A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lausanne vs. Fussen for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Lausanne or Fussen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Fussen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a vibrant, cultural, and international city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen

Fussen is a storybook, quaint, and charming town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Lausanne and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • 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 Lausanne or Fussen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lausanne. Although Lausanne and Fussen are both popular with visitors, Lausanne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lausanne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fussen is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. It is also home to The Olympic Museum.

How is Lausanne different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Lausanne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

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 Lausanne or Fussen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne 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.

Lausanne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

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 Lausanne or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne 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 Lausanne has a few options to choose from. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lausanne or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne
Fussen

Fussen is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Fussen is revered around the world. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Lausanne is a good destination for visiting its old town. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.


Is Lausanne or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Lausanne
Fussen

Fussen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne 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.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Fussen?

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lausanne is well-known for its shopping. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lausanne or Fussen Better for Families?

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne and Fussen are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lausanne. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.

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 Lausanne or Fussen Better for Couples?

Lausanne
Fussen

Fussen is well known for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Lausanne or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lausanne
Fussen

Fussen is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Lausanne or Fussen Better for Students?

Lausanne
Fussen

Lausanne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

Lausanne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Lausanne
Fussen

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lausanne and Fussen.

You'll find some public transit in Lausanne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

While Fussen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Lausanne or Fussen a more walkable city?

Lausanne
Fussen

Fussen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Lausanne is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Fussen?

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

Couples should spend more time in Fussen than Lausanne. 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 Lausanne 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 Lausanne or Fussen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lausanne 1-2 
    Fussen 2-3

One day in Lausanne or Fussen?

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

Fussen is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Lausanne or Fussen?

Lausanne 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fussen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lausanne. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Lausanne or Fussen?

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

Fussen is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Lausanne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lausanne is $227, while the average daily cost in Fussen is $225. 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 Lausanne and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lausanne $136
    Fussen $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lausanne $272
    Fussen $234
Compare Hotels in Lausanne and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Lausanne 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 Lausanne


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: Lausanne Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lausanne $41
    Fussen $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

  • Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland: $233
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $160
  • Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Lausanne or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Lausanne 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
    Lausanne $62
    Fussen $63

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

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


  • Lunch
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lausanne $38
    Fussen $64

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

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

  • Évian-les-Bains Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
  • (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
  • Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian: $43
  • Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
  • Christmas Charms of A Private Walking Tour: $724
  • Fascinating Charms of Vevey – Walking Tour for Couples: $180
  • From Glacier 3000 Experience Tour: $97
  • From Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux: $104
  • From Interlaken and Jungfrau Train Experience: $370
  • From Spectacular Schilthorn with 007 Experience: $257
  • From Swiss Riviera Tour: $152
  • Gems of Lausanne Revealed: A Private Walking Tour: $617

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lausanne $27
    Fussen $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lausanne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lausanne:

  • Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Lausanne and Fussen, we can see that Lausanne 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 Lausanne Expensive? and Is Fussen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Fussen?

Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne 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.