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

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

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 Snowdonia National Park and Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a rugged, stunning, and natural national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bern. Although Snowdonia National Park and Bern are popular destinations, Bern has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bern is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also well known for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park is a moderate national park for snow skiing. However, Bern is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Bern is not a skiing destination.

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

Bern is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and Bern offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

Bern is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Bern is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a well-known place for its old town. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Bern is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Snowdonia National Park or Bern.

Snowdonia National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bern. 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 Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and Bern are great destinations for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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 Snowdonia National Park or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Snowdonia National Park has some public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Snowdonia National Park 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 Bern.

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful city of Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Snowdonia 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.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Snowdonia 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.

Bern is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic national park of Snowdonia 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

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

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 Snowdonia National Park or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia National Park usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Snowdonia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets less sunshine than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Bern. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bern during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Bern. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Snowdonia National Park