A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Fussen for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt and Fussen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Fussen

Fussen is a quintesential, storybook, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Zermatt and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Fussen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Fussen are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Fussen attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Zermatt is more touristy than Fussen and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Fussen is famous for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Fussen is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Zermatt should be on your list. 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.

Fussen is not a skiing destination.

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

Fussen is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Fussen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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.

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

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific 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.

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 Zermatt or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Zermatt for the nightlife scene. 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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Fussen is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Fussen is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

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

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

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for hiking. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Fussen is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Fussen?

Zermatt is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for Families?

Zermatt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zermatt is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Zermatt or Fussen Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Zermatt makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Fussen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Zermatt or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many 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.

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

Both Zermatt and Fussen offer nice public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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

Is Zermatt or Fussen a more walkable city?

Zermatt and Fussen both are world-class when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zermatt and Fussen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than in Fussen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Fussen. 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 Fussen. 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 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zermatt or Fussen?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Zermatt or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Fussen, we can see that Fussen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Fussen?

Fussen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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.