A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Innsbruck vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Innsbruck or Flam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Flam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Innsbruck and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Innsbruck and Flam are popular destinations, Innsbruck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Flam attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Innsbruck is more touristy than Flam and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flam and Innsbruck. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a great city for skiing. However, Flam is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Flam is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Innsbruck or Flam?

Flam is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Innsbruck or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Innsbruck and Flam offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Flam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Innsbruck is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Innsbruck has something for everybody. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Innsbruck offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Hiking?

Both Innsbruck and Flam are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Flam. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Flam?

Flam is a moderate village for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Families?

Both Innsbruck and Flam are very good to visit with kids.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Flam. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Couples?

Both Innsbruck and Flam are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Flam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Innsbruck is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Students?

Innsbruck is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Innsbruck or Flam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Innsbruck is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Innsbruck can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Innsbruck or Flam a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Flam both are very good when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Innsbruck or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Innsbruck than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Innsbruck than Flam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Innsbruck, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Innsbruck than Flam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Innsbruck that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Innsbruck than Flam if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Innsbruck.

One day in Innsbruck or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Innsbruck. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Flam is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Flam?

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Flam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the youthful destination of Innsbruck. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Flam?

The high energy city of Innsbruck offers food and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Flam is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Flam?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck and Flam, 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.