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

Should you visit Interlaken or Annecy?

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 Interlaken and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Interlaken and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Annecy is famous for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle.

How is Interlaken different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Annecy is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. 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.

Annecy is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is renowned for hiking. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. 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.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Families?

Interlaken is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. 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!

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Annecy are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. 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.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Interlaken or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Annecy are both nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Interlaken is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Interlaken or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Interlaken or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Interlaken due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A weekend in Interlaken or Annecy?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this alpine town.

Five days in Interlaken or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy, a popular alpine town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the world-class destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Annecy, 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 Interlaken or Annecy?

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 Interlaken or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Annecy. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In the summer, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Annecy. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Annecy. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. Interlaken is cooler than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Annecy. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Annecy. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Interlaken