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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Grindelwald and Carcassonne: 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

the beautiful mountain scenery
The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

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

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Grindelwald. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

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

Carcassonne offers a nice historic old town area. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Grindelwald and Carcassonne are high quality places to visit 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.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.


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

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

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

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 Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Grindelwald or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Grindelwald or Carcassonne to fill your time. In our opinion, Grindelwald has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Grindelwald than Carcassonne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Grindelwald than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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.


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

One day in Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

Grindelwald is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

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. 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.

The fairytale town of Carcassonne offers food 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 Carcassonne?

Since Grindelwald is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Carcassonne $7.65

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: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grindelwald $59
    Carcassonne $15

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 Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grindelwald $33
    Carcassonne $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grindelwald this time of the year. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Grindelwald is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne this time of year.

The weather in Grindelwald can be very cold. Grindelwald is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Carcassonne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 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 Carcassonne. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Grindelwald

Grindelwald Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)