A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. Plitvice Lakes National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Plitvice Lakes National Park travel costs.

Interlaken and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Interlaken and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Interlaken is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also home to the terraced chain of lakes.

How is Interlaken different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Interlaken for the nightlife scene. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

People don't go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the nightlife. There are some bars near the park, but that's not why most visitors come to the area.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park More Beautiful?

Interlaken and Plitvice Lakes National Park both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

The famous beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the main draws. Even with the crowds, this is a spectacular destination and a highlight of any trip to Croatia.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-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!

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly town. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Plitvice Lakes National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With around the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Interlaken, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a popular national park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The world-class town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Interlaken is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Interlaken