A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inner Hebrides vs. Interlaken for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Inner Hebrides or Interlaken? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a natural, peaceful, and tranquil islands. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Inner Hebrides and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Interlaken. Although Inner Hebrides and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Interlaken has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inner Hebrides is known for its beaches. Interlaken is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also home to its many mountain views.. Inner Hebrides is popular for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

How is Inner Hebrides different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Inner Hebrides is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Inner Hebrides is not a skiing destination.


Is the Food Better in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Inner Hebrides is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Inner Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Inner Hebrides. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.


Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Families?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Inner Hebrides. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Couples visit Inner Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Inner Hebrides and Interlaken are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Inner Hebrides. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.


Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Inner Hebrides or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Inner Hebrides
Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Inner Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

In either Inner Hebrides or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Interlaken has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Interlaken than Inner Hebrides. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

Couples should spend more time in Interlaken than Inner Hebrides. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Interlaken that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Inner Hebrides 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 Interlaken.


  • How many days in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inner Hebrides 3-5 
    Interlaken 2-5

One day in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

With food around the natural islands of Inner Hebrides, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

With food around the destination of Inner Hebrides, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

Inner Hebrides, a popular islands, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this islands. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

Inner Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the town of Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.


Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Inner Hebrides?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inner Hebrides is £142, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is £186. 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 Inner Hebrides and Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inner Hebrides £67
    Interlaken £107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inner Hebrides £134
    Interlaken £214
Compare Hotels in Inner Hebrides and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Inner Hebrides or Interlaken? 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.

Hotels in Inner Hebrides


Hotels in Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £76
    Interlaken £10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    £53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Inner Hebrides or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken and Inner Hebrides 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inner Hebrides £31
    Interlaken £52

Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £22
    Interlaken £84

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inner Hebrides £7.71
    Interlaken £14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inner Hebrides and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Inner Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Inner Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Inner Hebrides 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Inner Hebrides.

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