A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Alesund for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Salzburg or Alesund?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Alesund, 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salzburg than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salzburg is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alesund is more popular for its big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Alesund and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salzburg or Alesund?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Is the Food Better in Salzburg or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Alesund.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Alesund. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Alesund are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Alesund is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Alesund is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Alesund?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Salzburg is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Families?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Is Salzburg or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Salzburg or Alesund a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Alesund. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Alesund 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 Salzburg.

One day in Salzburg or Alesund?

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Alesund offers food and shopping. 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 Salzburg or Alesund?

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Alesund?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Alesund 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 Salzburg or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Alesund 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Alesund, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg than you might in Alesund.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Alesund?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Alesund, 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 Salzburg or Alesund?

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 Salzburg or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Salzburg is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In July, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alesund. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Alesund. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. Salzburg is much colder than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Alesund. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Alesund. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. In the spring, Salzburg is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Salzburg