is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Bruges. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Bruges. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Hofn

Hofn Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)