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

Should you visit Interlaken or Zadar?

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 Zadar 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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zadar. Although Interlaken and Zadar are popular destinations, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Interlaken different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Zadar 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.

Zadar is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Zadar both to be great 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 Zadar. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar 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 Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

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.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Zadar?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar 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!

Zadar is a family-friendly town. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Interlaken or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zadar is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Zadar is very popular with students. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

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

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Interlaken or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar 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.

Zadar is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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 Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Interlaken. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zadar, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Interlaken. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zadar that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Interlaken or Zadar?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed town of Zadar, there's plenty to do. 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 Zadar, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Zadar, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Zadar?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Zadar, 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 Zadar?

You'll find food and skiing around the world-class destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Zadar?

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

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Zadar. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Zadar. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Zadar. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Interlaken