A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Tromso vs. Alesund for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tromso or Alesund?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Alesund 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.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Alesund

Alesund is a scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alesund than Tromso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alesund is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Also, Alesund is famous for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Tromso different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tromso or Alesund?

Alesund is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso 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 Alesund. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

Is the Food Better in Tromso or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Tromso and Alesund can be an enjoyable experience.

Tromso has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alesund makes for a great culinary experience. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Tromso and Alesund.

If you're looking for night time activities Tromso has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Alesund?

Alesund is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Alesund has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Families?

Tromso is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tromso is a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Alesund is a family-friendly town. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Couples?

Tromso is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tromso is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Students?

For students, both Tromso and Alesund are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Tromso. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Alesund is a good town to visit for students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Is Tromso or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tromso and Alesund both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tromso offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Tromso or Alesund a more walkable city?

Tromso is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tromso Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tromso and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Alesund. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tromso than Alesund 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 Tromso.

One day in Tromso or Alesund?

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alesund. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Tromso or Alesund?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Alesund 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.

Five days in Tromso or Alesund?

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Tromso or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Alesund. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Alesund?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Tromso during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tromso is around the same temperature as Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Tromso usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Alesund. Many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tromso usually receives less rain than Alesund. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tromso or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Alesund. Most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alesund because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Tromso can be very cold during winter. Tromso is much colder than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Tromso usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the spring. The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In April, Tromso usually receives less rain than Alesund. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Tromso