A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Grindelwald for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Grindelwald?

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 Sigulda and Grindelwald can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Grindelwald?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland is a glacier village located in the picturesque Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. The Jungfrau Region encompasses many small villages and was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This Alpine paradise has been a popular destination since the 17th century, due to its natural beauty and fantastic hiking and skiing trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Grindelwald or Sigulda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Grindelwald is €226. 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 Sigulda and Grindelwald in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Grindelwald 133
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Grindelwald 266
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Grindelwald

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Grindelwald? 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 Sigulda


Hotels in Grindelwald


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Grindelwald Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Grindelwald 50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Grindelwald?

Prices for flights to both Grindelwald and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Grindelwald 54
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Grindelwald 56

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

Tours and Activities in Grindelwald

Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Grindelwald 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Grindelwald?

Sigulda has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda and Grindelwald, 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 Sigulda or Grindelwald?

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 Sigulda or Grindelwald in the Summer?

Both Grindelwald and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.

In July, Sigulda is generally cooler than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 17°C (63°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. In July, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Grindelwald in the Autumn?

Both Grindelwald and Sigulda during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sigulda is much colder than Grindelwald in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Grindelwald fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Grindelwald. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Grindelwald in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Grindelwald. Furthermore, many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. In the winter, Sigulda is much colder than Grindelwald. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Grindelwald averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Grindelwald in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Grindelwald. Additionally, most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Sigulda is generally much colder than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Grindelwald. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Grindelwald and Sigulda

Sigulda Grindelwald
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)