A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also well known for the terraced chain of lakes. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Baden-Baden different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Baden-Baden. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Baden-Baden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baden-Baden has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Baden-Baden has a few options to choose from. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its hiking trails.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.


Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Baden-Baden. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.


Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baden-Baden than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Families should spend more time in Baden-Baden than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baden-Baden, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Baden-Baden than Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Baden-Baden that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Baden-Baden 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Baden-Baden, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Baden-Baden is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

The scenic national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The nature-oriented spa town of Baden-Baden offers nightlife and food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Baden-Baden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Baden-Baden


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

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

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baden-Baden Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 20°C (67°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baden-Baden this time of the year. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baden-Baden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Baden-Baden during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's quite cold in Baden-Baden in the winter. In the winter, Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baden-Baden in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 10°C (50°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)