A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Kiel for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a relaxing, enjoyable, and unique national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lake District National Park and Kiel: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kiel. Although Lake District National Park and Kiel are both popular with visitors, Kiel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kiel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also home to The Kiel Castle.

How is Lake District National Park different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

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 Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Lake District National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake District National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. 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 Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Lake District National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Lake District National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Kiel is a good national park 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 Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lake District National Park. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

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 Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Students?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

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

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.


Is Lake District National Park or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Lake District National Park and Kiel.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

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

Is Lake District National Park or Kiel a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Kiel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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


  • How many days in Lake District National Park or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime destination of Kiel. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Lake District National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Kiel for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the enjoyable destination of Lake District National Park. This national park 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.

The maritime destination of Kiel offers shopping and museums. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. 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 Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the unique national park of Lake District National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kiel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Lake District National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £81, while the average daily cost in Kiel is £118. 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 Lake District National Park and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park or Kiel? 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 Lake District National Park


Hotels in Kiel


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Kiel £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake District National Park

Also for Lake District National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $44
  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Lake District National Park 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
    Lake District National Park £21
    Kiel £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Kiel £16

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $140

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: $141
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $244
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $205
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $256
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $202
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $384
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $281
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Kiel £10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Kiel, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park 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 Kiel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiel than you might in Lake District National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park or Kiel in the Summer?

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

In July, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 15°C (59°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in July than Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Kiel. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Lake District National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lake District National Park is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lake District National Park in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Lake District National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for 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 April, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Kiel. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)