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

Should you visit Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

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 Lofoten Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

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

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a quaint, spectacular, and dramatic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and food.

Interlaken and Lofoten Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lofoten Islands. Although Interlaken and Lofoten Islands are popular destinations, Lofoten Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lofoten Islands is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Lofoten Islands and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Lofoten Islands is famous for its dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful fjords, remote setting, and colorful houses. It is also well known for The Svolvær Goat Trail.

How is Interlaken different from Lofoten Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for snow skiing. However, Lofoten Islands 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.

Lofoten Islands is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

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

Lofoten Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Lofoten Islands both to be very good 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 Lofoten Islands. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Nightlife?

Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands. Some towns have local bars and pubs that are fun places to grab a drink.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Beaches?

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

Lofoten Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for its Old Town?

Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Hiking?

You'll find fantastic hiking in both Interlaken and Lofoten Islands.

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, Lofoten Islands draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lofoten Islands. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lofoten Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit 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!

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lofoten Islands. Outdoor adventures await at this breathtaking archipelago. There's kayaking, hiking, whale watch, and even a few Viking museums that the kids will enjoy.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Lofoten Islands are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Lofoten Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning views, dramatic fjords, and world class outdoor adventures make this an amazing romantic destination for couples. If you enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities, then there is no shortage of opportunities to explore here.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lofoten Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around but transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lofoten Islands. There are buses and ferries, but the service is limited, although reliable.

Is Interlaken or Lofoten Islands a more walkable city?

Interlaken is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Lofoten Islands is not a good archipelago for its ease of walking around.

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

Lofoten Islands is not a very walkable town. Although the area is filled with hikes, you really must have a car if you hope to explore it with flexibility and accessibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Lofoten Islands or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lofoten Islands 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 Lofoten Islands.

One day in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

The stunning destination of Interlaken offers skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and food around the quaint archipelago of Lofoten Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Lofoten Islands?

The town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lofoten Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Lofoten Islands, a popular archipelago, 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 archipelago. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Lofoten Islands?

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lofoten Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago 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 Contiki Tours to Norway, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Oslo.

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

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