A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Wernigerode for Old Town, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or Wernigerode?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bern or Wernigerode? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a charming, quaint, and cute town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Bern and Wernigerode: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Bern or Wernigerode?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bern. Although Bern and Wernigerode are both popular with visitors, Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bern is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wernigerode is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Wernigerode is more touristy than Bern and is known for its storybook setting and its beautiful hilltop castle. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Wernigerode?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Wernigerode?

Bern
Wernigerode

Both Bern and Wernigerode have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Many visitors head to Wernigerode specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. In addition to its beautiful old town, the highlight of a visit to this town is exploring the Wernigerode Castle. Other attractions include the Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik and the Miniaturenpark.


Is the Food Better in Bern or Wernigerode? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
Wernigerode

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bern and Wernigerode.

Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Wernigerode has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a touristy town, you'll find a number of restaurants that serve traditional food. There are also sausage stands and plenty of ice cream shops.

Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Wernigerode

Bern is very good for nightlife. However, Wernigerode is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Wernigerode. The small town isn't known for its nightlife scene but there are plenty of places where you can grab a beer and have a relaxing night.

Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Wernigerode is one of the most recognized in the world. If you're looking for an almost flawless old town with charm and few imperfections, then this is your place.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Wernigerode?

Bern
Wernigerode

Bern is a well-known place for shopping. However, Wernigerode is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Wernigerode is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for Families?

Bern
Wernigerode

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Wernigerode.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wernigerode is very family-friendly. The town feels like you've landed in a fairytale book, which your kids will love. There's a train and a castle to explore. There's also the fun citizen and miniature parks and the fairytale trail. In addition to all of the sights and attractions, there are playgrounds and animal attractions that kids will love.

Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for Couples?

Bern
Wernigerode

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Wernigerode make for a great place to visit.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Wernigerode makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This fairytale town is something special with many beautiful buildings, a castle, and great restaurants that make for a romantic weekend.


Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Wernigerode

Bern is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Wernigerode. There are enough hostels in town to keep prices reasonable. This is also a very touristy town, so you're likely to meet other travelers.

Is Bern or Wernigerode Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern
Wernigerode

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Wernigerode has some public transit options. You can take the bus to town, but once you arrive its best to explore on foot. There's also a charming narrow grade railway that connect the towns of the area.

Is Bern or Wernigerode a more walkable city?

Bern
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Wernigerode on foot. You can easily explore the town and the nearby castle on foot.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.


For even more information, also check out Is Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Wernigerode Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wernigerode or Bern?

How long in Bern or Wernigerode?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and Wernigerode. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bern than Wernigerode. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Wernigerode than Bern. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wernigerode, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bern than Wernigerode. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bern that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Wernigerode 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Bern or Wernigerode? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Wernigerode 1-3

One day in Bern or Wernigerode?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Wernigerode is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Wernigerode?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Wernigerode is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Wernigerode?

The cultural city of Bern offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Wernigerode is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Bern or Wernigerode?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Wernigerode is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Wernigerode or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Wernigerode is $145. 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 Bern and Wernigerode in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Wernigerode $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Wernigerode $158
Compare Hotels in Bern and Wernigerode

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Wernigerode? 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.

Hotels in Bern


Hotels in Wernigerode


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Wernigerode Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Wernigerode $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Wernigerode?

Prices for flights to both Wernigerode and Bern 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bern $60
    Wernigerode $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Typical Food Prices in Wernigerode

Some typical examples of dining costs in Wernigerode are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $24
  • Soda
    $1.82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Wernigerode $30

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Wernigerode $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Wernigerode, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Wernigerode much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wernigerode would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wernigerode 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Wernigerode.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Wernigerode?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wernigerode. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Wernigerode, 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 Bern or Wernigerode?

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 Bern or Wernigerode in the Summer?

Both Wernigerode and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wernigerode for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is a little warmer than Wernigerode in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Wernigerode fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Wernigerode. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Wernigerode during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Wernigerode receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Wernigerode. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Wernigerode 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Bern or Wernigerode in the Autumn?

Both Wernigerode and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Wernigerode in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Bern is a little warmer than Wernigerode. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Wernigerode averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wernigerode. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 120 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Wernigerode. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Wernigerode 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bern or Wernigerode in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Wernigerode. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wernigerode for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Wernigerode can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Wernigerode. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Wernigerode fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Wernigerode during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Wernigerode receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Wernigerode. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Wernigerode 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Bern or Wernigerode in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Wernigerode. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wernigerode because of the small town charm.

Bern is a little warmer than Wernigerode in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Wernigerode fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets more sunshine than Wernigerode. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Wernigerode. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Wernigerode 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Wernigerode and Bern

Bern Wernigerode
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 14°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)