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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. 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.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Outer Hebrides and Zermatt are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is known for its beaches. Zermatt is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Matterhorn

How is Outer Hebrides different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

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

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Outer Hebrides is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Zermatt can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zermatt. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Outer Hebrides is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Outer Hebrides is not a resort destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Outer Hebrides and Zermatt, and they are first-rate.

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 Zermatt specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

Zermatt is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly destination. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Zermatt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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.

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

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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 Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

In either Outer Hebrides or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Zermatt because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Zermatt, you'll find shopping and skiing. 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 Zermatt?

In Outer Hebrides, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zermatt?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Zermatt?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Zermatt. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Outer Hebrides and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive?.

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

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Zermatt. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Zermatt in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zermatt in the Autumn?

Both Zermatt and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Zermatt averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zermatt in the Winter?

Both Zermatt and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zermatt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Zermatt. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Zermatt in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Outer Hebrides