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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Caen?

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

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a adventure-filled, high adrenaline, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Grindelwald and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Caen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Grindelwald, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Grindelwald is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Grindelwald different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Caen Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Caen is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Caen is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Caen

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald
Caen

Caen 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 Caen is an experience not to be missed. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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 Caen Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Caen

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

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 Caen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.


Is Grindelwald or Caen Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Grindelwald is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Caen?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grindelwald or Caen Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.


Is Grindelwald or Caen Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Grindelwald makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Grindelwald or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Grindelwald is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Grindelwald
Caen

Caen is well known for its public transit. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

While Grindelwald offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel around the region.


Is Grindelwald or Caen a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Caen

Grindelwald and Caen both are notable 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.

Caen is somewhat walkable. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Caen?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Caen 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 Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grindelwald 1-2 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Grindelwald or Caen?

Grindelwald is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the important city of Caen. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Caen?

Grindelwald is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Caen. 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 Caen?

Grindelwald is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The park-filled city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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 Caen?

Because Grindelwald is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Caen. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is $133. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Caen $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Caen $132
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Caen $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $179

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen $43

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

Tours and Activities in Grindelwald

Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grindelwald $33
    Caen $18


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

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


Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Caen, 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 Grindelwald or Caen?

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 Grindelwald or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grindelwald this time of the year. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Caen. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Caen. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Grindelwald during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Grindelwald can be very cold. Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Caen. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Caen. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Caen. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Grindelwald

Grindelwald Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)