A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Kiel for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

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 Outer Hebrides and Kiel. 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel. Although Outer Hebrides and Kiel are popular destinations, Kiel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kiel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kiel is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Kiel is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Kiel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Outer Hebrides is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kiel. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is well known for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Kiel is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Kiel are nice family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Kiel is a good archipelago for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Outer Hebrides and Kiel.

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Public transit is generally limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kiel a more walkable city?

Kiel is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Kiel is somewhat walkable. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Kiel. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Kiel 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kiel, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kiel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Kiel. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Kiel, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Kiel?

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 Outer Hebrides or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Kiel. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Outer Hebrides is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Kiel. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Outer Hebrides