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

Should you visit Tartu or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer 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 student-oriented, cultural, and historical university town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Tartu and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is better known for its skiing, museums, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Lillehammer is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Also, Lillehammer is famous for Lillehammer Olympic Park. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tartu or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great city for skiing. However, Tartu is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Tartu is not a skiing destination.

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

Lillehammer is a city 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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Lillehammer has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Tartu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Tartu or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Tartu to see the historical old town. 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is a great city for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is a great city 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 Lillehammer. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Lillehammer is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Lillehammer is a good university town to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Tartu or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Tartu is a great destination 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Tartu and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Tartu or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Tartu is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tartu than Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the historical university town of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Tartu. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This university town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

The historical university town of Tartu offers nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 museums and skiing around the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Lillehammer, 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 Lillehammer Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Lillehammer?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Lillehammer, 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.