A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Hamburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Hamburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Hamburg?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $166. 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 Akureyri and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $103
    Hamburg $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Hamburg $126
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Hamburg? 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 Akureyri


Hotels in Hamburg


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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Hamburg $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $204
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Business Car: $110
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Car: $160
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $100
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Luxury Van: $118
  • Departure Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $118
  • Hamburg :Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $128
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Hamburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $249
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port - Arrival Transfer: $204
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Akureyri 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
    Akureyri $71
    Hamburg $70

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $18
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.87
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $7.04
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $18
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.69
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $7.04
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $4.11
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $53
  • Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour: $53
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Hamburg Traditional Food Tour: Full Meal and Drinks: $90
  • Hamburg Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Hamburg Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $130
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $529
  • The Wilhelmsburg Food Tour: $529

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Hamburg $46

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $65
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $79
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
  • Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
  • Family Friendly Horse Riding Tour in Skagafjörður: $91
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $4.11

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • NAIPO Relax Lounge Innovative Massage Experience: $1.19
  • Free tour: Centro Histórico. Tú decides el precio al final: $1.41
  • Free Tour: Port, Red Light District and Beatles. You decide how much to pay at the end: $1.73
  • Guided tour of Hamburg's Speicherstadt – warehouses, free port, and duty-free zone: $2.35
  • Guided tour of Hamburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site – Warehouses & Cathedrals of Trade: $2.35
  • Freewalking Tour Hamburg St.Georg Dreams, diversity and tolerance: $3.57
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.57
  • Spicy's Gewürzmuseum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $7.05
  • Bucerius Kunst Forum: Exhibition ticket Sean Scully: $7.05
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Hamburg's Port History: $7.99
  • FC ST. PAULI-MUSEUM Entrance Ticket: $8.22
  • RICKMER RICKMERS Museum Entry Ticket: $8.22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Hamburg $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $29
  • Pub Crawl Hamburg - Ladies Night: $30
  • Pub Crawl - Drink & Dare: $30
  • Reeperbahn Pub Crawl with Shots and Games: $35
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Drinks and Club Entry: $36
  • Reeperbahn pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $317
  • Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $423


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Hamburg, 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 Akureyri or Hamburg?

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 Akureyri or Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Hamburg. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Hamburg. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Hamburg. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Akureyri

Akureyri Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)