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

Should you visit Villach or Flam?

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

Should I visit Villach or Flam? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Villach and Flam: 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Villach or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Villach than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Villach is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Flam is more popular for its food and small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Also, Villach is famous for The Villach Main Square.

How is Villach different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Villach
Flam

Villach is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.


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

Villach
Flam

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

Dining out in Flam is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Flam

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

If you're looking for night time activities Villach has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Villach or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Flam

Villach is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Flam does not have a historic old town.


Is Villach or Flam Better for Hiking?

Villach
Flam

If you're looking to go hiking, Villach and Flam both have superb trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Flam. 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 FlÄmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Flam?

Villach
Flam

Both Villach and Flam are respectable shopping destinations.

Villach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

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 Villach or Flam Better for Families?

Villach
Flam

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Flam.

Villach is known to be 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.

Flam is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Villach or Flam Better for Couples?

Villach
Flam

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Flam make for a superb place to visit.

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.

Flam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Villach or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Flam

Villach is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Villach
Flam

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

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

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 Flam a more walkable city?

Villach
Flam

Flam is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

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 Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Villach?

How long in Villach or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Villach or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Villach than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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


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

One day in Villach or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Villach or Flam?

Villach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Flam has to offer.


Five days in Villach or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Villach. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam 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.

A week in Villach or Flam?

The historic town of Villach offers nightlife and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Flam 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 Flam is €104. 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 Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Villach and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Villach or Flam? 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 Flam


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
    Flam 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam 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
    Flam 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Flam 16

Tours and Activities in Villach

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Flam 3.44


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


Which is Bigger, Villach or Flam?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach or Flam?

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 Villach or Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Flam. Most visitors come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Villach is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Villach in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Villach usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Flam 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Villach or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Villach usually receives less rain than Flam. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Villach or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. Villach is much warmer than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Villach usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Flam 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Villach or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Flam. Many travelers come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Villach is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Villach in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Villach usually receives less rain than Flam. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Flam 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Flam and Villach

Villach Flam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)