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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe 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.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful, picturesque, and natural village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Grindelwald and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Glencoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Grindelwald and Glencoe are popular destinations, Grindelwald has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grindelwald is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Glencoe attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Grindelwald is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also well known for the beautiful mountain scenery. Glencoe is famous for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is well known for winter skiing. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a skiing destination.

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

Grindelwald is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have 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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Grindelwald and Glencoe both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Grindelwald area. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Glencoe 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 Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Glencoe?

Grindelwald is a town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Grindelwald or Glencoe.

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.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is well known for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

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

Grindelwald is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Grindelwald or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Grindelwald is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Glencoe?

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

Families should spend more time in Grindelwald than Glencoe. 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 Glencoe. 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 Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

Grindelwald is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the serene village of Glencoe. 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 Glencoe?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grindelwald has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Glencoe. 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 Glencoe?

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The serene village of Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Since Grindelwald is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Glencoe. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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