Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hofn or Potsdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?
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.
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Potsdam $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Potsdam $64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Potsdam
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Potsdam $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Potsdam?
Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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 dayHofn $36Potsdam $33
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Potsdam $27
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
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
- 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
- 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
- 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
- AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
- Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
- Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Potsdam $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Potsdam, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Potsdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Potsdam?
Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?
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 Potsdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Potsdam. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Hofn is much colder than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Potsdam 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Potsdam in the Autumn?
Both Potsdam and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Potsdam 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Potsdam in the Winter?
Both Potsdam and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In January, Hofn is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Potsdam -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Potsdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Potsdam. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Potsdam 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Potsdam and Hofn
| Hofn | Potsdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.