A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nizhny Novgorod vs. Kiel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Kiel 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.

Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod and Kiel, 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Kiel. Additionally, many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nizhny Novgorod is a little warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Kiel. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Nizhny Novgorod during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kiel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. Nizhny Novgorod can be very cold during winter. In January, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around -10°C (13°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in January than Kiel. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Kiel. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Nizhny Novgorod is around the same temperature as Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Kiel. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Nizhny Novgorod