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

Should you visit Sigulda or Alesund?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Alesund can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Alesund?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Sigulda?

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 Sigulda is €29, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €113. 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 Sigulda and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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 Sigulda


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sigulda

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sigulda:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure & Round Transfer: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 14
    Alesund 49
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

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


  • Pastry
    1.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

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

  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $129
  • FreeFall Flight: Aerodium Wind Tunnel Experience Latvia: $198
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $281

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $71
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $112
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $134
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Kayak tour in Molde: $144
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Alesund 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $211


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Alesund, we can see that Alesund is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund than you might in Sigulda.

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Alesund?

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 Sigulda or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Alesund. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Sigulda is a little warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Alesund. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Alesund. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the autumn, Sigulda is cooler than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sigulda in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Sigulda in the winter. In January, Sigulda is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around -5°C (23°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Alesund. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. Sigulda is a little warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Sigulda

Sigulda Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)