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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Connemara?

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

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a beautiful, adventure-filled, and high adrenaline town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Grindelwald and Connemara: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Connemara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Grindelwald and Connemara are popular destinations, Grindelwald has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grindelwald is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Connemara attracts visitors for its museums, food, and beaches. Grindelwald is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also well known for the beautiful mountain scenery. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

the beautiful mountain scenery
The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Connemara

Connemara 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 Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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 Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Connemara 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 Connemara is an experience not to be missed. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.


Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Connemara is well known for the beach. However, Grindelwald is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Grindelwald is not a beach destination.

Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Connemara

You'll find world-class hiking in both Grindelwald and Connemara.

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.

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Connemara?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a moderate town for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Grindelwald has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Both Grindelwald and Connemara are great 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.

Connemara is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Grindelwald or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.


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

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Grindelwald has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Grindelwald or Connemara a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Connemara

Grindelwald is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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.

Connemara is not a very walkable town. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Connemara?

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

Families should spend more time in Grindelwald than Connemara. 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 Connemara. 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 Connemara 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 Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grindelwald 1-2 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Grindelwald or Connemara?

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grindelwald has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic region of Connemara. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Connemara?

Grindelwald is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the scenic destination of Connemara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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 Connemara?

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The natural region of Connemara offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Connemara?

Grindelwald is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara 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 Connemara is $126. 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 Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Connemara $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Connemara $114
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Connemara? 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 Connemara


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Connemara $44

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara 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
    Connemara $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grindelwald $59
    Connemara $28

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
    Connemara $14


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

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



When is the best time to visit Grindelwald or Connemara?

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 Grindelwald or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Connemara. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Connemara in the summer. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Grindelwald, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Connemara. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Connemara. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In the autumn, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grindelwald in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Connemara averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Connemara. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. In January, Grindelwald is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 5°C (41°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Grindelwald usually receives less rain than Connemara. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Grindelwald during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Connemara in the spring. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Connemara. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Grindelwald

Grindelwald Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)