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

Should you visit Interlaken or Berlin?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous 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.

Berlin

Berlin is a eclectic, diverse, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin. Although Interlaken and Berlin are popular destinations, Berlin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Berlin and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Berlin is famous for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Interlaken different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Skiing?

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

Berlin is not a skiing destination.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Berlin from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Berlin both to be excellent destinations.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Berlin just to party. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Berlin is known as a music capital around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Berlin?

Berlin is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Berlin. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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!

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Berlin is a good town for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Interlaken or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. 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 Interlaken or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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.

Is Interlaken or Berlin a more walkable city?

Interlaken and Berlin are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable place. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Berlin?

Both Interlaken and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Berlin. 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 Berlin. 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 Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Interlaken or Berlin?

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.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Berlin?

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.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Berlin, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Berlin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berlin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berlin 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 Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 680 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Berlin. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Berlin. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Berlin. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Berlin can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Interlaken is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Berlin. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Interlaken