A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Oslo vs. Flam for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oslo or Flam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Flam, 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.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Flam

Flam is a beautiful, natural, and breathtaking village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and hiking.

Oslo and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Flam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo. Although Oslo and Flam are both popular with visitors, Oslo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oslo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Flam is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace. Flam is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Oslo different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Oslo or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Oslo has a few options to choose from. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

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 Oslo or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Flam?

Both Oslo and Flam are decent shopping destinations.

Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

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 Oslo or Flam Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

Flam is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Oslo or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Oslo or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Flam are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Flam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Oslo or Flam Better for Students?

Oslo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Many students visit Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors in Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Oslo or Flam a more walkable city?

Oslo and Flam both are great when exploring on foot.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oslo or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oslo than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Flam?

Oslo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oslo or Flam?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Oslo or Flam?

Oslo is a progressive big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Flam is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Flam?

The green city of Oslo offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Because Flam is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Luxury Tours to Norway, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Flam?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 1160 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or Flam?

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 Oslo or Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Flam. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oslo is a little warmer than Flam in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Oslo usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Oslo is cooler than Flam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Flam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Flam. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Flam because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Flam can be very cold. Oslo can be very cold during winter. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Flam. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Flam. The spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

Oslo is around the same temperature as Flam in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Flam. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Oslo