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

Should you visit Tartu or Gjovik?

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 Gjovik 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 intellectual, student-oriented, and cultural university town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife.

Gjovik

Gjovik is a relaxed, accessible, and friendly town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Gjovik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Tartu or Gjovik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gjovik. Although Tartu and Gjovik are popular destinations, Gjovik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gjovik is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Tartu attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university. Gjovik is famous for its beautiful surrounding countryside and nice landscape. It is also well known for the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall.

How is Tartu different from Gjovik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gjovik 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 Gjovik?

Tartu
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gjovik. There are a handful of sights and attractions near town such as the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall and the Royal Palace.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Gjovik

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

Gjovik has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many local restaurants that range from fine dining opportunities to local cafes. Dishes usually include local ingredients that are fresh and high quality.

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 Gjovik Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tartu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Gjovik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find some bars and pubs around town as well as a couple of nightclubs.

Is Tartu or Gjovik Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Gjovik does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Gjovik?

Tartu
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Gjovik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town center has some nice retail shops with clothing and other interesting items.

Tartu is a good destination for 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.

Is Tartu or Gjovik Better for Families?

Tartu
Gjovik

Both Tartu and Gjovik are nice to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. 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.

Gjovik is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a combination of museums and outdoor adventure activities. There are climbing parks, Olympic centers, and art galleries that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Tartu or Gjovik Better for Couples?

Tartu
Gjovik

Gjovik is a town with good options for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Gjovik is a good town for couples to visit. You'll find romantic hotels and many great museums or outdoor parks that couples will appreciate.

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 Gjovik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Gjovik. There's at least one hostel around town, and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Tartu or Gjovik Better for Students?

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tartu. 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.

Gjovik is popular with students. The location offers access to much of what Norway has to offer, making it a nice place to base yourself while you're studying.

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

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu and Gjovik both offer nice 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.

Gjovik has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through town.


Is Tartu or Gjovik a more walkable city?

Tartu
Gjovik

Tartu is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Gjovik is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas as well as walking paths just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Gjovik or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Gjovik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Gjovik. In our opinion, Tartu has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tartu than Gjovik. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tartu than Gjovik 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.


  • How many days in Tartu or Gjovik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Gjovik 1-3

One day in Tartu or Gjovik?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Gjovik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. This town 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 Gjovik?

Tartu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gjovik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Gjovik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gjovik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Gjovik. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Gjovik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Tartu. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Gjovik. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Gjovik or Tartu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, while the average daily cost in Gjovik is €70. 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 Tartu and Gjovik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Gjovik 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Gjovik 88
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Gjovik

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Gjovik? 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 Tartu


Hotels in Gjovik


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: Tartu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Gjovik 5.53

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Gjovik?

Prices for flights to both Gjovik and Tartu 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
    Tartu 37
    Gjovik 22
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Gjovik 6.14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $28
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $143
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $129
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $202
  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $238

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Gjovik 5.53


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Gjovik?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gjovik. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Gjovik, 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 Gjovik?

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 Gjovik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Gjovik. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gjovik for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tartu is around the same temperature as Gjovik in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Gjovik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gjovik this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gjovik during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Gjovik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Gjovik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Gjovik. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Gjovik because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tartu is cooler than Gjovik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Gjovik averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gjovik. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 86 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Gjovik. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Gjovik 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Gjovik in the Winter?

Both Gjovik and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gjovik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gjovik in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Gjovik. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Gjovik fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Gjovik during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Gjovik -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Gjovik in the Spring?

Both Gjovik and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. Tartu is cooler than Gjovik in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Gjovik fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gjovik. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Gjovik. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Gjovik 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Gjovik and Tartu

Tartu Gjovik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)