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

Should you visit Hofn or Hamburg?

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

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

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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Hamburg $31

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $645
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $585
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $422
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Berlin, English Speaking Driver: $300
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg $37

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Hamburg $42

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $3.75

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Hamburg $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Hamburg, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 1030 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hofn or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Hamburg. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hamburg. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. Hofn is much colder than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Hamburg. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Hofn

Hofn Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)