A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Snowdonia National Park vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a stunning, natural, and scenic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Snowdonia National Park and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reykjavik. Although Snowdonia National Park and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Reykjavik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reykjavik is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and beaches. Reykjavik is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. It is also well known for The Thermal Pools. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

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

Snowdonia National Park is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Snowdonia National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Snowdonia National Park and Reykjavik.

Many people visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. 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.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik?

In either Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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.

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the national park of Snowdonia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green city of Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the stunning destination of Snowdonia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the natural national park of Snowdonia National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Snowdonia National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

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 Snowdonia National Park or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Snowdonia National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Snowdonia National Park. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. Snowdonia National Park is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Reykjavik and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Snowdonia National Park