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

Should you visit Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant 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 Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf. Although Interlaken and Dusseldorf are both popular with visitors, Dusseldorf has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dusseldorf is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Interlaken different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Dusseldorf is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dusseldorf. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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!

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dusseldorf is very family-friendly. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dusseldorf is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Is Interlaken or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Dusseldorf are both good 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 Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf can get you around easily. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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 Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city 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 Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

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

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Dusseldorf. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf.

One day in Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

With food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled town of Interlaken, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled city of Dusseldorf, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf?

Interlaken, a popular 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf?

Interlaken 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.

Dusseldorf 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 Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Dusseldorf. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dusseldorf in the winter. The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In January, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Interlaken