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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Hannover?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Hannover, 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. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Hannover

Hannover is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Hannover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hannover than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hannover is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hannover is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saaremaa
Hannover

Hannover 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 Hannover. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saaremaa
Hannover

Saaremaa is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saaremaa. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa
Hannover

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

Many people head to Hannover for the nightlife scene. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options 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 Hannover Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa
Hannover

Saaremaa is a good destination for its beaches. However, Hannover 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.

Hannover is not a beach destination.


Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Saaremaa
Hannover

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

Hannover has an old town worth visiting. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Hannover?

Saaremaa
Hannover

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

Hannover has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for Families?

Saaremaa
Hannover

Saaremaa and Hannover 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.


Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for Couples?

Saaremaa
Hannover

Saaremaa is a great island for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa
Hannover

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Hannover 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.

Hannover is a good island to visit for backpackers. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Saaremaa or Hannover Better for Students?

Saaremaa
Hannover

Hannover is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Hannover is a great city to visit as a student. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.


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

Saaremaa
Hannover

Hannover is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Hannover can get you to most places easily. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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 Hannover a more walkable city?

Saaremaa
Hannover

Hannover is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Hannover is a very walkable destination. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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 Hannover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saaremaa or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saaremaa than Hannover because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Hannover.

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

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


  • How many days in Saaremaa or Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saaremaa 2-4 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Saaremaa or Hannover?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

The city of Hannover 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 Hannover?

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

Hannover 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 Hannover, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Hannover?

Saaremaa 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.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

Saaremaa 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 island offers something for everyone.

Hannover 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover or Saaremaa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €101, while the average daily cost in Hannover is €155. 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 Saaremaa and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Hannover 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Hannover 170
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa or Hannover? 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 Saaremaa


Hotels in Hannover


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: Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Hannover 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa 37
    Hannover 49
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saaremaa 21
    Hannover 35

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    Hannover 34


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


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Hannover?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Hannover, 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 Hannover?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hannover in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Hannover. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Hannover. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hannover because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hannover can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Hannover during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Hannover. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Hannover. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Hannover. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Saaremaa

Saaremaa Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)