A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Saint-Etienne for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Grindelwald and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Grindelwald and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Grindelwald has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Grindelwald is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums. Grindelwald is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also home to the beautiful mountain scenery. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is great for skiing. However, Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Grindelwald. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Grindelwald has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is an amazing town to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Grindelwald is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Grindelwald is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Grindelwald is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Grindelwald is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Grindelwald. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Grindelwald and Saint-Etienne both are good when exploring on foot.

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.

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Grindelwald than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial city of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

The undiscovered city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Grindelwald is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne 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. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Grindelwald is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grindelwald. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Saint-Etienne. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Grindelwald can be very cold. In the winter, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grindelwald in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In April, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Grindelwald