A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Cairngorms National Park for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Zermatt and Cairngorms National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

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. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a remote, beautiful, and serene national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and hiking.

Zermatt and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Cairngorms National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Cairngorms National Park is well known for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

Zermatt is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Zermatt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Cairngorms National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cairngorms National Park is very family-friendly. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Zermatt is renowned for couples. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. 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 Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zermatt. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Zermatt is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Zermatt is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zermatt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Zermatt than Cairngorms National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Cairngorms National Park 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 Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

With nightlife and food around the stunning town of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairngorms National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the stunning destination of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cairngorms National Park, 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and skiing around the charming town of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cairngorms National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairngorms National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairngorms National Park. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In July, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Cairngorms National Park. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Zermatt is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Cairngorms National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. In the winter, Zermatt is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Zermatt