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

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a stunning, natural, and scenic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for skiing
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Interlaken. Although Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken are popular destinations, Interlaken has more sights and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is very popular for its skiing, food, and quaint atmosphere, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches. Interlaken is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also well known for its many mountain views.. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Interlaken is very good for snow skiing. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a good national park for skiing and snowboarding.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. 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.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Snowdonia National Park for snow skiing. 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.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Interlaken is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. 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.

Snowdonia National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Snowdonia National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Snowdonia National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

You'll find fantastic hiking in both Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken.

Many people visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

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.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. 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!

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Snowdonia 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Both Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Snowdonia National Park has plenty to offer. 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.

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.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Snowdonia National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to 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.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Interlaken

Interlaken is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

In either Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Interlaken because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Snowdonia National Park. 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 Snowdonia National Park. 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 Snowdonia National Park than Interlaken 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 Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Interlaken 2-5

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

With food around the natural national park of Snowdonia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find skiing and food around the world-class town of Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

With food around the destination of Snowdonia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Interlaken?

Snowdonia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.


Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Snowdonia National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is £186. 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 Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Interlaken £107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Interlaken £214
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken? 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 Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Interlaken £10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    £53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken and Snowdonia 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
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Interlaken £52

Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Interlaken £84

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Interlaken £14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 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 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 Interlaken Expensive?.



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

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 Snowdonia National Park or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Snowdonia National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

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

In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Snowdonia National Park. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Interlaken. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Snowdonia National Park is cooler than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Interlaken. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F)

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

Both Interlaken and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Interlaken
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)