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

Should you visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt and Reykjavik 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Zermatt and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. 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.

Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zermatt is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zermatt. 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.

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 Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Zermatt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Zermatt and Reykjavik.

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.

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 Zermatt or Reykjavik?

Zermatt is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

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.

Is Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Reykjavik.

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, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. 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 Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Zermatt has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 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 Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good town 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 Zermatt or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Both Zermatt and Reykjavik offer good 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.

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

Is Zermatt or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

In either Zermatt or Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

One day in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Zermatt. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the breathtaking town of Zermatt. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Reykjavik?

Zermatt is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Reykjavik, 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.

When is the best time to visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Zermatt is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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. In the autumn, Zermatt is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 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 Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm 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. Zermatt is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Zermatt