A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Fussen for Old Town, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Tartu or Fussen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Fussen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife.

Fussen

Fussen is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Tartu and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Tartu or Fussen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fussen. Although Tartu and Fussen are both popular with visitors, Fussen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fussen is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its nightlife and shopping. Fussen is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is also home to The Neuschwanstein Castle. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle

How is Tartu different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Fussen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Fussen

Tartu is great for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Tartu for the nightlife scene. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tartu or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town.

Fussen offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.


Is Tartu or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is a great town for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fussen for the hiking trails. 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Fussen?

Tartu
Fussen

Tartu is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu has some nice offerings. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tartu or Fussen Better for Families?

Tartu
Fussen

Both Tartu and Fussen are good to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tartu or Fussen Better for Couples?

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is a great town for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Fussen is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Fussen

Tartu is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Fussen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Tartu or Fussen Better for Students?

Tartu
Fussen

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Tartu
Fussen

Tartu and Fussen both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Fussen a more walkable city?

Tartu
Fussen

Fussen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its walkability.

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

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Fussen. In our opinion, Fussen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Fussen than Tartu. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fussen than Tartu. 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 Tartu 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 Tartu.


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

One day in Tartu or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Fussen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Tartu or Fussen?

Tartu 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fussen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 fun place to experience. Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Tartu. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Fussen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Tartu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, 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 Tartu and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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 Tartu


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Fussen 54

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Tartu 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
    Tartu 37
    Fussen 59
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

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


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

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.
    Tartu 16
    Fussen 60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $142
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR & KENNEL VISIT: $75
  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $234

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $270
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Fussen 20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Fussen?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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.