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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Oslo?

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

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

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Oslo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oslo than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oslo is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Saaremaa or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Oslo 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 Oslo has a few options to choose from. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

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 Oslo Better for Beaches?

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

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Oslo?

Oslo is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Oslo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Saaremaa or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a good island to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Saaremaa or Oslo Better for Students?

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

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun 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 Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Oslo?

In either Saaremaa or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Saaremaa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Oslo?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Oslo?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Oslo?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Oslo?

Because Saaremaa is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Oslo 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo 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. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

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

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Oslo. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Saaremaa is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Oslo in the Winter?

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

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is a little warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo 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 Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Oslo. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Saaremaa