A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Villach vs. Alesund for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Villach or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Villach or Alesund? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Villach and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Villach or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alesund than Villach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alesund is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Villach is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Also, Alesund is famous for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Villach different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Villach or Alesund?

Villach
Alesund

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Villach or Alesund.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

Alesund is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


Is the Food Better in Villach or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Villach
Alesund

Alesund is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

Dining out in Alesund is an experience not to be missed. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Alesund

Evening events are notable in both Villach and Alesund.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Villach or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Alesund

Villach is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Villach to see the historical old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is Villach or Alesund Better for Hiking?

Villach
Alesund

Villach is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Alesund?

Villach
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Many visitors go to Alesund to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Alesund Better for Families?

Villach
Alesund

Villach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Villach is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Alesund is a family-friendly town. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.


Is Villach or Alesund Better for Couples?

Villach
Alesund

Villach is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Villach or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Alesund

Villach is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Villach or Alesund Better for Students?

Villach
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

Alesund is a good city to visit for students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Villach is not popular with students.


Is Villach or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Villach
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Alesund a more walkable city?

Villach
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable city. The city center can be explored on foot.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Villach Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Villach?

How long in Villach or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Villach and Alesund. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Villach than Alesund 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 Villach.


  • How many days in Villach or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Villach 1-3 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Villach or Alesund?

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Alesund, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Villach or Alesund?

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Villach has to offer.

In Alesund, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alesund has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Alesund?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Alesund is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Villach or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alesund. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Villach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Villach is €116, 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 Villach and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Villach and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Villach 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 Villach


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: Villach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Villach 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
    Villach 35
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Villach

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

  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $140
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Alesund 11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Villach and Alesund, we can see that Villach 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 Villach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Villach 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 Villach Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Villach or Alesund?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach or Alesund?

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 Villach or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the summer, Villach is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Villach in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In July, Villach usually receives less rain than Alesund. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Villach or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Villach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Villach is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 16°C (60°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Villach usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Villach or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Alesund. Many travelers come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Villach is much warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Villach usually receives less rain than Alesund. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Villach or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Villach as well as Alesund. Many visitors come to Villach in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Villach is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Villach in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Alesund. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Villach

Villach Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)