A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Cairngorms National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a remote, beautiful, and serene national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Interlaken and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Interlaken than Cairngorms National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Interlaken is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Also, Interlaken is famous for its many mountain views.. Cairngorms National Park is well known for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Interlaken different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Interlaken is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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!

Cairngorms National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Interlaken is renowned for couples. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Interlaken offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Interlaken is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Interlaken has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Interlaken than Cairngorms National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park. 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 Interlaken than Cairngorms National Park 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 Interlaken.

One day in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and skiing around the world-class town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food around the serene national park of Cairngorms National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

With skiing and food around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food around the destination of Cairngorms National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and skiing around the breathtaking town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cairngorms National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park 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 from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In July, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Cairngorms National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In the winter, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Interlaken