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

Should you visit Interlaken or Graz?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Graz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Graz. Although Interlaken and Graz are popular destinations, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Graz and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower.

How is Interlaken different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Graz

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing. However, Graz is not a skiing destination.

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.

Graz is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Graz

Graz is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Graz

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Graz 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 Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Graz

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

Graz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Interlaken
Graz

Graz is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Graz

Interlaken is renowned for hiking. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Graz?

Interlaken
Graz

Graz is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Families?

Interlaken
Graz

Interlaken is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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!

Graz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Graz

Interlaken is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Graz

Interlaken and Graz are both nice 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 Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.


Is Interlaken or Graz Better for Students?

Interlaken
Graz

Graz is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken
Graz

Visitors will find great public transit in both Interlaken and Graz.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Interlaken or Graz a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Graz

Graz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Graz?

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Interlaken or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Graz, 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 Graz?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Graz, 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 Graz?

The world-class town of Interlaken offers skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Graz 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz 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 Graz is $121. 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 Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Graz $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Graz $146
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Graz? 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 Graz


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 Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Graz $19
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 Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz 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
    Graz $35
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
    Graz $14

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 Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Graz $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Graz. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Graz because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Graz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Graz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Graz during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Graz. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Graz. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

In October, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Graz. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Graz. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Graz. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Graz. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much warmer than Graz in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Graz during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Graz. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Graz in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Graz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Graz. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Graz. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Interlaken

Interlaken Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)