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

Should you visit Windsor or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Interlaken? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Windsor and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Interlaken?

Both Interlaken and Windsor have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Windsor is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Windsor is not a skiing destination.

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.

Windsor is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Interlaken?

Windsor is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Windsor is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Windsor. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Interlaken is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Windsor 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.

Windsor is very walkable. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Interlaken?

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

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

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, one day is sufficent for most.

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Interlaken?

Even though Windsor 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 town.

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Interlaken?

Windsor, a popular town, 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Interlaken?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Windsor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Windsor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Windsor 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 Windsor.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Interlaken?

Windsor has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Interlaken. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Windsor is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Windsor