A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov?

Interlaken

Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

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 Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Interlaken?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Interlaken and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Cesky Krumlov $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Cesky Krumlov $74
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Interlaken


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Cesky Krumlov $2.92
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov and Interlaken change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Interlaken $64
    Cesky Krumlov $22
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Cesky Krumlov $6.53

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $196
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Cesky Krumlov Tour 4 hours : $278
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • First white water experience with Tomáš Kobes: $218
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Cesky Krumlov $3.36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov?

Cesky Krumlov has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Cesky Krumlov. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Cesky Krumlov. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Cesky Krumlov can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Cesky Krumlov. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Cesky Krumlov. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Interlaken

Interlaken Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)