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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Villach?

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 Villach 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Grindelwald and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Grindelwald and Villach are popular destinations, Grindelwald has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grindelwald is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Villach attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Grindelwald is more touristy than Villach and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also well known for the beautiful mountain scenery. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is notable for snow skiing. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a skiing destination.

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

Villach 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 Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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 Villach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Villach has a few options to choose from. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Villach is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Villach offers a nice historic old town area. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Villach?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Villach 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Grindelwald or Villach.

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.

Villach is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Villach are great 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.

Villach is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Grindelwald or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald and Villach are great places to visit 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.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

Grindelwald is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Grindelwald has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Grindelwald or Villach a more walkable city?

Grindelwald is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Villach?

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

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

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 nightlife and museums when visiting the outdoorsy town of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Villach?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Villach?

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 outdoorsy town of Villach offers nightlife and museums. 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 Villach?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Villach. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In Grindelwald, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grindelwald usually receives less sunshine than Villach during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 288 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 Villach. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Villach. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

In the autumn, Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grindelwald in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets less sunshine than Villach. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Villach. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. In January, Grindelwald is generally around the same temperature as Villach. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 5°C (41°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Villach during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Grindelwald usually receives around the same amount of rain as Villach. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Grindelwald during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Villach in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Grindelwald is around the same temperature as Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Grindelwald often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Villach. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Villach. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Villach and Grindelwald