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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Lucerne?

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

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

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Lucerne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Saaremaa and Lucerne are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Saaremaa different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Saaremaa or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Lucerne?

Lucerne is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Lucerne Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Lucerne are both nice 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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Saaremaa or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Lucerne are both great 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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Saaremaa or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses 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 Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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 Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Lucerne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Lucerne?

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 city of Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

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.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Lucerne?

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.

Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

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.

Lucerne 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 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?

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 Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne 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 Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is cooler than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne 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. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucerne. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Lucerne in the Winter?

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

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Lucerne in the Spring?

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

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. Saaremaa is much colder than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Saaremaa