A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Karlovy Vary vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Alesund?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Alesund can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Alesund?

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Karlovy Vary?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $99. 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 Karlovy Vary and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Alesund $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Alesund $106
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Alesund? 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 Karlovy Vary


Hotels in Alesund


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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Alesund $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Alesund $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Alesund $16

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Alesund $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Alesund?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Alesund, 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 Karlovy Vary or Alesund?

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 Karlovy Vary or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Alesund. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the autumn, Karlovy Vary is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karlovy Vary in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Alesund. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Alesund. Additionally, many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. In January, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 1°C (33°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Alesund. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)