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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Wernigerode, 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 quiet, calm, and peaceful 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.

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a cute, quintessential, and fairytale-like town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Saaremaa and Wernigerode: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wernigerode than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wernigerode is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Wernigerode is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its storybook setting and its beautiful hilltop castle. Also, Wernigerode is famous for The Wernigerode Castle. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Wernigerode?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode can be an interesting and educational experience. In addition to its beautiful old town, the highlight of a visit to this town is exploring the Wernigerode Castle. Other attractions include the Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik and the Miniaturenpark.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Saaremaa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Wernigerode has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a touristy town, you'll find a number of restaurants that serve traditional food. There are also sausage stands and plenty of ice cream shops.

Is Saaremaa or Wernigerode Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Wernigerode doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The small town isn't known for its nightlife scene but there are plenty of places where you can grab a beer and have a relaxing night.

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 Wernigerode Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Saaremaa is very good for its beaches. However, Wernigerode is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. 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.

Wernigerode is not a beach destination.


Is Saaremaa or Wernigerode Better for its Old Town?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Wernigerode offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. If you're looking for an almost flawless old town with charm and few imperfections, then this is your place.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is Saaremaa or Wernigerode Better for Families?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode. The town feels like you've landed in a fairytale book, which your kids will love. There's a train and a castle to explore. There's also the fun citizen and miniature parks and the fairytale trail. In addition to all of the sights and attractions, there are playgrounds and animal attractions that kids will love.

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 Wernigerode Better for Couples?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Saaremaa and Wernigerode are both excellent 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.

Wernigerode is a very popular place to visit for couples. This fairytale town is something special with many beautiful buildings, a castle, and great restaurants that make for a romantic weekend.


Is Saaremaa or Wernigerode Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Wernigerode 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.

Wernigerode is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels in town to keep prices reasonable. This is also a very touristy town, so you're likely to meet other travelers.

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

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can take the bus to town, but once you arrive its best to explore on foot. There's also a charming narrow grade railway that connect the towns of the area.

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 Wernigerode a more walkable city?

Saaremaa
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Wernigerode is a very easy town to get around on foot. You can easily explore the town and the nearby castle 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 Wernigerode Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wernigerode or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saaremaa or Wernigerode? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saaremaa 2-4 
    Wernigerode 1-3

One day in Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

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 town of Wernigerode offers museums and food. 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 Wernigerode?

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.

Wernigerode is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Wernigerode, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

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.

Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode?

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.

Wernigerode 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 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 Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode is €136. 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 Wernigerode in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Wernigerode 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Wernigerode 148
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Wernigerode

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa or Wernigerode? 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 Wernigerode


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: Wernigerode Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Wernigerode 19
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

Prices for flights to both Wernigerode 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
    Wernigerode 45
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

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


  • Salmon
    1.28

Typical Food Prices in Wernigerode

Some typical examples of dining costs in Wernigerode are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    22
  • Soda
    1.70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saaremaa 21
    Wernigerode 28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    Wernigerode 21


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


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Wernigerode?

Wernigerode has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Wernigerode, 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 Wernigerode?

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 Wernigerode in the Summer?

Both Wernigerode and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Wernigerode because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Wernigerode. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Wernigerode averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Wernigerode, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 201 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    Wernigerode 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Wernigerode in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Wernigerode. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Wernigerode this time of year.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Wernigerode. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Wernigerode fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Wernigerode during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Wernigerode receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    Wernigerode 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Wernigerode in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Wernigerode. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wernigerode for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wernigerode. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Wernigerode in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Wernigerode fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 60 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    Wernigerode 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Wernigerode in the Spring?

Both Wernigerode and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Wernigerode in the spring for the small town charm.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Wernigerode. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Wernigerode averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Wernigerode during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Wernigerode receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Wernigerode. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    Wernigerode 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Wernigerode and Saaremaa

Saaremaa Wernigerode
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)