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

Should you visit Interlaken or Potsdam?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Potsdam?

Both Potsdam and Interlaken have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Interlaken is very popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Interlaken is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Interlaken different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for winter skiing. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Potsdam 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 Potsdam. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

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.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Potsdam?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Potsdam. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular 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!

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Potsdam is a good town for couples to visit. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Potsdam are both nice 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 Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Interlaken and Potsdam.

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.

Potsdam has some very good public transit options. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Interlaken or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is very walkable. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

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 Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Potsdam 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 Potsdam.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Potsdam?

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 compact city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Potsdam?

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 Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Potsdam?

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

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Potsdam, 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 Potsdam. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Potsdam. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. Interlaken is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Interlaken