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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Bressanone?

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 Bressanone can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a high adrenaline, breathtaking, and beautiful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a picturesque, idyllic, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Grindelwald and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bressanone. Although Grindelwald and Bressanone are popular destinations, Bressanone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bressanone is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Grindelwald attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Grindelwald is more touristy than Bressanone and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. It is also well known for The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Grindelwald different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Bressanone Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Grindelwald is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Bressanone is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Bressanone is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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 Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Grindelwald is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.


Is Grindelwald or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Bressanone is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Grindelwald is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Grindelwald visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Many visitors go to Bressanone for the hiking trails. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

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

Many visitors go to Bressanone to go shopping. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

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 Bressanone Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Grindelwald is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Grindelwald or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Both Grindelwald and Bressanone are superb 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.

Bressanone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Grindelwald or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Grindelwald is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


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

Grindelwald
Bressanone

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

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 Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Grindelwald or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Bressanone

Bressanone is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Bressanone is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Grindelwald or Bressanone to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Grindelwald or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grindelwald 1-2 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Grindelwald, one day is sufficent for most.

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


A weekend in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Bressanone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Bressanone?

Grindelwald, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The picturesque town of Bressanone offers museums and food. 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.

A week in Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Grindelwald 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Bressanone. 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.


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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Grindelwald?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Grindelwald is $241, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is $148. 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 Grindelwald and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Bressanone $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Bressanone $154
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Bressanone? 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 Grindelwald


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Grindelwald Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Bressanone $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Grindelwald 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
    Grindelwald $58
    Bressanone $50

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    $2.36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grindelwald $59
    Bressanone $21

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grindelwald $33
    Bressanone $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    $9.64
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    $7.50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Bressanone?

Bressanone has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Bressanone, 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.