Comparison · Interlaken vs Lucerne · Switzerland
Interlaken vs Lucerne
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Rectilinium, CC0
Quick answer
Choose Interlaken for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley; choose Lucerne for Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 53 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 53 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Interlaken
- June–September
- Best time for Lucerne
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Interlaken | Lucerne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Known for | Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen valley and Paragliding | Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and Mount Pilatus |
| Best time to visit | June–September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$450 | $250–$420 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | ZRH, GVA, BSL | ZRH, BSL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Interlaken for…
Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley. Interlaken is a small resort town on the flat strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger rising directly to the south. Most visitors use it as a base: mountain railways from Interlaken Ost reach Grindelwald and…
Choose Lucerne for…
Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and free sights. Lucerne sits where the River Reuss leaves Lake Lucerne, with the 14th-century Kapellbrücke, a walled medieval old town and a waterfront of grand hotels all within a 15-minute walk of the railway station. Its real draw is the setting: paddle steamers cross…
Top sights compared
| # | Interlaken | Lucerne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe | Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) |
| 2 | Harder Kulm | Lion Monument |
| 3 | Höhematte | Swiss Museum of Transport |
| 4 | Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls | Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip |
| 5 | Trümmelbach Falls | Lake Lucerne boat trip |
Food compared
| Interlaken | Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Rösti | Lucerne vol-au-vent |
| Cheese fondue | Alpine macaroni |
| Cheese toast | Lake perch and whitefish |
| Bernese platter | Rösti |
Which is cheaper?
Interlaken and Lucerne cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $260–$450 in Interlaken and $250–$420 in Lucerne (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Lucerne on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Interlaken and Lucerne are about 53 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Interlaken and 3 in Lucerne.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Interlaken or Lucerne cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $260–$450 in Interlaken and $250–$420 in Lucerne (estimates).
+Is Interlaken or Lucerne better for a first trip?
Pick Interlaken for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley, or Lucerne for Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and free sights.
+How far is Interlaken from Lucerne?
About 53 km in a straight line.