A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Interlaken or Plzen?

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

Where Should I go: Interlaken or Plzen?

Interlaken

Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Interlaken?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Plzen is $101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Interlaken and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Plzen $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Plzen $122
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Plzen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Interlaken


Hotels in Plzen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Plzen $8.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen and Interlaken change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Interlaken $64
    Plzen $31
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Plzen $21

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Plzen $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207


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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Plzen. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Plzen in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plzen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Plzen. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Plzen in the Autumn?

Both Plzen and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Plzen. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Plzen can be very cold. Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Plzen. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Plzen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Plzen. The spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Plzen in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Plzen during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Plzen. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Interlaken

Interlaken Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)