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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Lucerne and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lucerne than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lucerne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Interlaken?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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!

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Interlaken is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Interlaken are notable when it comes to walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Interlaken?

In either Lucerne or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

One day in Lucerne or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Lucerne, 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 Lucerne, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Lucerne or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

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.

Five days in Lucerne or Interlaken?

Lucerne, a popular city, 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.

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.

A week in Lucerne or Interlaken?

Lucerne 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Lucerne and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Interlaken?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Interlaken. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Interlaken. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Lucerne is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Interlaken. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Lucerne