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

Should you visit Interlaken or Dresden?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Dresden and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Dresden is well known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Interlaken different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Dresden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dresden has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options 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!

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Interlaken or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Dresden 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 Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

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

Interlaken is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Interlaken or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden 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.

Dresden is very walkable. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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 Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Dresden. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

One day in Interlaken or Dresden?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the architectural city of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Dresden?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Dresden?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dresden, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dresden 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Dresden, 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 Dresden?

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 Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Dresden. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Dresden. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Dresden. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Interlaken