A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Bregenz for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Grindelwald or Bregenz?

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 Grindelwald and Bregenz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a breathtaking, beautiful, and adventure-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a medieval, vibrant, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Grindelwald and Bregenz are popular destinations, Grindelwald has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grindelwald is very popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Grindelwald is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also well known for the beautiful mountain scenery. Bregenz is famous for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is a great town for skiing. However, Bregenz is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Bregenz is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Bregenz is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bregenz. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Grindelwald or Bregenz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Bregenz is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Grindelwald and Bregenz.

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Bregenz has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Bregenz offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is terrific for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Bregenz is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to go shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Grindelwald or Bregenz.

Grindelwald is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

Bregenz is a very family-friendly destination. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Bregenz are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Bregenz is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Grindelwald. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Grindelwald and Bregenz.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

While Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Grindelwald or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Grindelwald and Bregenz both are nice when exploring on foot.

Grindelwald is a somewhat walkable town. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? and Is Bregenz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grindelwald and Bregenz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bregenz than in Grindelwald. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Grindelwald, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bregenz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Bregenz 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 Grindelwald.

One day in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Grindelwald is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of Bregenz. 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.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Grindelwald has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the medieval destination of Bregenz. 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.

Five days in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The cultural city of Bregenz offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in Grindelwald or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Since Grindelwald is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bregenz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Bregenz, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Bregenz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bregenz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bregenz 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 Bregenz.

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Bregenz, 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.