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

Should you visit Villach or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Villach or Tromso? 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 nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Villach and Tromso: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights


Is there more to do in Villach or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Villach. Although Villach and Tromso are roughly the same size, Villach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Villach is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Tromso attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. It is also well known for The Villach Main Square.

How is Villach different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Villach
Tromso

Villach is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.


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

Villach
Tromso

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

Dining out in Tromso is an experience not to be missed. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Tromso

Evening events are nice in both Villach and Tromso.

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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Villach or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Tromso

Villach is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Villach has an old town worth visiting. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.


Is Villach or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Villach
Tromso

If you're looking to go hiking, Villach and Tromso both have excellent 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 Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Tromso?

Villach
Tromso

Both Villach and Tromso are reasonable 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Villach or Tromso Better for Families?

Villach
Tromso

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Tromso.

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.

Tromso is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.


Is Villach or Tromso Better for Couples?

Villach
Tromso

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Tromso make for a excellent 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.

Tromso makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Villach or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Tromso

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Villach or Tromso Better for Students?

Villach
Tromso

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

Tromso is a good town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Villach is not popular with students.


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

Villach
Tromso

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

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in 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 Tromso a more walkable city?

Villach
Tromso

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

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Villach?

How long in Villach or Tromso?

Both Villach and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Villach. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Villach than Tromso 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 Tromso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Villach 1-3 
    Tromso 4-7

One day in Villach or Tromso?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Villach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Villach or Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Villach or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Villach. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Tromso. Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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


Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Tromso 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Tromso 104
Compare Hotels in Villach and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Villach or Tromso? 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 Tromso


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 and Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Tromso 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82
  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
    Tromso 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

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

Tours and Activities in Tromso

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

  • Touring-Trekking Bicycle Rental in Tromso - 1 to 2 Days: $46
  • Experience the Full Steam Storytelling Package: $46
  • Tromso Embrace the Spirits of the North Tasting Experience: $63
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Experience Cross-Country Adventure in Tromsø: $93
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $111
  • Fjord & History Cruise: $111
  • Tromso Sightseeing with E-Bike: $112
  • Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso: $117
  • History Fjordcruise Around The Isle Of Tromso - Luxury Catamaran: $121
  • From Tromso all- inclusive Midnight sun cruise by Boat: $126
  • Puppy Training Experience at a Husky Farm in Tromso: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Tromso 7.84


When comparing the travel costs between Villach and Tromso, 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 Tromso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Villach or Tromso?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Villach and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Tromso. Many visitors come to Villach in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Villach is much warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In the summer, Villach often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tromso. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Villach or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the autumn, Villach is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Villach in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Villach usually receives less rain than Tromso. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Villach or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Villach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. In January, Villach is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 5°C (41°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Villach or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Tromso. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. Villach is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Villach usually receives more rain than Tromso. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Villach

Villach Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)