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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

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

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Saaremaa and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Saaremaa is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lillehammer is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Also, Lillehammer is famous for Lillehammer Olympic Park. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is great for skiing. However, Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Lillehammer can be difficult as they are each superb 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, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, 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 Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is great for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

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

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Lillehammer are both superb 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.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a good island to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Saaremaa or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout 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 Lillehammer a more walkable city?

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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 Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Saaremaa or Lillehammer. In our opinion, Lillehammer has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lillehammer than Saaremaa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Lillehammer offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lillehammer?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

Because Saaremaa is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Lillehammer, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Lillehammer, 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.