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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Tromso?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Tromso, 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 peaceful, relaxed, and traditional 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.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tromso. Although Saaremaa and Tromso are popular destinations, Tromso has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tromso is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Tromso is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. It is also well known for the Northern Lights. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Tromso can be difficult as they are each high quality 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, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Saaremaa or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Tromso 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 Tromso has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

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 Tromso Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beach. However, Tromso is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. 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.

Tromso is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Tromso Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Tromso?

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

Tromso has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso 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 Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Tromso are both high quality 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.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Saaremaa or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Tromso 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.

Tromso is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Saaremaa or Tromso Better for Students?

Tromso 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 Tromso. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Tromso 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 Tromso offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in 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 Tromso a more walkable city?

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

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Tromso?

Both Saaremaa and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Tromso?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Tromso offers food and nightlife. 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 Tromso?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tromso, 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 Tromso?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Tromso?

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

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Saaremaa is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Tromso. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Tromso. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. Saaremaa is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Saaremaa