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

Should you visit Interlaken or Kotor?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. 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. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Interlaken and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Interlaken and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken is known for its skiing. Interlaken is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Interlaken different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for winter skiing. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not a skiing destination.

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

Kotor is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Hiking?

You'll find fantastic hiking in both Interlaken and Kotor.

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, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. 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!

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken 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.

Kotor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Interlaken or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Interlaken is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Interlaken or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Interlaken or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Interlaken. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kotor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Kotor?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this world-class 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.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

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.

Even though Kotor 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor, a popular coastal town, 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Kotor?

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Interlaken is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Kotor. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Kotor. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Interlaken is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Kotor. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Interlaken