A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Fussen for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Potsdam or Fussen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Fussen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen

Fussen is a quintesential, storybook, and quaint town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Potsdam and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Fussen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fussen than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fussen is better known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Fussen is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Also, Fussen is famous for The Neuschwanstein Castle. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle

How is Potsdam different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Potsdam or Fussen?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Potsdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


Is the Food Better in Potsdam or Fussen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Potsdam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Potsdam
Fussen

Fussen is very popular for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Fussen has a world-famous historical area. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.


Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Potsdam
Fussen

Fussen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fussen. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Fussen?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Potsdam. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Families?

Potsdam
Fussen

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Fussen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Fussen offers lots of family activities. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.


Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Fussen

Fussen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Potsdam is a good city for couples to visit. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam and Fussen are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Potsdam or Fussen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Potsdam
Fussen

Potsdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Potsdam can get you around easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.


Is Potsdam or Fussen a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Fussen

Fussen is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Fussen on foot is easy. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

Potsdam is a very walkable destination. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Potsdam Worth Visiting? and Is Fussen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Fussen?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Fussen 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 Potsdam.


  • How many days in Potsdam or Fussen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Potsdam 1-2 
    Fussen 2-3

One day in Potsdam or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Fussen is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

A weekend in Potsdam or Fussen?

Potsdam 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.

Fussen 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 Fussen has to offer.


Five days in Potsdam or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. 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.

Fussen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Potsdam or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fussen. Since Fussen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Potsdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €111, while the average daily cost in Fussen is €210. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Potsdam and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Fussen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Potsdam


Hotels in Fussen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Potsdam Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Fussen 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $175
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $175
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Potsdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Potsdam 31
    Fussen 59

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Fussen 60

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $369
  • 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $630
  • 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $630
  • 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,379
  • AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
  • Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $153
  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $259
  • City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $28
  • Fascinating Sites of Potsdam – Walking Tour for Couples: $204

Tours and Activities in Fussen

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fussen.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $42
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $52
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $61
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $65
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $228
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $256
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Fussen 20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Fussen?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Fussen, 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.