A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Aalborg for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Aalborg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Aalborg, 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a relaxed, traditional, and quiet island. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and beaches.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aalborg than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aalborg is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saaremaa is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Aalborg is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Also, Aalborg is famous for the Utzon Center. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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 Aalborg. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Aalborg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Aalborg can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Aalborg for the nightlife scene. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for its beaches. However, Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Aalborg has an old town worth visiting. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aalborg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Aalborg are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Aalborg is a family-friendly place to visit. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Saaremaa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Aalborg are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Aalborg is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Students?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable town. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Aalborg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Aalborg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Aalborg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aalborg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Saaremaa 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 Aalborg.

One day in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Aalborg offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saaremaa has to offer.

Aalborg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aalborg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Aalborg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Aalborg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Aalborg is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, and The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Aalborg?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Aalborg, 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 Saaremaa or Aalborg?

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 Saaremaa or Aalborg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Aalborg. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aalborg in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Aalborg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Aalborg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Aalborg. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Aalborg in the Autumn?

Both Aalborg and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Saaremaa is generally around the same temperature as Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aalborg. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Aalborg in the Winter?

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

The weather in Aalborg can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Aalborg in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Aalborg fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Aalborg. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Aalborg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Aalborg. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Aalborg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Aalborg averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aalborg and Saaremaa