A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Lillehammer for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Windsor or Lillehammer?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Windsor and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Windsor and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Windsor different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is well known for winter skiing. However, Windsor is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Windsor is not a skiing destination.

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

Windsor is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Windsor or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lillehammer is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lillehammer. 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Lillehammer.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Windsor to see the historical old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lillehammer offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Lillehammer make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Lillehammer is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Lillehammer is popular with students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Lillehammer.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Windsor or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Windsor is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Windsor is very walkable. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Lillehammer?

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

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

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Windsor or Lillehammer?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Windsor or Lillehammer?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Windsor or Lillehammer?

Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Lillehammer, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Lillehammer Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Lillehammer?

Windsor has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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.