A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Tromso vs. Flam for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tromso or Flam?

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 Flam 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. 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 food and hiking.

Tromso and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Flam?

Both Flam and Tromso have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Tromso is better known for its nightlife and impressive beauty, while Flam is more popular for its museums. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Flam is well known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tromso different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Flam is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Flam. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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 Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Tromso and Flam 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, Flam makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Tromso is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Hiking?

Both Tromso and Flam are destinations which offer very good 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.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Flam?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tromso and Flam both offer plenty of respectable spots.

Tromso has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Flam is a good destination for shopping. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Families?

Both Tromso and Flam are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tromso. 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.

Flam is a very family-friendly place to visit. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Couples?

Both Tromso and Flam are very good 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.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tromso and Flam are notable 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 Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tromso or Flam Better for Students?

Tromso is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

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.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Tromso and Flam 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.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Tromso or Flam a more walkable city?

Tromso and Flam are very good 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.

Flam is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tromso or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tromso than Flam 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 Flam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tromso than Flam 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 Flam?

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Tromso or Flam?

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam 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 Flam?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural small town of Flam. This village 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 Sightseeing Tours in Norway, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tromso and Flam, 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 Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Flam?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Tromso and Flam, 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 Flam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tromso or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tromso is cooler than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In July, Tromso usually receives less rain than Flam. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tromso or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Tromso during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Flam. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. Tromso usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Flam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Flam. Many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Flam can be very cold during winter. Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Tromso is much colder than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tromso usually receives less rain than Flam. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tromso or Flam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Flam. Most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Flam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Tromso usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Flam and Tromso