Which place is cheaper, Grindelwald or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Grindelwald?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Grindelwald, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Grindelwald?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald, Switzerland is a glacier village located in the picturesque Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. The Jungfrau Region encompasses many small villages and was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This Alpine paradise has been a popular destination since the 17th century, due to its natural beauty and fantastic hiking and skiing trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Grindelwald $241
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Grindelwald is $241. 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 Akureyri and Grindelwald in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Grindelwald $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Grindelwald $282
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Grindelwald
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Grindelwald? 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.
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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Grindelwald Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Grindelwald $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $179
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Grindelwald?
Prices for flights to both Grindelwald and Akureyri 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
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Food Meals for one dayAkureyri $35Grindelwald $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Grindelwald $59
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
- Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
- Zipline Tour: $90
- Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
- The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94
Tours and Activities in Grindelwald
Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
- Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
- Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
- Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
- From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
- Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Grindelwald $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Grindelwald, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald than you might in Akureyri.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Grindelwald Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Grindelwald?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Grindelwald, 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 Akureyri or Grindelwald?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Akureyri or Grindelwald in the Summer?
Both Grindelwald and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Grindelwald. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Grindelwald 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Grindelwald in the Autumn?
Both Grindelwald and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Grindelwald in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Grindelwald fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 152 hours of full sun.
Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Grindelwald 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Grindelwald in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Grindelwald. Also, many travelers come to Grindelwald for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Grindelwald. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Grindelwald. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Grindelwald averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Grindelwald 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Grindelwald in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Grindelwald. Also, many visitors come to Grindelwald in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Grindelwald. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Grindelwald 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Grindelwald and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Grindelwald | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.