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

Should you visit Savonlinna or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is €111. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savonlinna 53
    Potsdam 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savonlinna 106
    Potsdam 120
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savonlinna 39
    Potsdam 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam 31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savonlinna 20
    Potsdam 25

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savonlinna 9.27
    Potsdam 6.70


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


Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Potsdam. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savonlinna is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 17°C (62°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Savonlinna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savonlinna usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Savonlinna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savonlinna 17°C (62°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Potsdam. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. Savonlinna is much colder than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savonlinna 4°C (40°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Potsdam can be very cold during winter. Savonlinna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Savonlinna is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savonlinna in January average around -11°C (13°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savonlinna -11°C (13°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Savonlinna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Savonlinna can be very cold during spring. In April, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 2°C (36°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Savonlinna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Potsdam. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savonlinna 2°C (36°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Savonlinna

Savonlinna Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -9°C (15°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -4°C (24°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov -1°C (30°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)