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

Should you visit Fussen or Lillehammer?

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

Should I visit Fussen or Lillehammer? 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 storybook, quaint, and charming 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Fussen and Lillehammer: 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 for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fussen or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Fussen and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fussen attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Fussen different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Fussen
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is great for skiing. However, Fussen is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Fussen is not a skiing destination.


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

Fussen
Lillehammer

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

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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Fussen
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Fussen
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Fussen
Lillehammer

Fussen is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Fussen
Lillehammer

If you're looking to go hiking, Fussen and Lillehammer both have very good 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.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Is the Shopping Better in Fussen or Lillehammer?

Fussen
Lillehammer

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Fussen
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Fussen
Lillehammer

With fun activities for couples, both Fussen and Lillehammer make for a very good 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.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fussen
Lillehammer

For backpackers, both Fussen and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.


Is Fussen or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Fussen
Lillehammer

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

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Fussen is not popular with students.

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

Fussen
Lillehammer

Fussen and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Fussen or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Fussen
Lillehammer

Fussen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.


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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Fussen?

How long in Fussen or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Fussen or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fussen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Fussen or Lillehammer? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fussen 2-3 
    Lillehammer 2-4

One day in Fussen or Lillehammer?

Fussen is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Fussen or Lillehammer?

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Because Fussen is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Since Fussen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the sporty destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer is €96. 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 Lillehammer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fussen 109
    Lillehammer 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fussen 218
    Lillehammer 116
Compare Hotels in Fussen and Lillehammer

Looking for a hotel in Fussen or Lillehammer? 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 Lillehammer


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 and Lillehammer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fussen 54
    Lillehammer 3.67

Is it cheaper to fly into Fussen or Lillehammer?

Prices for flights to both Lillehammer 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
    Lillehammer 32
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
    Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer

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

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fussen 20
    Lillehammer 12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fussen or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Fussen and Lillehammer, 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.