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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Isle of Skye and Kiel: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel. Although Isle of Skye and Kiel are popular destinations, Kiel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kiel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle.

How is Isle of Skye different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Isle of Skye is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kiel. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is well known for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Kiel is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Kiel 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 Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Kiel is a good island for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Isle of Skye or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Kiel is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

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 Kiel a more walkable city?

Kiel is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Kiel is somewhat walkable. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Kiel. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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.

In Kiel, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Kiel is a fun place to experience. 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 Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the maritime destination of Kiel. 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 Kiel?

The scenic island of Isle of Skye offers food. 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.

Kiel is a popular place to visit. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Kiel, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Kiel, 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.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Kiel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Isle of Skye during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Kiel. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Isle of Skye can get quite cold in the winter. Isle of Skye is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kiel. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Isle of Skye