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

Should you visit Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

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 Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a adventure-filled, world-class, and breathtaking ski resort. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Interlaken and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel. Although Interlaken and Kitzbuhel are popular destinations, Kitzbuhel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kitzbuhel is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Kitzbuhel and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Kitzbuhel is famous for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. It is also well known for The Kitzbüheler Horn.

How is Interlaken different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Kitzbuhel is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

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.

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

Kitzbuhel is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Kitzbuhel specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

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

Kitzbuhel has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Interlaken and Kitzbuhel.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. 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.

Known for its hiking, Kitzbuhel draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kitzbuhel. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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!

Kitzbuhel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kitzbuhel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its public transit.

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.

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Interlaken or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is very walkable. The town is small and 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 Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

Both Interlaken and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

Couples should spend more time in Kitzbuhel than Interlaken. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kitzbuhel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Kitzbuhel?

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous 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.

Even though Kitzbuhel is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

You'll find skiing and food around the world-class 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.

Kitzbuhel, a popular ski resort, 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 ski resort. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this ski resort has to offer. 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 Budget Tours to Austria, and The Best Luxury Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Kitzbuhel?

Kitzbuhel has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Kitzbuhel, 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.