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

Should you visit Interlaken or Carcassonne?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Interlaken and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Interlaken. Although Interlaken and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Interlaken has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Interlaken is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also home to its many mountain views.. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Interlaken different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a skiing destination.

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

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Carcassonne both to be high quality 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

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

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. 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!

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne 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. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Interlaken or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

One day in Interlaken or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the world-class town of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Interlaken or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Carcassonne, 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 town.

Five days in Interlaken or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the breathtaking town of Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne, a popular town, 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Interlaken is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Carcassonne. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Carcassonne. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Interlaken is cooler than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Interlaken