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

Should you visit Interlaken or Munich?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Munich?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Munich than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Munich is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Munich and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Interlaken different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Munich is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.

Munich is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Munich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Munich both to be excellent 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 Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Munich just to party. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Music?

Munich is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Munich is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Munich?

Munich is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Munich. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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!

Munich is a very family-friendly destination. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Munich is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Interlaken or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Munich is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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.

Is Interlaken or Munich a more walkable city?

Munich 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.

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Munich?

In either Interlaken or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Munich has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Munich than Interlaken. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Munich. 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.

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

One day in Interlaken or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Munich, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Munich?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Munich, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Munich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Munich 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 Munich, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Munich much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Munich would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Munich 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 Munich.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Munich, 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 Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Munich. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Munich. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Munich. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Munich during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Munich. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Munich. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Munich. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city.

In April, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Munich. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Munich during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Munich. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Interlaken