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

Should you visit Interlaken or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz 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. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a historic, medieval, and vibrant city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Bregenz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bregenz than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bregenz is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bregenz and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bregenz is well known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. Also, Bregenz is famous for The Lake Promenade.

How is Interlaken different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Bregenz 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.

Bregenz is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Bregenz both to be very good 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 Bregenz. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

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

Bregenz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Bregenz?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bregenz. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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!

Bregenz is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for couples. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Bregenz 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 Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz 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, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Interlaken or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Interlaken and Bregenz are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Bregenz?

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Bregenz?

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

A weekend in Interlaken or Bregenz?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Bregenz, 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 Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz, 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 Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz 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 Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Bregenz, 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.