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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Reykjavik?

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

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a adventure-filled, high adrenaline, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Grindelwald and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Reykjavik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, museums, food, and small town charm, while Reykjavik is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

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

Grindelwald is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Grindelwald is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Grindelwald and Reykjavik.

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, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Grindelwald is a good destination for 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.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Grindelwald or Reykjavik.

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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Reykjavik are excellent 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.

Reykjavik is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Grindelwald or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy 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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Reykjavik?

In either Grindelwald or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting the clean city of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Reykjavik. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Reykjavik?

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grindelwald is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grindelwald this time of the year. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Grindelwald during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. Grindelwald is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Grindelwald is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Grindelwald