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

Should you visit Tromso or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Tromso is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Tromso travel costs.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Lillehammer travel costs.

Tromso and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Tromso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, and shopping, while Tromso is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Also, Lillehammer is famous for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Tromso different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great city for skiing. However, Tromso is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Tromso is not a skiing destination.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air 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 Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Tromso and Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Both Tromso and Lillehammer are destinations which offer high quality 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.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Lillehammer?

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

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Lillehammer More Beautiful?

Tromso is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Lillehammer is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Tromso is one of the main draws. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

Lillehammer is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Both Tromso and Lillehammer are high quality 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.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Both Tromso and Lillehammer are high quality 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.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tromso and Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Tromso or Lillehammer Better for Students?

For students, both Tromso and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a good town to visit for students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Tromso and Lillehammer 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.

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

Is Tromso or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Tromso is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Tromso or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tromso due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

One day in Tromso or Lillehammer?

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Tromso or Lillehammer?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

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 five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Lillehammer, we can see that Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Lillehammer?

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