A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a majestic, world-class, and spectacular mountain town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are popular destinations, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also well known for Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc

How is Interlaken different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the world's best ski destinations. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

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.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a perfect choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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.

Known for its hiking, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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!

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Is Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can get you around easily. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very walkable. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Interlaken. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and skiing around the majestic mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Interlaken for a weekend. Lots of people come for the hiking. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, a popular mountain town, 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 mountain town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.