A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Lofoten Islands for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a intellectual, student-oriented, and cultural university town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a dramatic, remote, and pristine archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Tartu and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Tartu and Lofoten Islands are both popular with visitors, Lofoten Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lofoten Islands is more popular for its museums & sights, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its nightlife. Lofoten Islands is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also home to The Svolvær Goat Trail. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lofoten Islands is a archipelago 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 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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lofoten Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

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

Tartu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 Tartu or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for the beach. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Both Tartu and Lofoten Islands have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Tartu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lofoten Islands. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Is Tartu or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Lofoten Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

Lofoten Islands is a archipelago with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

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

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago 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 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.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Lofoten Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Lofoten Islands is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Lofoten Islands are superb places to visit.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Tartu or Lofoten Islands Better for Students?

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

Lofoten Islands is not popular with students.

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

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

Tartu has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Tartu is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

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

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable university town. 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 Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Lofoten Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

Both Tartu and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

The cultural destination of Tartu offers nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This archipelago 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 Lofoten Islands?

The university town of Tartu offers nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lofoten Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

Tartu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This university town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lofoten Islands is a fun place to experience. In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Lofoten Islands?

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Lofoten Islands, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this pristine destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, 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 Tartu and Lofoten Islands, we can see that Tartu 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 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 Lofoten Islands.

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