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

Should you visit Hofn or Heidelberg?

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

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

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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

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 Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Heidelberg $12

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

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Heidelberg $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Heidelberg in the Winter?

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

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. Hofn is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Heidelberg in the Spring?

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

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Heidelberg. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Hofn

Hofn Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)