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

Should you visit Interlaken or Bamberg?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a beautiful, scenic, and storybook town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Bamberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bamberg. Although Interlaken and Bamberg are both popular with visitors, Bamberg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bamberg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bamberg and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bamberg is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. It is also home to the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus).

How is Interlaken different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Bamberg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bamberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Bamberg is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Bamberg is revered around the world. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bamberg is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Bamberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Bamberg?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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!

Bamberg is a family-friendly town. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Bamberg are terrific 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.

Bamberg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Bamberg are both good 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 Bamberg. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Bamberg has some public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Interlaken or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Bamberg is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bamberg. The old town is compact enough to easily 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 Bamberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Bamberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Bamberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Bamberg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bamberg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bamberg 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 Bamberg.

One day in Interlaken or Bamberg?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. 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. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and food around the historic town of Bamberg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bamberg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Bamberg?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. 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 Interlaken has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bamberg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Interlaken or Bamberg?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bamberg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bamberg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. 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.

Bamberg 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.

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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Bamberg?

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

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 Interlaken or Bamberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Bamberg. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Bamberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bamberg fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bamberg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bamberg in the Autumn?

Both Bamberg and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bamberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Bamberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bamberg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Bamberg during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bamberg in the Winter?

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

Bamberg can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bamberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Bamberg. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the natural beauty.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Bamberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bamberg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Interlaken