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

Should you visit Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a idyllic, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bressanone than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bressanone is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Bressanone is well known for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. Also, Bressanone is famous for The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Bressanone 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 Bressanone. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bressanone is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bressanone is adequate for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

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

Is Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bressanone is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park are destinations which offer superb hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Bressanone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

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

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bressanone is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally 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 Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Bressanone
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Bressanone has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bressanone than Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the scenic national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Plitvice Lakes National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bressanone is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

With around the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


Five days in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bressanone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bressanone or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Bressanone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, 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 Bressanone?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bressanone is €138, 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 Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bressanone 72
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bressanone 144
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bressanone 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 Bressanone


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: Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bressanone 23
    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 Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232

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

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bressanone 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
    Bressanone 47
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40
Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

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


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bressanone 20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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
    Bressanone 26
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Bressanone and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Bressanone 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 Bressanone Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.