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

Should you visit Interlaken or Tihany?

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

Where Should I go: Interlaken or Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Tihany $11
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:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18
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
    Tihany $4.82

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

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

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Tihany $6.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Tihany?

Interlaken has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Tihany. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Tihany averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tihany this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Tihany. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Tihany in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Tihany. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Tihany. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tihany. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much warmer than Tihany in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Tihany. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Interlaken or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Tihany. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Interlaken

Interlaken Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)