A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Linkoping vs. Kiel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Linkoping or Kiel?

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

Should I visit Linkoping or Kiel? 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.

Where Should I go: Linkoping or Kiel?

Linkoping

Linkoping is in the northern portion of the Gotaland region and is the capital of Ostergotland county. The city has all of the amenities of a larger city, but manages to maintain the feel and atmosphere of a quaint small town. This is mainly due to the lack of tall buildings within the city limits. Building height is restricted by the nearby military airfield, so Linkoping has a cosy ambiance that leads you to believe that you're somewhere hidden away. The university that is located here also helps create the feel of a college town. The students are well integrated into city life and help bring energy and entertainment to town, both in the form of cultural events during the day as well and an active night life in the evening.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Stockholm, The Best 10-Day Tours from Stockholm, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Linkoping and Kiel, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. And not only is Linkoping much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linkoping would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linkoping 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 Linkoping.

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

Which is Bigger, Linkoping or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Linkoping. When comparing the sizes of Linkoping and Kiel, 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 Linkoping or Kiel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Linkoping or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Linkoping are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In the summer, Linkoping is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Linkoping in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linkoping. Linkoping usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during summer. Linkoping gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linkoping usually receives less rain than Kiel. Linkoping gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linkoping or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Linkoping during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Linkoping is generally cooler than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Linkoping average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Linkoping often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Linkoping gets 80 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Linkoping usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Linkoping gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linkoping or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Linkoping and Kiel. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Linkoping. Linkoping is much colder than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Linkoping averages around -3°C (28°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Linkoping usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during winter. Linkoping gets 32 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linkoping usually receives less rain than Kiel. Linkoping gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linkoping or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Linkoping as well as Kiel. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Linkoping is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Linkoping in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Linkoping often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Linkoping gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Linkoping usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Linkoping gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Linkoping