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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Bregenz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Bregenz, 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 quiet, calm, and peaceful island. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a vibrant, cultural, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Bregenz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bregenz. Although Saaremaa and Bregenz are popular destinations, Bregenz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bregenz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bregenz is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. It is also well known for The Lake Promenade. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Bregenz can be difficult as they are each excellent 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, Bregenz makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Saaremaa or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bregenz has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

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 Bregenz Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beach. However, Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. 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.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

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

Bregenz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Bregenz?

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

Bregenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bregenz Better for Families?

Bregenz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bregenz. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Saaremaa or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Bregenz are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Saaremaa or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Bregenz are nice 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.

Bregenz is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Bregenz 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 Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run 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 Bregenz a more walkable city?

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

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to 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 Bregenz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Bregenz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Bregenz?

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 city of Bregenz offers food and shopping. 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 Bregenz?

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.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz 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 Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz 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 city 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 Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Bregenz, 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.