Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Savonlinna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Savonlinna or Bergen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bergen? 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySavonlinna €104Bergen €102
The average daily cost (per person) in Savonlinna is €104, while the average daily cost in Bergen is €102. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSavonlinna €53Bergen €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSavonlinna €106Bergen €126
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Bergen? 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.
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 and Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Savonlinna €39Bergen €9.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Sedan: $80
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $92
- Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
- Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $94
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $98
- Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
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Food Meals for one daySavonlinna €27Bergen €29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Savonlinna €20Bergen €15
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $1.37
- Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.20
- Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
- Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySavonlinna €9.27Bergen €6.44
When comparing the travel costs between Savonlinna and Bergen, 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Bergen?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
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 Bergen in the Summer?
Both Bergen and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
Savonlinna is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySavonlinna 17°C (62°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bergen in the Autumn?
Both Bergen and Savonlinna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the autumn. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Savonlinna usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSavonlinna 4°C (40°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bergen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Bergen. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySavonlinna -11°C (13°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bergen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Bergen. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.
Savonlinna can get quite cold in the spring. Savonlinna is much colder than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSavonlinna 2°C (36°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Savonlinna
| Savonlinna | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (15°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | -4°C (24°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (30°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.