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

Should you visit Villach or Lillehammer?

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

Should I visit Villach or Lillehammer? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Villach and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Villach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is better known for its skiing, food, and shopping, while Villach is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. 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 Villach different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Villach or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Villach is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Villach is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Villach and Lillehammer.

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

Is Villach or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Villach is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Villach or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Villach and Lillehammer both have very good 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 Lillehammer. 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 Villach or Lillehammer?

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

Many visitors go to Lillehammer to go shopping. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Lillehammer Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Lillehammer.

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.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Lillehammer make for a very good 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.

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

Is Villach or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Villach or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Lillehammer is a good city 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

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

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

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 Lillehammer a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Villach?

How long in Villach or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Villach or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

Families should spend more time in Lillehammer than Villach. 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 Villach. 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 Villach 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 Villach or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the nature-filled town of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Lillehammer, you'll find museums and skiing. 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 Lillehammer has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Lillehammer?

The historic town of Villach offers nightlife and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Lillehammer. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Villach and Lillehammer, we can see that Villach is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Lillehammer?

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