A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Loch Lomond National Park vs. Heidelberg for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a serene, peaceful, and relaxing national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heidelberg. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg are popular destinations, Heidelberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heidelberg is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Loch Lomond National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Heidelberg is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Loch Lomond National Park is famous for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Loch Lomond National Park is a good destination for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some nice hiking trails. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Loch Lomond National Park
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Loch Lomond National Park?

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Loch Lomond National Park 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 Heidelberg.


  • How many days in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

With around the relaxing national park of Loch Lomond National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the charming town of Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

With around the destination of Loch Lomond National Park, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Loch Lomond National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Loch Lomond National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Heidelberg is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Loch Lomond National Park is £61, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is £121. 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 Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
    Heidelberg £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
    Heidelberg £158
Compare Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg? 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 Loch Lomond National Park


Hotels in Heidelberg


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Heidelberg £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Loch Lomond National Park or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Loch Lomond 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
    Loch Lomond National Park £15
    Heidelberg £32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Heidelberg £9.82

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
    Heidelberg £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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

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


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