A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Innsbruck for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Skiing

Should you visit Interlaken or Innsbruck?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Interlaken and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Innsbruck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Interlaken and Innsbruck are popular destinations, Innsbruck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its hiking. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Innsbruck is famous for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Interlaken different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Innsbruck both to be superb 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 Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

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

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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 explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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!

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Innsbruck. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Innsbruck is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck Better for Students?

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

Innsbruck is very popular with students. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Interlaken and Innsbruck.

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.

Innsbruck has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Interlaken or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Interlaken or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Interlaken due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

One day in Interlaken or Innsbruck?

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 food and skiing around the youthful city of Innsbruck, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Innsbruck?

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 skiing and nightlife around the destination of Innsbruck, 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find skiing and food around the stunning 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.

Innsbruck, a popular city, 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 Innsbruck?

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.

Innsbruck 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 Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Innsbruck?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Innsbruck, 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.