Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Interlaken?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?
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.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Interlaken $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is $231. 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 Interlaken in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Interlaken $133
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Interlaken $266
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Interlaken
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Interlaken $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:
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Cable Cars (for 2)$66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken
Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
- Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
- Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
- Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Interlaken?
Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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 $35Interlaken $64
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Tea at Interlaken$33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Interlaken $104
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $1,957
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
- Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $122
- Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $124
- Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $155
- Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $210
- Northern Lights Photography Tour: $141
- Northern Lights Tour: $107
- Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $120
- Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $748
- Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
- Zipline Tour: $90
Tours and Activities in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
- Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
- Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
- Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
- Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
- Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
- Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
- Waterfalls Day Tour: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Interlaken $17
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 Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Interlaken?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?
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 Akureyri or Interlaken in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Interlaken. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Akureyri is much colder than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Interlaken 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Interlaken in the Autumn?
Both Interlaken and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Interlaken 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Interlaken in the Winter?
Both Interlaken and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Interlaken 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Interlaken in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Interlaken. Furthermore, many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Interlaken 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Interlaken and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Interlaken | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.