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

Should you visit Interlaken or Leipzig?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Leipzig?

Both Leipzig and Interlaken have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Leipzig is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Leipzig and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Leipzig is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Interlaken different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Leipzig specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for hiking. However, Leipzig is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Leipzig is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Leipzig?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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!

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Leipzig are both good 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 Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Interlaken and Leipzig.

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.

Leipzig has some very good public transit options. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

Is Interlaken or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Interlaken and Leipzig are good when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Leipzig Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Leipzig?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Leipzig. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Leipzig. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Leipzig.

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

One day in Interlaken or Leipzig?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Leipzig, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leipzig, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Leipzig?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Leipzig, there's plenty to do. 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 Leipzig?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Leipzig, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Leipzig?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Leipzig?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig?

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 Leipzig in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Leipzig. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leipzig for the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leipzig this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leipzig in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Leipzig. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Leipzig in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leipzig in the Winter?

Both Leipzig and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leipzig can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leipzig in the Spring?

Both Leipzig and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Leipzig in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Leipzig. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Interlaken