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

Should you visit Tartu or Interlaken?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Interlaken can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a intellectual, student-oriented, and cultural university town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled 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.

Tartu and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Interlaken than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Interlaken is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Also, Interlaken is famous for its many mountain views.. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a skiing destination.

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

Interlaken is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

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

Tartu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Tartu 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 Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

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

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Interlaken?

Tartu is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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!

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tartu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

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 Tartu or Interlaken Better for Students?

Tartu is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Is Tartu or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Tartu is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Interlaken?

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

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

One day in Tartu or Interlaken?

With nightlife around the student-oriented university town of Tartu, 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 Tartu, one day is sufficent for most.

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adrenaline-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Interlaken?

With nightlife around the destination of Tartu, 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 university town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Interlaken?

Tartu, a popular university town, 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 fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Interlaken?

Tartu 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.

You'll find food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget 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 Tartu and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Tartu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tartu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tartu 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 Tartu.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Interlaken?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Interlaken. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu 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 Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Interlaken. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Tartu