A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lausanne vs. Lofoten Islands for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Lofoten Islands, 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.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a cultural, international, and diverse city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a charming, quaint, and spectacular archipelago. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Lausanne and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Lausanne and Lofoten Islands are both popular with visitors, Lofoten Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lofoten Islands is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lausanne is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Lofoten Islands is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also home to The Svolvær Goat Trail. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Lausanne different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Lausanne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Lausanne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lofoten Islands. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.

Is the Food Better in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lausanne and Lofoten Islands both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Lausanne is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lofoten Islands. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Lausanne is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lausanne. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lofoten Islands. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is well known for the beach. However, Lausanne is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lofoten Islands. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.

Lausanne is not a beach destination.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lofoten Islands to see the historical old town. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Lausanne is a good destination for visiting its old town. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Lofoten Islands draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Lausanne is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its shopping areas.

Lausanne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Lofoten Islands has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Lofoten Islands is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lofoten Islands is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Outdoor adventures await at this breathtaking archipelago. There's kayaking, hiking, whale watch, and even a few Viking museums that the kids will enjoy.

Lausanne offers lots of family activities. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Lofoten Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning views, dramatic fjords, and world class outdoor adventures make this an amazing romantic destination for couples. If you enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities, then there is no shortage of opportunities to explore here.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lofoten Islands is well known for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lofoten Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Students?

Lausanne is a well-known place for students. However, Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Lausanne is very popular with students. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lausanne is very good for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Lausanne has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Lausanne or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Lausanne is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

Lausanne is a somewhat walkable place. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable city. Although the area is filled with hikes, you really must have a car if you hope to explore it with flexibility and accessibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Lausanne Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Both Lausanne and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Lausanne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Lausanne 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 Lofoten Islands.

One day in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

The international destination of Lausanne offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful archipelago of Lofoten Islands offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

The city of Lausanne offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Lofoten Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Lausanne is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lofoten Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lofoten Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Lausanne or Lofoten Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lausanne. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lofoten Islands is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lofoten Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.

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

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