A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lindau vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lindau

Lindau is a alpine, picturesque, and fun-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a spectacular, awe-inspiring, and epic mountain town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc


Is there more to do in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Lindau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lindau is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Lindau and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Lindau is well known for its lakefront location and quaint old town.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Lindau different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Lindau. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for winter skiing. However, Lindau is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Lindau is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Lindau is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc know how to have a good time. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.


Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its resorts. However, Lindau is not a resort destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world class resort vacation destination. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Lindau is not a resort destination.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Lindau is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Lindau is not a hiking destination.

Around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Lindau is not a hiking destination.


Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Both Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are very good to visit with kids.

Lindau is a very kid-friendly town. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Lindau is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can take you anywhere. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Lindau
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc both are very good when exploring on foot.

Lindau is a very walkable town. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Lindau Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Lindau. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lindau, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Lindau. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Lindau 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.


  • How many days in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7

One day in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Lindau is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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.


A weekend in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Lindau for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lindau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Because Lindau is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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.

A week in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Since Lindau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the epic destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Lindau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lindau is €163, while the average daily cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235. 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 Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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 Lindau


Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


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: Lindau Hotel Prices and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $162
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Lindau 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
    Lindau 45
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $444

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lindau 27
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80

Tours and Activities in Lindau

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

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.45
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $144
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $195
  • Bespoke Private Chamonix Experience: $196
  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lindau 25
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

Also in Lindau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195

Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $823


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lindau Expensive? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Lindau has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Lindau and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.