A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fussen vs. Alesund for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Fussen or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Fussen 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.

Fussen

Fussen is a picturesque, quintesential, and storybook town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Alesund

Alesund is a scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fussen or Alesund?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alesund. Although Fussen and Alesund are popular destinations, Alesund has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alesund is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fussen attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Alesund is famous for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also well known for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Fussen different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alesund and Fussen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fussen or Alesund?

Fussen
Alesund

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fussen and Alesund.

Fussen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alesund. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


Is the Food Better in Fussen or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fussen
Alesund

Alesund is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Fussen
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Alesund has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fussen or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Fussen is revered around the world. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Hiking?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Fussen is a popular spot for hiking. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fussen or Alesund?

Fussen
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Families?

Fussen
Alesund

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fussen or Alesund.

Fussen offers lots of family activities. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

Alesund is a family-friendly place to visit. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.


Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Couples?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Fussen is a very popular place to visit for couples. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Students?

Fussen
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Fussen is not popular with students.


Is Fussen or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen and Alesund both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Fussen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Fussen or Alesund a more walkable city?

Fussen
Alesund

Fussen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Fussen on foot. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Fussen Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Fussen?

How long in Fussen or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fussen and Alesund. In our opinion, Fussen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fussen than Alesund. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fussen than Alesund 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 Fussen.


  • How many days in Fussen or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fussen 2-3 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Fussen or Alesund?

Fussen is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alesund. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Fussen or Alesund?

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fussen has to offer.

Alesund is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Fussen or Alesund?

Fussen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Fussen or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fussen. Since Fussen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Alesund. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Fussen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fussen is €210, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Fussen and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fussen 109
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fussen 218
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Fussen and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Fussen 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 Fussen


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: Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fussen 54
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Fussen or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Fussen 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
    Fussen 59
    Alesund 28
Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fussen 60
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Fussen

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fussen.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $270

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fussen 20
    Alesund 11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fussen or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Fussen 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.