InterlakenvsZermatt
Both Interlaken and Zermatt are incredible destinations. Interlaken excels in Jungfraujoch and adventure sports, while Zermatt stands out for Matterhorn and car-free.
At a glance
| Interlaken | Zermatt | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (mid-range) | €265 | €265 |
| Hotel per night (mid-range) | €175 | €175 |
| Best months | June to September, December to March (skiing) | June to September (hiking), December to April (skiing) |
| Summer / winter | 22°C / 0°C | 18°C / -5°C |
| Language | German | German |
| Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF) | Swiss Franc (CHF) |
How they compare
- Culture & HistoryInterlakenZermatt
- Food & DiningInterlakenZermatt
- NightlifeInterlakenZermatt
- Best Time to VisitInterlakenZermatt
- WeatherInterlakenZermatt
Top tours and experiences in Interlaken
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All things to do in Interlaken →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Top tours and experiences in Zermatt
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Zermatt Paragliding Tandem Flight with Matterhorn View (20–25min)
5.0236 reviews1h 30m
from €331
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FLYMATTERHORN VIP Tandem Paragliding Zermatt Matterhorn Views
4.9222 reviews2h
from €375
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All things to do in Zermatt →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Is Interlaken or Zermatt cheaper?
For a mid-range traveller, Interlaken and Zermatt cost about the same per day.
| Mid-range | Interlaken | Zermatt |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €175 | €175 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €60 | €60 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €30 | €30 |
| Total per day | €265 | €265 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport.
Travelling between Interlaken and Zermatt
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Top Attractions in Interlaken
- 1Jungfraujoch Railway
- 2Paragliding
- 3Harder Kulm Viewpoint
- 4Lake Thun & Brienz
- 5Schilthorn (James Bond)
- 6Adventure Sports
Top Attractions in Zermatt
- 1Matterhorn Views
- 2Gornergrat Railway
- 3Glacier Paradise
- 4Car-Free Village
- 5Year-Round Skiing
- 6Five Lakes Walk
Interlaken is Popular With
adventure seekers
honeymooners
train enthusiasts
photographers
Zermatt is Popular With
skiers
hikers
photographers
mountain lovers
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Interlaken
- 1
Weissenau Nature Reserve
A protected delta where the Aare River meets Lake Thun, known for its stunning, milky-turquoise glacial waters and peaceful walking paths.
- 2
Justistal Valley & Lake
A remote, high Alpine valley above Sigriswil on Lake Thun, accessible by a narrow, thrilling mountain road (or a long hike), leading to a small, pristine mountain lake.
Hidden Gems in Zermatt
- 1
Hinterdorf (Old Village)
A maze of tiny, centuries-old wooden barns and granaries (called 'mazots') huddled together behind the main street.
- 2
Gornerschlucht (Gorner Gorge)
A dramatic, narrow gorge carved by the glacial Gornera river, featuring wooden walkways and bridges over turquoise waters.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Interlaken
Central Interlaken (Höheweg)
The bustling tourist heart, centered on the grand Höheweg promenade.
Unterseen
Located across the Aare River from Central Interlaken, this is the original medieval town.
Top Areas in Zermatt
Zermatt Dorf (Village Center)
The historic heart of Zermatt, centered around the main Bahnhofstrasse.
Winkelmatten
A quieter, more residential area located on a sunny plateau south of the river Vispa.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Interlaken
Daily Budget€180-300 (CHF 170-280) per person for a private hotel room, some restaurant meals, and a few key attractions like Jungfraujoch.
Cost Level
expensive
Budget in Zermatt
Daily BudgetCHF 350-600 per person for a 3-star hotel, mix of casual and one nice meal, and daily lift pass or railway ticket.
Cost Level
moderate
Where to stay in Interlaken
Hotels close to the centre of Interlaken, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Mid-range
Mid-range
Upscale
UpscaleHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Zermatt
Hotels close to the centre of Zermatt, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Mid-range
Mid-range
Upscale
UpscaleHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Getting There
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