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

Should you visit Interlaken or Reykjavik?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Interlaken and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Interlaken have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is known for its nightlife and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Interlaken different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a skiing destination.

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

Interlaken is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Interlaken and Reykjavik.

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, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Reykjavik. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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!

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly town. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Reykjavik are both good 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Interlaken or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore 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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

In either Interlaken or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Interlaken has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Interlaken than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

One day in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the safe city of Reykjavik, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Reykjavik, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Reykjavik?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Interlaken is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Interlaken is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Interlaken