A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Interlaken for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Copenhagen or Interlaken?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Interlaken can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Copenhagen and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen. Although Copenhagen and Interlaken are popular destinations, Copenhagen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Copenhagen is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Copenhagen is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Copenhagen is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Copenhagen is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Copenhagen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Copenhagen or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Copenhagen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Copenhagen just to party. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Copenhagen. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Interlaken are amazing to visit with kids.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Interlaken are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Copenhagen is very popular with the backpacker crowd. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Students?

Copenhagen is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is very popular with students. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Copenhagen can get you around easily. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Copenhagen or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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 Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

In either Copenhagen or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Interlaken. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Interlaken 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Copenhagen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and skiing around the world-class town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Copenhagen, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Copenhagen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Copenhagen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When comparing the travel costs between Copenhagen and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Interlaken?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Interlaken?

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 Copenhagen or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Copenhagen is cooler than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Interlaken. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Interlaken. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Copenhagen