A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Alesund? 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.

Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Alesund?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Gothenburg?

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

  • Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Alesund Prices
    Norway Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gothenburg $145
    Alesund $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $133. 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 Gothenburg and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Alesund $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Alesund $116
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Alesund? 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 Gothenburg


Hotels in Alesund


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Alesund $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $76
    Alesund $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Alesund $18

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Self Guided Tour in Gothenburg: $3.58
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $8.63
  • Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $15
  • Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $19
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $24
  • Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
  • City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $164
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $164
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $186
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $215
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Alesund $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Alesund?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Alesund, 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 Gothenburg or Alesund?

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 Gothenburg or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Alesund. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the summer, Gothenburg is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gothenburg is generally around the same temperature as Alesund. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Alesund. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. Gothenburg is much colder than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Alesund. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Gothenburg is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Alesund. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)