A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lucerne or Flam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Flam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Lucerne and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lucerne than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam is more popular for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Flam is well known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lucerne has something for everybody. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great city 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 Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Flam?

Lucerne is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Flam Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Flam both excellent destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flam is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Lucerne and Flam both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

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

Is Lucerne or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flam than Lucerne 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 Flam.

One day in Lucerne or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Lucerne or Flam?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flam has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Lucerne. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Flam?

The cultural city of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Flam?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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.

When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Flam?

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 Lucerne or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In July, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Flam. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Flam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Flam. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Flam in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Flam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Lucerne is much warmer than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Flam. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Flam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Flam. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lucerne is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Lucerne usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Flam and Lucerne