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

Should you visit Interlaken or Connemara?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Interlaken and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Connemara than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Connemara is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. Also, Connemara is famous for Connemara National Park.

How is Interlaken different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Connemara both to be great 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 Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Connemara is not a good area for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Interlaken and Connemara.

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, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for couples. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for romance.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Interlaken or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

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

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Interlaken or Connemara a more walkable city?

Interlaken is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable town. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Connemara?

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

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Connemara. 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 Connemara. 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 Connemara 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 Connemara?

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the remote region of Connemara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Connemara?

You'll find food and skiing around the stunning destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and museums around the destination of Connemara, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region.

Five days in Interlaken or Connemara?

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Connemara, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Connemara?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Interlaken or Connemara?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Interlaken or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Connemara. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Connemara. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Connemara. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Connemara. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Connemara. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Connemara. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Interlaken