A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fussen vs. Lofoten Islands for Old Town, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

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

Should I visit Fussen or Lofoten Islands? 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 quintesential, storybook, and quaint town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a pristine, charming, and quaint archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fussen and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands than Fussen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lofoten Islands is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Fussen is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Fussen is more touristy than Lofoten Islands and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Lofoten Islands is well known for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. Also, Lofoten Islands is famous for The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Fussen different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

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

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 Lofoten Islands. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.


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

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands 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.

Lofoten Islands has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

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

Lofoten Islands doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is great for the beache. However, Fussen is not a beach destination.

Lofoten Islands is considered a top beach destination. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.

Fussen is not a beach destination.


Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Fussen is very popular for its old town. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its historic old town charm.

Fussen has a world-famous historical area. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Many visitors go to Lofoten Islands to see the historical old town. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Lofoten Islands specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lofoten Islands. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands 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, Lofoten Islands is very family-friendly. Outdoor adventures await at this breathtaking archipelago. There's kayaking, hiking, whale watch, and even a few Viking museums that the kids will enjoy.

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 Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Lofoten Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning views, dramatic fjords, and world class outdoor adventures make this an amazing romantic destination for couples. If you enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities, then there is no shortage of opportunities to explore here.

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.

Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lofoten Islands. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

Fussen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.


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

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Fussen is very good for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Fussen or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Fussen
Lofoten Islands

Fussen is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

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.

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable town. Although the area is filled with hikes, you really must have a car if you hope to explore it with flexibility and accessibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Fussen?

How long in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Both Fussen and Lofoten Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lofoten Islands than in Fussen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fussen, and 4-7 days is enough time in Lofoten Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands.


  • How many days in Fussen or Lofoten Islands? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fussen 2-3 
    Lofoten Islands 4-7

One day in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Fussen is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lofoten Islands. 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 Lofoten Islands?

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Lofoten Islands is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Fussen is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lofoten Islands. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Since Fussen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Lofoten Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.


Which place is cheaper, Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands is €50. 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 Lofoten Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fussen 109
    Lofoten Islands 6.67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fussen 218
    Lofoten Islands 13
Compare Hotels in Fussen and Lofoten Islands

Looking for a hotel in Fussen or Lofoten Islands? 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 Lofoten Islands


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
    Lofoten Islands 9.86

Is it cheaper to fly into Fussen or Lofoten Islands?

Prices for flights to both Lofoten Islands 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
    Lofoten Islands 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
    Lofoten Islands 23

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 Lofoten Islands

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

  • From Leknes port: Special Summer Guided Tour of Lofoten : $125
  • Sea Kayak Guided Tours on Skrova Island: $115
  • Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour of Skrova: $33
  • Winter Half Day Kayak Tour: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fussen 20
    Lofoten Islands 0.67


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

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