A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Fussen for Hiking, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Fussen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Fussen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a dramatic, scenic, and picturesque island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

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.

Isle of Skye and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle


Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fussen. Although Isle of Skye and Fussen 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 Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Fussen is famous for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is also well known for The Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle

How is Isle of Skye different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Fussen is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Fussen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Isle of Skye is great for the beache. However, Fussen is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is considered a top beach destination. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Fussen is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Fussen is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Fussen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.


Is Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Isle of Skye is an amazing island to visit for hiking. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

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 Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for Families?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Both Isle of Skye and Fussen are nice family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fussen. 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 Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Isle of Skye and Fussen both superb destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Isle of Skye or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Isle of Skye is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Fussen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Fussen a more walkable city?

Isle of Skye
Fussen

Fussen is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Fussen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Fussen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Fussen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.


  • How many days in Isle of Skye or Fussen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isle of Skye 2-5 
    Fussen 2-3

One day in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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.

Fussen is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Fussen is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. 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.

Fussen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the dramatic destination of Isle of Skye. This island 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.

Fussen is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Isle of Skye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isle of Skye is £114, while the average daily cost in Fussen is £180. 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 Isle of Skye and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isle of Skye £51
    Fussen £93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isle of Skye £102
    Fussen £186
Compare Hotels in Isle of Skye and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Isle of Skye or Fussen? 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 Isle of Skye


Hotels in Fussen


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.
    Isle of Skye £54
    Fussen £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isle of Skye

Also for Isle of Skye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Isle of Skye to Inverness Direct transfer: $623

Is it cheaper to fly into Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Isle of Skye 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
    Isle of Skye £31
    Fussen £51

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

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


  • Lunch
    £8.56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isle of Skye £19
    Fussen £51

Tours and Activities in Isle of Skye

For Isle of Skye, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
  • Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812

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
    Isle of Skye £7.71
    Fussen £17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Fussen?

Fussen has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Fussen, 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.