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

Should you visit Kiel or Flam?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Flam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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.

Kiel and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel. Although Kiel and Flam are popular destinations, Kiel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kiel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Flam is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle.

How is Kiel different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Kiel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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.

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

Flam is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Flam. 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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 Kiel or Flam Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for its beaches. However, Flam is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Flam is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Flam?

Kiel is a good destination for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

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.

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Flam is a very kid-friendly village. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Flam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flam is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Flam Better for Students?

Kiel is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Flam is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Flam, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a local bus service through the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kiel or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kiel than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flam than Kiel 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 Flam.

One day in Kiel or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Flam?

Kiel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Kiel or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Kiel. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This village 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.

A week in Kiel or Flam?

The waterfront city of Kiel offers nightlife and food. 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.

Because Flam is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiel and Flam, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Flam?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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.

When is the best time to visit Kiel or Flam?

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 Kiel or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiel is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiel usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Flam. The autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

Kiel is around the same temperature as Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kiel usually receives less rain than Flam. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Flam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Flam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Kiel usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiel is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In April, Kiel usually receives less rain than Flam. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Kiel