A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stuttgart vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stuttgart or Flam?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Flam? 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.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Stuttgart and Flam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stuttgart than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stuttgart is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Flam is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Stuttgart is well known for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Also, Stuttgart is famous for The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stuttgart or Flam?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.


Is the Food Better in Stuttgart or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stuttgart
Flam

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Stuttgart and Flam can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Flam makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Stuttgart has something for everybody. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Hiking?

Stuttgart
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Stuttgart is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Flam. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Stuttgart is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Flam?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Flam. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Flam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.


Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart and Flam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Flam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Many students visit Stuttgart. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Stuttgart or Flam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stuttgart
Flam

Stuttgart is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.


Is Stuttgart or Flam a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Flam

Flam is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stuttgart or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Stuttgart than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Stuttgart, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stuttgart than Flam 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 Stuttgart.


  • How many days in Stuttgart or Flam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stuttgart 2-4 
    Flam 1-2

One day in Stuttgart or Flam?

Stuttgart is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Flam is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stuttgart or Flam?

Stuttgart is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Stuttgart or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic big city of Stuttgart. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stuttgart or Flam?

The modern city of Stuttgart offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Flam is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Flam or Stuttgart?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, while the average daily cost in Flam is €104. 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 Stuttgart and Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart or Flam? 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 Stuttgart


Hotels in Flam


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Flam 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Flam 33
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Flam 16

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

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

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Flam 3.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Flam?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 1200 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart and Flam, 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 Stuttgart or Flam?

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 Stuttgart or Flam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Flam. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stuttgart in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Flam. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Flam 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Flam. The autumn months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In October, Stuttgart is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 13°C (56°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Stuttgart usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Flam 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Stuttgart in the winter. Stuttgart is much warmer than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In January, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Flam. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Flam 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Stuttgart during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stuttgart is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stuttgart in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stuttgart usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Flam 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Flam and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Flam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)