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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Flam?

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 Flam 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. 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 and hiking.

Grindelwald and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Flam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking, while Flam is more popular for its food. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery. Flam is well known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Flam Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is a great town for skiing. However, Flam 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.

Flam is not a skiing destination.

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

Neither Grindelwald or Flam offer quality museums and landmarks.

Grindelwald offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Flam. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

Flam 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 Flam is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Grindelwald has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Grindelwald or Flam Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Flam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Flam and Grindelwald.

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.

Flam is a good destination for shopping. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Grindelwald or Flam Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Grindelwald or Flam.

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.

Flam is a very family-friendly destination. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Is Grindelwald or Flam Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Flam are high quality 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.

Flam is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Grindelwald or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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 Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Grindelwald or Flam 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 Flam.

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 Flam offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Grindelwald or Flam a more walkable city?

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

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

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 Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Flam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Grindelwald than Flam. 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 Flam 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 Flam?

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 food when visiting the natural village of Flam. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Flam?

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 when visiting the beautiful small town of Flam. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village 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 Flam?

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 breathtaking village of Flam offers food. 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.

A week in Grindelwald or Flam?

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 food when visiting Flam. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Flam?

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

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 Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Grindelwald during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Grindelwald is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Flam. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grindelwald usually receives less rain than Flam. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Flam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Flam. The winter months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Flam in the winter. The weather in Grindelwald can be very cold. Grindelwald is much warmer than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Grindelwald usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Grindelwald is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Flam. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Grindelwald