A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Lofoten Islands vs. Gjovik for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

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 Gjovik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a dramatic, remote, and pristine archipelago. Lofoten Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and food. See Lofoten Islands travel costs.

Gjovik

Gjovik is a friendly, relaxed, and accessible town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Gjovik travel costs.

Lofoten Islands and Gjovik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Lofoten Islands and Gjovik 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 Gjovik is known for its nightlife. Lofoten Islands is more touristy than Gjovik and is popular for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also home to The Svolvær Goat Trail. Gjovik is popular for its beautiful surrounding countryside and nice landscape.

How is Lofoten Islands different from Gjovik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gjovik 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 Gjovik?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Lofoten Islands and Gjovik.

Lofoten Islands offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gjovik. There are a handful of sights and attractions near town such as the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall and the Royal Palace.

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

Both Lofoten Islands and Gjovik offer very good 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.

Gjovik has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many local restaurants that range from fine dining opportunities to local cafes. Dishes usually include local ingredients that are fresh and high quality.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Nightlife?

Gjovik 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 Gjovik. You'll find some bars and pubs around town as well as a couple of nightclubs.

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 Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Gjovik is not a beach destination.

Lofoten Islands is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Gjovik is not a beach destination.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lofoten Islands. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gjovik is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Lofoten Islands specifically for its hiking. 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.

Gjovik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

Both Lofoten Islands and Gjovik are good shopping destinations.

Lofoten Islands offers some nice shopping areas. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Gjovik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town center has some nice retail shops with clothing and other interesting items.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik More Beautiful?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Gjovik is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lofoten Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The islands are filled with dramatic peaks and sweeping landscapes. The region offers a unique setting that feels pristine and remote.

Gjovik is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Families?

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lofoten Islands. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Gjovik. You'll find a combination of museums and outdoor adventure activities. There are climbing parks, Olympic centers, and art galleries that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Lofoten Islands has plenty to offer. 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.

Gjovik is a nice destination for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and many great museums or outdoor parks that couples will appreciate.

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

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

It's common for backpackers to visit Gjovik. There's at least one hostel around town, and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik Better for Students?

Gjovik is very good for students. However, Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Gjovik is a good town to visit for students. The location offers access to much of what Norway has to offer, making it a nice place to base yourself while you're studying.

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

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

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

Gjovik has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through town.

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

Is Lofoten Islands or Gjovik a more walkable city?

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

Gjovik is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas as well as walking paths just outside of town.

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 Gjovik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gjovik or Lofoten Islands?

How long in Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lofoten Islands and Gjovik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Gjovik. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Lofoten Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Gjovik.

Families should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Gjovik. 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 Gjovik. 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 Gjovik 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 Gjovik?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lofoten Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The accessible destination of Gjovik offers nightlife and food. 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 Gjovik?

Lofoten Islands is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Gjovik 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.

Five days in Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lofoten Islands. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Lofoten Islands or Gjovik?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Lofoten Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Gjovik. 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 Gjovik, we can see that Gjovik 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 Gjovik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gjovik 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 Gjovik Expensive?.