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

Should you visit Interlaken or Villach?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Villach

Villach is a outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Interlaken and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Villach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Villach than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Villach is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Also, Villach is famous for The Villach Main Square.

How is Interlaken different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Villach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.

Villach is not a skiing destination.

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

Villach is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

Dining out in Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Villach 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 Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Villach is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Villach?

Villach is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

Villach is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for couples. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Interlaken or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Interlaken offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Interlaken or Villach a more walkable city?

Interlaken is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable town. The old town is relatively walkable.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Villach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Villach or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Villach. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Villach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Villach.

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

One day in Interlaken or Villach?

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 nature-filled town of Villach, 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 Villach, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Villach?

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 museums around the destination of Villach, 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 town.

Five days in Interlaken or Villach?

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.

Villach, a popular town, 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 Villach?

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.

Villach 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Villach. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally cooler than Villach. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Villach. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Villach. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Villach in the Autumn?

Both Villach and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

Interlaken is cooler than Villach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Villach fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Villach during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Villach. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Villach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Villach averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Villach. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Villach. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Villach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Villach. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Villach. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Villach during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Villach. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Villach and Interlaken