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

Should you visit Interlaken or Bergen?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Bergen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bergen than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bergen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Also, Bergen is famous for Bryggen.

How is Interlaken different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Bergen is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.

Bergen is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bergen 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Bergen?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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!

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Bergen are both notable 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 Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Interlaken or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Interlaken and Bergen.

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.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Interlaken or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun 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 Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Bergen?

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

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Bergen?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Bergen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Bergen?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bergen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Bergen?

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.

Bergen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Interlaken usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Bergen. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Bergen. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Bergen. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Interlaken