A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Murren for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Murren?

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 Murren. 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 tranquil, serene, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Murren

Murren is a serene, authentic, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Murren?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Murren. Although Outer Hebrides and Murren are both popular with visitors, Murren has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Murren is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food and beaches. Murren is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. It is also home to Lauterbrunnen Valley. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Outer Hebrides is not a skiing destination.

Murren is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Outer Hebrides makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Murren is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Murren. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is well known for its beaches. However, Murren is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Outer Hebrides attract visitors from all over. 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.

Murren is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Outer Hebrides and Murren, and they are fantastic.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Murren?

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

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Families?

Murren is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Murren is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Murren is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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.

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

Outer Hebrides is a archipelago with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Outer Hebrides is a good archipelago to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Murren is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Murren. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Murren or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or Murren. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Murren.

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Murren?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Murren might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Murren?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Murren is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Murren?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Murren?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Murren is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Outer Hebrides and Murren, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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 Murren Expensive?.