Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Grindelwald?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary?
Grindelwald
Grindelwald, Switzerland is a glacier village located in the picturesque Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. The Jungfrau Region encompasses many small villages and was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This Alpine paradise has been a popular destination since the 17th century, due to its natural beauty and fantastic hiking and skiing trails.
Karlovy Vary
Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.
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 Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrindelwald $241Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Grindelwald is $241, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrindelwald $141Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrindelwald $282Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary? 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.
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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grindelwald $53Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrindelwald $58Karlovy Vary $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grindelwald $59Karlovy Vary $12
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 Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrindelwald $33Karlovy Vary $6.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grindelwald Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Grindelwald during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grindelwald. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrindelwald 23°C (73°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Karlovy Vary. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.
In October, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrindelwald 15°C (58°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Grindelwald. Grindelwald is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrindelwald 5°C (41°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrindelwald 13°C (55°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Grindelwald
| Grindelwald | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.