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

Should you visit Interlaken or Howth?

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 Howth 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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Interlaken and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Interlaken and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and small town charm, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Howth and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Interlaken different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Skiing?

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

Howth is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Howth is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Howth. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Beaches?

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

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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!

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Interlaken or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

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

Public transit in Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Interlaken or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth 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.

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and food around the peaceful fishing village of Howth, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With food and museums around the destination of Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

Five days in Interlaken or Howth?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Howth, a popular fishing village, 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 Howth?

You'll find food and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Interlaken or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Howth. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Howth. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Howth during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Howth in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Howth. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth 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 Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Interlaken