A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Lillehammer vs. Flam for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lillehammer or Flam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lillehammer or Flam, 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Flam

Flam is a beautiful, natural, and breathtaking village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and hiking.

Lillehammer and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Flam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Lillehammer and Flam are both popular with visitors, Lillehammer has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Flam is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Flam is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also home to Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Lillehammer different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Flam Better for Skiing?

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

Lillehammer offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Flam is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Lillehammer is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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 Lillehammer or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lillehammer and Flam both to be great destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Flam has a huge number of terrific 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 Lillehammer or Flam Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

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 Lillehammer or Flam Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer and Flam are both places where visitors can find great hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Many visitors go to Flam for the hiking trails. 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 Lillehammer or Flam?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Lillehammer or Flam Better for Families?

Lillehammer and Flam are both great destinations for the whole family.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Flam is very family-friendly. 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 Lillehammer or Flam Better for Couples?

Lillehammer and Flam are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Flam is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Lillehammer or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer and Flam are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Flam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Lillehammer or Flam Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lillehammer and Flam.

You'll find some public transit in Lillehammer, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

While Flam offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Lillehammer or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lillehammer or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

One day in Lillehammer or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Lillehammer or Flam?

Lillehammer 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.

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Lillehammer or Flam?

You'll find food and shopping around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. 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.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Lillehammer or Flam?

The natural city of Lillehammer offers shopping and museums. 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.

Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Luxury Tours to Norway, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Lillehammer and Flam, we can see that Flam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Flam?

Lillehammer has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer 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.