A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lindau vs. Reykjavik for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lindau or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Lindau and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Thermal Pools
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reykjavik. Although Lindau and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Reykjavik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reykjavik is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lindau attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Lindau is famous for its lakefront location and quaint old town. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. It is also well known for The Thermal Pools.

How is Lindau different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Lindau is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lindau or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Lindau is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

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 Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Lindau is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lindau to see the historical old town. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.


Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Lindau is not a hiking destination.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Lindau is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Both Lindau and Reykjavik are high quality 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 Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.


Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Both Lindau and Reykjavik are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Reykjavik is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Lindau and Reykjavik are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for students. However, Lindau is not popular with students.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Lindau is not popular with students.


Is Lindau or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Lindau
Reykjavik

Lindau and Reykjavik both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lindau Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Reykjavik?

In either Lindau or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Lindau because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lindau, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.


  • How many days in Lindau or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Even though Lindau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Lindau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lindau or Reykjavik?

Lindau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Reykjavik?

Lindau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is €228. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Reykjavik 129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Reykjavik 258
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Lindau or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik


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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    Reykjavik 42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
  • Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
  • Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $36
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket with Transfer: $254
  • Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
  • Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Lindau or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik 28

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    165

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Icelandic Food Tour: $123
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
  • Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $144
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lindau 27
    Reykjavik 67

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    9.97
  • Wine and Spa
    27

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $17
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lindau 25
    Reykjavik 26

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    8.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lindau and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Lindau and Reykjavik, 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.