A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Bern for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Bern?

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 Lake District National Park and Bern. 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a relaxing, enjoyable, and unique national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake District National Park and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bern than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bern is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Lake District National Park different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern and Lake District National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Lake District National Park is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake District National Park makes for a great culinary experience. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lake District National Park does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Lake District National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Lake District National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bern. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Both Lake District National Park and Bern are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.


Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Lake District National Park and Bern both superb destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Lake District National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Many backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Is Lake District National Park or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bern offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.


Is Lake District National Park or Bern a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Bern

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

Bern is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Bern. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

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

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


  • How many days in Lake District National Park or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Bern. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Lake District National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Bern for a weekend. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular destination of Lake District National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful destination of Bern offers shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Lake District National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the unique national park of Lake District National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bern, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Lake District National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £81, while the average daily cost in Bern is £201. 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 Lake District National Park and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Bern £130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Bern £260
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park or Bern? 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 Lake District National Park


Hotels in Bern


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: Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Bern £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake District National Park

Also for Lake District National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Lake District National Park 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
    Lake District National Park £21
    Bern £48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Bern £27

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $140

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Bern £21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Lake District National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake District National Park Expensive? and Is Bern Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park or Bern?

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 Lake District National Park or Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Bern. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is cooler than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. In the summer, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lake District National Park is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. In October, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Lake District National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Lake District National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Lake District National Park is a little warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Bern. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is cooler than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Bern during spring. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Bern. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)