A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Lofoten Islands for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Murren or Lofoten Islands?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Lofoten Islands can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a remote, pristine, and charming archipelago. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Murren and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Murren and Lofoten Islands are popular destinations, Lofoten Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lofoten Islands is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren attracts visitors for its skiing and small town charm. Murren is more touristy than Lofoten Islands and is known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. 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 Murren different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Skiing?

Murren is very popular for snow skiing. However, Lofoten Islands is not a skiing destination.

Murren is among the world's best ski destinations. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Lofoten Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Lofoten Islands is a archipelago with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

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

Lofoten Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lofoten Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Murren and Lofoten Islands.

Murren is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Lofoten Islands doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is well known for its beaches. However, Murren is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Lofoten Islands attract visitors from all over. 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.

Murren is not a beach destination.

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands is well known for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Lofoten Islands is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Both Murren and Lofoten Islands are destinations which offer amazing hiking.

Around Murren visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Lofoten Islands is a archipelago with good options for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Lofoten Islands is a great destination for shopping. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Both Murren and Lofoten Islands are superb to visit with kids.

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

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

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Both Murren and Lofoten Islands are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

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.

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

Lofoten Islands is well known for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

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

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

Murren has a few public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

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

Is Murren or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Murren on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable town. 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 Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Murren?

How long in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Both Murren and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Murren. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lofoten Islands than Murren 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 Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Murren 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 not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Murren 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.

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.

Five days in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

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

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.

A week in Murren or Lofoten Islands?

Since Murren 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.

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