Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hofn or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?
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.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Lucerne $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $214. 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 Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Lucerne $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Lucerne? 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.
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 Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Lucerne $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne 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
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Food Meals for one dayHofn $36Lucerne $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
- Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
- From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Lucerne $34
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $282
- 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: $289
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$35
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
- Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
- Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
- Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
- Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
- City tour plus Lucerne: $95
- Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
- Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
- Early morning tour: $213
- Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Lucerne $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hofn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hofn 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Hofn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?
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 Lucerne in the Summer?
Both Lucerne and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Hofn usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Lucerne in the Autumn?
Both Lucerne and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, 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 Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Lucerne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Lucerne. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. Hofn is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Lucerne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Lucerne. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lucerne. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Hofn
| Hofn | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.