A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Snowdonia National Park vs. Kiel for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

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 Snowdonia National Park and Kiel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a natural, scenic, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Snowdonia National Park and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Snowdonia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Snowdonia National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is well known for its beautiful mountain landscape. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is a national park with a few options for winter skiing. However, Kiel is not a skiing destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Kiel is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Both Snowdonia National Park and Kiel offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Kiel is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park and Kiel are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Snowdonia National Park to enjoy the beach. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kiel offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. 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 Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Snowdonia National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Kiel is a good national park 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 Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Students?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Kiel is very good for students. However, Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Kiel is a good city to visit for students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Snowdonia National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kiel a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Snowdonia National Park and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than in Kiel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the maritime city of Kiel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Snowdonia National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the natural destination of Snowdonia National Park. This national park 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.

Kiel is a great place to explore. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


A week in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the rugged national park of Snowdonia National Park. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Snowdonia National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Kiel is £118. 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 Snowdonia National Park and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Kiel? 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 Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Kiel £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Snowdonia National Park 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
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Kiel £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Kiel £16

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Kiel £10


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

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



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Kiel. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Snowdonia National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Snowdonia National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Kiel. The autumn months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In January, Snowdonia National Park is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Snowdonia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)