A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Villach for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Murren or Villach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Villach 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.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Villach

Villach is a outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Murren and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Villach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Murren than Villach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Murren is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Villach is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Murren is more touristy than Villach and is known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Also, Murren is famous for Lauterbrunnen Valley. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Murren different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Villach Better for Skiing?

Murren is terrific for snow skiing. However, Villach is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Murren should be on your list. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Villach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Murren or Villach?

Villach is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is the Food Better in Murren or Villach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Murren is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Murren area. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Villach is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Villach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Murren or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Villach is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Villach to see the historical old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Hiking?

Murren is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Murren specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Villach?

Villach is a town with a few options for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Families?

Both Murren and Villach are excellent to visit with kids.

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Villach is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Couples?

Murren is terrific for couples. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Murren makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach is well known for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

Is Murren or Villach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Murren is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Murren has a few public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Murren or Villach a more walkable city?

Murren is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Murren on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Villach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Villach or Murren?

How long in Murren or Villach?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Villach than Murren 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 Villach.

One day in Murren or Villach?

Murren is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Murren or Villach?

Murren might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Murren has to offer.

Villach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Murren or Villach?

Murren is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Murren or Villach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. Since Murren is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the nature-filled destination of Villach. This town 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Murren or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren and Villach, 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.