A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Lillehammer for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Munich or Lillehammer?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a bustling, high energy, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Munich and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Munich than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Munich is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Munich is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Munich different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is well known for winter skiing. However, Munich is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Munich is not a skiing destination.

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

Munich is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in Munich or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Munich and Lillehammer offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lillehammer. 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.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Munich is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

People head to Munich just to party. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Music?

Munich is a world-class destination for live music. However, Lillehammer is not a live music destination.

Munich is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Lillehammer is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Munich is not a hiking destination.

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.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Lillehammer?

Munich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Munich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Munich and Lillehammer are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Munich and Lillehammer are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Munich is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Munich or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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.

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

Munich is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Munich or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

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

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Munich?

How long in Munich or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Munich or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Munich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Lillehammer?

Munich is a multicultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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.

A weekend in Munich or Lillehammer?

Munich is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city 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.

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Munich or Lillehammer?

Munich is a economically thriving city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Munich or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Munich. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the sporty destination of Lillehammer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Lillehammer?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Lillehammer, 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.