A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Linz vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Linz

Linz is a historic, beautiful, and cultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes


Is there more to do in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Linz attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Linz and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also well known for the terraced chain of lakes. Linz is famous for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

How is Linz different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Linz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Linz. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is adequate for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Linz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Linz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Linz is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Linz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.


Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Linz is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Linz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.


Is Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Linz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Linz?

How long in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Linz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Linz than Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Linz 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Linz, you'll find museums and food. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Linz is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Linz. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park 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 Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The cultural town of Linz offers museums and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

The world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . 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 in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Linz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Linz


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


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: Linz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Linz 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
    Linz 32
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40
Typical Food Prices in Linz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Linz are as follows:


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Linz 13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Linz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Linz are as follows:

  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $544
  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $262
  • Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide: $237
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $214
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Linz - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Linz Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $401
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Linz 16
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Linz Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Linz as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Linz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Linz is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Linz this time of the year. In the summer, Linz often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linz 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Linz is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Linz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Linz usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linz 11°C (52°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Linz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Linz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The weather in Linz can be very cold. In the winter, Linz is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Linz in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linz -0°C (31°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Linz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The natural beauty are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Linz is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Linz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Linz usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linz 11°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Linz

Linz Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)