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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Oslo?

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 Oslo 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Grindelwald and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Oslo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oslo than Grindelwald, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oslo is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Grindelwald is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace.

How is Grindelwald different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is notable for snow skiing. However, Oslo is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. 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.

Oslo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Grindelwald and Oslo both to be notable 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 Oslo. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Grindelwald and Oslo.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Oslo has a few options to choose from. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Grindelwald draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Oslo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Oslo 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.

Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Couples?

Grindelwald is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Grindelwald is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Grindelwald. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Oslo is a good town to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is well known for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Oslo is very popular with students. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

While Grindelwald offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Grindelwald or Oslo a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun 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 Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Oslo?

In either Grindelwald or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Grindelwald because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Grindelwald, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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.

Oslo is a clean city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Oslo?

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.

Oslo is a clean big city where you can fill many days. This city 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo is a progressive city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Grindelwald or Oslo?

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 nightlife and food when visiting Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Oslo. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Grindelwald, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 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 Oslo. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Oslo. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Oslo. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. Grindelwald is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Oslo. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Grindelwald during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Grindelwald is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Grindelwald often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Grindelwald