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

Should you visit Savonlinna or Villach?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Villach? 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 Villach?

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.

Villach

Located on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders, the city of Villach is known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. Hiking and water sports are common in the surrounding area, as well as historic sight-seeing and enjoying the picturesque town center called Altstadt.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

Both Villach and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

Savonlinna is cooler than Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Villach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savonlinna. Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Villach during summer. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Villach. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Villach in the Autumn?

Both Villach and Savonlinna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the autumn. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much colder than Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Villach. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in October than Villach. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Villach in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Villach. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Villach during winter. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Villach. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Savonlinna or Villach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Villach. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Savonlinna can get quite cold in the spring. Savonlinna is much colder than Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Savonlinna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Villach. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Villach. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Villach and Savonlinna