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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Interlaken?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Interlaken, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous 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.

Saaremaa and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Interlaken than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Interlaken is better known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saaremaa is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and small town charm. Interlaken is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Also, Interlaken is famous for its many mountain views.. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Interlaken can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa is not a good area for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Saaremaa doesn't offer many options. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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!

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Interlaken are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Interlaken is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Saaremaa 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. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. 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 Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Interlaken?

In either Saaremaa or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Saaremaa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Saaremaa, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Saaremaa 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.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Interlaken?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°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 Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Interlaken. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In October, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Saaremaa