A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Lillehammer for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Odense or Lillehammer?

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 Odense and Lillehammer. 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.

Odense

It's also known for food.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Odense and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Odense or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Odense, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is more touristy than Odense and is known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Also, Lillehammer is famous for Lillehammer Olympic Park. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a skiing destination.


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

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lillehammer. 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Lillehammer is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Odense is not a hiking destination.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Odense is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Lillehammer?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer to go shopping. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Odense
Lillehammer

Both Odense and Lillehammer are great family-friendly destinations.

Odense is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is notable for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Odense
Lillehammer

Odense and Lillehammer are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Odense is a good city to visit for students. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.


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

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Odense
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Odense?

How long in Odense or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Odense or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Odense or Lillehammer? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Lillehammer 2-4

One day in Odense or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the city of Odense. 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 Odense or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Odense. 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 Odense or Lillehammer?

The city of Odense offers food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Odense or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Odense. 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 adventure-filled 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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Lillehammer or Odense?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $160, while the average daily cost in Lillehammer is $102. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Odense and Lillehammer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $80
    Lillehammer $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $160
    Lillehammer $122
Compare Hotels in Odense and Lillehammer

Looking for a hotel in Odense or Lillehammer? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Odense


Hotels in Lillehammer


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Odense Hotel Prices and Lillehammer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    Lillehammer $3.92

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Lillehammer?

Prices for flights to both Lillehammer and Odense change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Odense $51
    Lillehammer $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $29
    Lillehammer $16

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • River Cruise on the Odense River: $16
  • GoBoat Self-drive Boat Tour: $57
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $478
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $584

Tours and Activities in Lillehammer

Here are a few actual costs in Lillehammer for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    Lillehammer $12


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


Which is Bigger, Odense or Lillehammer?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.