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

Should you visit Turku or Alesund?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Alesund, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Turku or Alesund?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Turku?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €136, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Turku and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Turku and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Turku 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 Turku


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: Turku Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $74
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $74
  • One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,145

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $188
  • Private Transfer from Alesund hotels to Geiranger Cruise Port: $187
  • Tour from Alesund to Trollstigen Land of Trolls with Transfer: $153
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $137
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $137
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $88
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $72
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Turku 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
    Turku 32
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour: $119
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $132
  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $315
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $531
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $669
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $777

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $105
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $43
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $44
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $114
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $127
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $145
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $106
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $172
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $57
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $66
  • Shared Tour of Geiranger from Hellesylt: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Alesund 11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Alesund?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Turku during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Turku is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Turku usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Turku or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Alesund. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Turku is cooler than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Turku usually receives less rain than Alesund. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Turku or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Turku as well as Alesund. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. The weather in Turku can be very cold. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Turku usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Turku or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Turku in the spring. In April, Turku is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Alesund. Turku gets 38 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
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Turku

Turku Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)