A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Lofoten Islands for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Lofoten Islands can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a expensive, beautiful, and clean city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a spectacular, dramatic, and remote archipelago. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Stockholm and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Lofoten Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stockholm is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lofoten Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Stockholm is more touristy than Lofoten Islands and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). Lofoten Islands is well known for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lofoten Islands and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Stockholm specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lofoten Islands. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.

Is the Food Better in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lofoten Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lofoten Islands. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its evening party scene.

Stockholm offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lofoten Islands. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Music?

Stockholm is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lofoten Islands is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Lofoten Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is well known for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Lofoten Islands attract visitors from all over. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is very popular for its old town. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its historic old town charm.

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Many visitors go to Lofoten Islands to see the historical old town. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Around Lofoten Islands visitors will find world-class hiking trails. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its shopping areas.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Lofoten Islands has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Stockholm is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Stockholm is one of the most popular family destinations. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lofoten Islands. Outdoor adventures await at this breathtaking archipelago. There's kayaking, hiking, whale watch, and even a few Viking museums that the kids will enjoy.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Both Stockholm and Lofoten Islands are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

Lofoten Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning views, dramatic fjords, and world class outdoor adventures make this an amazing romantic destination for couples. If you enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities, then there is no shortage of opportunities to explore here.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lofoten Islands is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Students?

Stockholm is very good for students. However, Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for students. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stockholm is very popular for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Stockholm or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Stockholm is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Stockholm on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable city. Although the area is filled with hikes, you really must have a car if you hope to explore it with flexibility and accessibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Both Stockholm and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Stockholm has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Stockholm than Lofoten Islands. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Lofoten Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Lofoten Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stockholm than Lofoten Islands if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Stockholm.

One day in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the archipelago of Lofoten Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Lofoten Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the spectacular archipelago of Lofoten Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Lofoten Islands?

Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Lofoten Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lofoten Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.

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

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