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

Should you visit Lofoten Islands or Flam?

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 Lofoten Islands and Flam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a quaint, spectacular, and dramatic archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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.

Lofoten Islands and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Lofoten Islands and Flam are popular destinations, Lofoten Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lofoten Islands is very popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Flam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Lofoten Islands and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Lofoten Islands is famous for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also well known for The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Lofoten Islands different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Lofoten Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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 Lofoten Islands or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lofoten Islands and Flam offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Flam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Both Lofoten Islands and Flam are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Lofoten Islands specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Flam. 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 Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for its beaches. However, Flam is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Lofoten Islands for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Flam is not a beach destination.

Is Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lofoten Islands. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the nearby hiking options.

Lofoten Islands is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Lofoten Islands or Flam?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lofoten Islands. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

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 Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Lofoten Islands or Flam.

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Flam. 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 Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its romantic activities.

Lofoten Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Lofoten Islands or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Lofoten Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

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.

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

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

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

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

Is Lofoten Islands or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

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

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable archipelago. 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 Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Lofoten Islands?

How long in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lofoten Islands or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lofoten Islands than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Lofoten Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

One day in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Lofoten Islands. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

Lofoten Islands is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Lofoten Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This village offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lofoten Islands or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the spectacular archipelago of Lofoten Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Norway, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Norway.

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