A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fussen vs. Flam for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fussen or Flam?

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

Should I visit Fussen or Flam? 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 charming, picturesque, and quintesential town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Fussen and Flam: 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
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Fussen or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fussen. Although Fussen and Flam are popular destinations, Fussen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fussen is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Fussen is famous for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is also well known for The Neuschwanstein Castle. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

The Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle

How is Fussen different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flam 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 Flam?

Fussen
Flam

Fussen is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Fussen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.


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

Fussen
Flam

Flam 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.

Flam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Fussen
Flam

Flam is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Flam doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fussen or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Fussen
Flam

Fussen is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Fussen offers plenty to see. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Flam does not have a historic old town.


Is Fussen or Flam Better for Hiking?

Fussen
Flam

If you're looking to go hiking, Fussen and Flam both have superb trails.

Many visitors go to Fussen for the hiking trails. 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.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the FlÄmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Fussen or Flam?

Fussen
Flam

Flam is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fussen or Flam Better for Families?

Fussen
Flam

Flam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Flam is very family-friendly. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Fussen or Flam Better for Couples?

Fussen
Flam

With fun activities for couples, both Fussen and Flam make for a superb place to visit.

Fussen is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Fussen or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fussen
Flam

For backpackers, both Fussen and Flam are nice places to visit.

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.

Flam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Fussen
Flam

Fussen and Flam 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.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.


Is Fussen or Flam a more walkable city?

Fussen
Flam

Fussen is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its high level of walkability.

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

Flam is a very walkable town. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Fussen?

How long in Fussen or Flam?

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

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


  • How many days in Fussen or Flam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fussen 2-3 
    Flam 1-2

One day in Fussen or Flam?

Fussen is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the small town destination of Flam. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Fussen or Flam?

Fussen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam 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 Flam?

Fussen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Fussen or Flam?

Because Fussen is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking small town of Flam. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Flam 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 Flam is €104. 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 Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fussen 109
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fussen 218
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Fussen and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Fussen or Flam? 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 Flam


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
    Flam 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Fussen or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam 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
    Flam 33
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
    Flam 16

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fussen 20
    Flam 3.44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fussen and Flam, we can see that Fussen is more expensive. And not only is Flam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flam 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 Flam.

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


Which is Bigger, Fussen or Flam?

Fussen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Fussen and Flam, 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.