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

Should you visit Tartu or Flam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Flam 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a historical, lively, and intellectual university town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife.

Flam

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

Tartu and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Flam than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Flam is better known for its museums, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Flam is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Flam is famous for the Stegastein Viewpoint. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Flam is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Flam. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Flam is a great village for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Flam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a great university town for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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 Tartu or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a great university town for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is a great village for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Flam for the hiking trails. 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Flam?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu and Flam both offer plenty of respectable spots.

Tartu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Flam is a good destination for shopping. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is a great village for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Couples?

Flam is a great village for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Flam is a great village if you're traveling as 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a great university town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Tartu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tartu or Flam Better for Students?

Tartu is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Tartu is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Tartu and Flam both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Flam a more walkable city?

Tartu and Flam are very good when it comes to walkability.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tartu or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tartu than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Flam than Tartu. 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 Tartu. 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 Tartu 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 Tartu.

One day in Tartu or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Even though Flam is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tartu or Flam?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Flam?

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. This university town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a fun place to experience. Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Flam?

The student-oriented university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Flam, we can see that Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Flam?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is a little warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Flam. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Flam in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tartu is generally cooler than Flam. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Flam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Flam. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Flam can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Flam. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Flam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Flam. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Flam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tartu is cooler than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Flam and Tartu