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

Should you visit Savonlinna or Gothenburg?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg is €91. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savonlinna 53
    Gothenburg 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savonlinna 106
    Gothenburg 74
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savonlinna 39
    Gothenburg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Private Transfer from Goteborg Port to Gothenburg Airport (GOT): $50
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg 36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savonlinna 20
    Gothenburg 14

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $9.37
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $34
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savonlinna 9.27
    Gothenburg 19


When comparing the travel costs between Savonlinna and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Gothenburg?

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

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 Savonlinna or Gothenburg in the Summer?

Both Gothenburg and Savonlinna during the summer are popular places to visit.

Savonlinna is around the same temperature as Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savonlinna. In the summer, Savonlinna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in July than Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savonlinna 17°C (62°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Gothenburg.

It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the autumn. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much colder than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savonlinna 4°C (40°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Gothenburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Gothenburg.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In the winter, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savonlinna -11°C (13°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Savonlinna can get quite cold in the spring. Savonlinna is much colder than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Savonlinna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during spring. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savonlinna 2°C (36°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Savonlinna

Savonlinna Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -9°C (15°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -4°C (24°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov -1°C (30°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)