A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tihany vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tihany or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Alesund? 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.

Where Should I go: Tihany or Alesund?

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Tihany?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tihany is $44, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $99. 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 Tihany and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Alesund $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Alesund $106
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Alesund? 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 Tihany


Hotels in Alesund


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: Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Alesund $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Tihany 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
    Tihany $18
    Alesund $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Alesund $16

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Alesund $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany and Alesund, 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 Tihany or Alesund?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tihany or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Tihany during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In July, Tihany is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 21°C (70°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tihany usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tihany 21°C (70°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Alesund. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tihany is a little warmer than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tihany usually receives less rain than Alesund. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Alesund. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tihany. In the winter, Tihany is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tihany in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Tihany usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tihany -1°C (31°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. In April, Tihany is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 12°C (53°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Tihany usually receives less rain than Alesund. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Tihany

Tihany Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)