A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Kiel vs. Fussen for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kiel or Fussen?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Fussen? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fussen

Fussen is a picturesque, quintesential, and storybook 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.

Kiel and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
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


Is there more to do in Kiel or Fussen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Fussen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fussen is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle.

How is Kiel different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel
Fussen

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Kiel and Fussen.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. 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.


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

Kiel
Fussen

Both Kiel and Fussen offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. 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)

Fussen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Kiel or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Kiel
Fussen

Kiel 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 Kiel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kiel or Fussen Better for Beaches?

Kiel
Fussen

Kiel is a popular place for the beache. However, Fussen is not a beach destination.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Fussen is not a beach destination.


Is Kiel or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Kiel
Fussen

Fussen is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Fussen can be explored in its historical center. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Kiel or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Kiel
Fussen

Fussen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fussen. 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.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Fussen?

Kiel
Fussen

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Kiel or Fussen Better for Families?

Kiel
Fussen

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Fussen.

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.

Fussen offers lots of family activities. 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 Kiel or Fussen Better for Couples?

Kiel
Fussen

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

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.

Kiel is a good city 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 Kiel or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kiel
Fussen

Fussen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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 Kiel or Fussen Better for Students?

Kiel
Fussen

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

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Fussen is not popular with students.

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

Kiel
Fussen

Fussen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Fussen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

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

Is Kiel or Fussen a more walkable city?

Kiel
Fussen

Fussen is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kiel and Fussen. In our opinion, Fussen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Fussen than Kiel. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

Families should spend more time in Fussen than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Fussen 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 Fussen.


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

One day in Kiel or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kiel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Kiel or Fussen?

Kiel 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.

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.

Five days in Kiel or Fussen?

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

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.


A week in Kiel or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Kiel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Kiel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiel is €138, while the average daily cost in Fussen is €210. 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 Kiel and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiel 67
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiel 134
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Kiel and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Kiel 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 Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $655
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $238
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $119
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiel or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Kiel 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
    Kiel 39
    Fussen 59

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.
    Kiel 19
    Fussen 60

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $142
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $247
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $207
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $259
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $204
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $193
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $390
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $285
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • City Highlights Express Walking Tour with a Local: $93

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $42
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $52
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $61
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $65
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $228
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $256
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiel 12
    Fussen 20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kiel or Fussen?

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