A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. The famous beauty of Interlaken 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. See Interlaken travel costs.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Mont-Saint-Michel is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Mont-Saint-Michel travel costs.

Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Interlaken. Although Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Interlaken has more sights and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also well known for its many mountain views.. Mont-Saint-Michel is famous for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Interlaken different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for winter skiing. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Interlaken know how to have a good time. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile (6.5k) out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel More Beautiful?

Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

The famous beauty of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the main draws. It's a beautiful but touristy destination on a tidal island in Normandy. The highlight is the dramatic abbey that has attracted tourists and visitors for centuries.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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!

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mont-Saint-Michel. Not only is the walk through the town and castle stunning, there are also many beautiful walks in the natural areas nearby.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Interlaken that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With museums and food around the iconic island of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the adventurous town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel, a popular island, 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.

A week in Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Interlaken has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Mont-Saint-Michel. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. Interlaken is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Interlaken