A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Interlaken for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Interlaken. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking 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.

Isle of Skye and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

Both Interlaken and Isle of Skye have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches, while Interlaken is known for its skiing and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Isle of Skye is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Interlaken.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

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

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Isle of Skye and Interlaken, and they are first-rate.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

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.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. 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!

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for romance. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Interlaken is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

In either Isle of Skye or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Interlaken has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Interlaken than Isle of Skye. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

With food around the dramatic island of Isle of Skye, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this stunning town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

With food around the destination of Isle of Skye, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 island.

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

Isle of Skye, a popular island, 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 island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this adventurous destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

Isle of Skye 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.

Interlaken is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

Isle of Skye has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Interlaken, 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 Isle of Skye or Interlaken?

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 Isle of Skye or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In January, Isle of Skye is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Interlaken. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Isle of Skye