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

Should you visit Savonlinna or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Dresden? 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 Dresden?

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.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Dresden, 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 Dresden?

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 Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Dresden. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Savonlinna is cooler than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Dresden. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Dresden. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the autumn. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Savonlinna usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Savonlinna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Savonlinna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

Savonlinna can get quite cold in the spring. Savonlinna is much colder than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Savonlinna