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

Should you visit Interlaken or Wernigerode?

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a quaint, cute, and quintessential town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Interlaken and Wernigerode: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Wernigerode?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wernigerode. Although Interlaken and Wernigerode are both popular with visitors, Wernigerode has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wernigerode is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Wernigerode and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Wernigerode is popular for its storybook setting and its beautiful hilltop castle. It is also home to The Wernigerode Castle.

How is Interlaken different from Wernigerode?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is very good for snow skiing. However, Wernigerode 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.

Wernigerode is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Wernigerode

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

Many visitors head to Wernigerode specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. In addition to its beautiful old town, the highlight of a visit to this town is exploring the Wernigerode Castle. Other attractions include the Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik and the Miniaturenpark.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Wernigerode has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a touristy town, you'll find a number of restaurants that serve traditional food. There are also sausage stands and plenty of ice cream shops.

Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Wernigerode. The small town isn't known for its nightlife scene but there are plenty of places where you can grab a beer and have a relaxing night.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for its Old Town?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Wernigerode is revered around the world. If you're looking for an almost flawless old town with charm and few imperfections, then this is your place.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Wernigerode 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.

Wernigerode is not a hiking destination.

Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Families?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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!

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wernigerode is very family-friendly. The town feels like you've landed in a fairytale book, which your kids will love. There's a train and a castle to explore. There's also the fun citizen and miniature parks and the fairytale trail. In addition to all of the sights and attractions, there are playgrounds and animal attractions that kids will love.


Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Wernigerode makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This fairytale town is something special with many beautiful buildings, a castle, and great restaurants that make for a romantic weekend.

Is Interlaken or Wernigerode Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken and Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode. There are enough hostels in town to keep prices reasonable. This is also a very touristy town, so you're likely to meet other travelers.

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

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Wernigerode is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Wernigerode has some public transit options. You can take the bus to town, but once you arrive its best to explore on foot. There's also a charming narrow grade railway that connect the towns of the area.


Is Interlaken or Wernigerode a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Wernigerode. You can easily explore the town and the nearby castle 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 Wernigerode Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wernigerode or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Wernigerode?

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Wernigerode? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Wernigerode 1-3

One day in Interlaken or Wernigerode?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the stunning town of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Wernigerode might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wernigerode, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Wernigerode?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the world-class destination of Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Wernigerode is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Wernigerode?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous town of Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Wernigerode, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Wernigerode?

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Wernigerode 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.


Which place is cheaper, Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode is $145. 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 Wernigerode in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Wernigerode $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Wernigerode $158
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Wernigerode

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Wernigerode? 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 Wernigerode


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 Wernigerode Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Wernigerode $20
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Wernigerode?

Prices for flights to both Wernigerode 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
    Wernigerode $49
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

Typical Food Prices in Wernigerode

Some typical examples of dining costs in Wernigerode are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $24
  • Soda
    $1.82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Wernigerode $30

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

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Wernigerode?

Wernigerode has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Wernigerode, 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 Wernigerode?

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 Wernigerode in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Wernigerode. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wernigerode this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Wernigerode in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Wernigerode fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wernigerode. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 201 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Wernigerode 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Wernigerode in the Autumn?

Both Wernigerode and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wernigerode for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Interlaken is a little warmer than Wernigerode. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Wernigerode averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Wernigerode 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Wernigerode in the Winter?

Both Wernigerode and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wernigerode in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Wernigerode can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Wernigerode. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Wernigerode fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wernigerode receives 60 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Wernigerode 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Wernigerode in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Wernigerode. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wernigerode for the small town charm during these months.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Wernigerode in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Wernigerode fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wernigerode during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Wernigerode receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Wernigerode. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wernigerode receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Wernigerode 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Wernigerode and Interlaken

Interlaken Wernigerode
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)