A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Savonlinna vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Savonlinna or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Alesund? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Savonlinna or Alesund?

Savonlinna

Savonlinna is a town and a municipality of 35,504 inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle". The city was founded in 1639, based on Olavinlinna castle. Savonlinna is a historical borderland where the cultures and traditions of East and West meet. As the oldest town in Eastern Finland, Savonlinna is famous for its world class opera festival in the medieval castle surrounded by blue waters of Lake Saimaa. With its 100 year old steamships and unparalleled selection of experiences and activities, Savonlinna is a the real gem of Lakeland Finland.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Savonlinna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Savonlinna is €104, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Savonlinna and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savonlinna 53
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savonlinna 106
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Alesund? 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 Savonlinna


Hotels in Alesund


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: Savonlinna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savonlinna 39
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Tour from Alesund to Trollstigen Land of Trolls with Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Savonlinna 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
    Savonlinna 27
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savonlinna 20
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $101
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $139
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savonlinna 9.27
    Alesund 11


When comparing the travel costs between Savonlinna and Alesund, we can see that Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the summer, Savonlinna is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Savonlinna in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In July, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Alesund. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savonlinna 17°C (62°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Savonlinna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the autumn. In October, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 4°C (40°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Savonlinna usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savonlinna 4°C (40°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Alesund. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. Savonlinna is much colder than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around -11°C (13°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Alesund. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savonlinna -11°C (13°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Alesund. Additionally, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. Savonlinna can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Savonlinna is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Savonlinna in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savonlinna 2°C (36°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Savonlinna

Savonlinna Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -9°C (15°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -4°C (24°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov -1°C (30°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)