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

Should you visit Turku or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is €142. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Turku and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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 and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Heidelberg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,112
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $73
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $310
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $131
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $523
  • Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour: $133
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $766
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $659

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Heidelberg?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Turku and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Turku or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Turku is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Turku in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Turku. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Turku usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Turku or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Turku is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 6°C (43°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Turku often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Turku or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Heidelberg. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Turku can be very cold during winter. Turku is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Turku averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Turku usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Turku usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Turku or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Heidelberg. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

The weather in Turku can be very cold. In the spring, Turku is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Turku in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Turku

Turku Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)