A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tromso vs. Bressanone for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tromso or Bressanone?

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 Bressanone 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 one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a idyllic, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Tromso and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Tromso or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bressanone. Although Tromso and Bressanone are popular destinations, Bressanone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bressanone is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. It is also well known for The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Tromso different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tromso
Bressanone

Bressanone is a town 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 Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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 Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tromso
Bressanone

Dining out at restaurants in both Tromso and Bressanone 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, Bressanone makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Tromso
Bressanone

Tromso is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Tromso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Tromso
Bressanone

Bressanone is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Bressanone is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.


Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Tromso
Bressanone

Both Tromso and Bressanone are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. 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.

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Bressanone?

Tromso
Bressanone

Bressanone is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Bressanone has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

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 Bressanone Better for Families?

Tromso
Bressanone

Tromso is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Tromso is known to be 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Tromso
Bressanone

Both Tromso and Bressanone are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tromso is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bressanone is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tromso
Bressanone

For backpackers, both Tromso and Bressanone are nice places to visit.

Tromso is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Tromso or Bressanone Better for Students?

Tromso
Bressanone

Tromso is a town with good options for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Tromso is popular with students. 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.


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

Tromso
Bressanone

Tromso and Bressanone both offer nice 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.

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

Is Tromso or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Tromso
Bressanone

Tromso and Bressanone are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tromso or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tromso than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

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

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


  • How many days in Tromso or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tromso 4-7 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Tromso or Bressanone?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the small town destination of Bressanone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Tromso or Bressanone?

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Tromso, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Bressanone?

Tromso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the idyllic small town of Bressanone. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Tromso?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tromso is $112, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is $149. 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 Tromso and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tromso $55
    Bressanone $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tromso $110
    Bressanone $156
Compare Hotels in Tromso and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Tromso or Bressanone? 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 Tromso


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Tromso Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tromso $29
    Bressanone $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93
  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Tromso or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Tromso 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
    Tromso $38
    Bressanone $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    $2.38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tromso $17
    Bressanone $22

Tours and Activities in Tromso

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

  • Touring-Trekking Bicycle Rental in Tromso - 1 to 2 Days: $46
  • Experience the Full Steam Storytelling Package: $46
  • Tromso Embrace the Spirits of the North Tasting Experience: $63
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Experience Cross-Country Adventure in Tromsø: $93
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $111
  • Fjord & History Cruise: $111
  • Tromso Sightseeing with E-Bike: $112
  • Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso: $117
  • History Fjordcruise Around The Isle Of Tromso - Luxury Catamaran: $121
  • From Tromso all- inclusive Midnight sun cruise by Boat: $126
  • Puppy Training Experience at a Husky Farm in Tromso: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tromso $8.36
    Bressanone $29

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    $9.75
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    $7.58


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tromso or Bressanone?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Tromso and Bressanone, 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.