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

Should you visit Hofn or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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.

Chartres

Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hofn or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hofn is much colder than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Chartres. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hofn or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hofn or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Chartres. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Chartres. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hofn or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Chartres. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Hofn