A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Cairngorms National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a picturesque, tranquil, and remote national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cairngorms National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Cairngorms National Park is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Cairngorms National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cairngorms National Park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park both high quality destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Cairngorms National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairngorms National Park is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Lucerne has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Lucerne is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairngorms National Park than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lucerne than Cairngorms 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 Lucerne.

One day in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the vibrant city of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairngorms National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historic destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cairngorms National Park, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cairngorms National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairngorms National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairngorms National Park. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Cairngorms National Park can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

Lucerne is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Lucerne