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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Bamberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Bamberg, 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 calm, peaceful, and relaxed 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.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a storybook, historic, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Saaremaa and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bamberg than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bamberg is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Bamberg is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. Also, Bamberg is famous for the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bamberg 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 Bamberg?

Bamberg 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 Bamberg. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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

Bamberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Saaremaa or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Bamberg is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Bamberg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

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 Bamberg Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Bamberg is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Bamberg is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Bamberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

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

Bamberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bamberg Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly place to visit. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Saaremaa or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Bamberg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Saaremaa or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Bamberg 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 Bamberg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

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 Bamberg a more walkable city?

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Bamberg is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

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 Bamberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Bamberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Bamberg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bamberg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bamberg 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 Bamberg.

One day in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

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 beautiful town of Bamberg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bamberg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg 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 Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Bamberg?

Bamberg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Bamberg, 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg in the Summer?

Both Bamberg and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Bamberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bamberg averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Bamberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Bamberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Bamberg. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bamberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Bamberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Bamberg. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bamberg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bamberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than Bamberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Bamberg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Bamberg in the Spring?

Both Bamberg and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bamberg for the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Bamberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Bamberg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Bamberg during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Bamberg. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Saaremaa