Comparison · Interlaken vs Zurich · Switzerland
Interlaken vs Zurich
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 Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 92 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 92 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Interlaken
- June–September
- Best time for Zurich
- May–September
Side by side
| Interlaken | Zurich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Known for | Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen valley and Paragliding | Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town (Altstadt) |
| Best time to visit | June–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$450 | $280–$450 |
| 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 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | ZRH, GVA, BSL | ZRH |
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 Zurich for…
Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich wraps around the northern tip of Lake Zurich, where the Limmat river flows out through a compact medieval Old Town. The twin towers of the Grossmünster and the Chagall windows of the Fraumünster face each other across the river, Bahnhofstrasse runs…
Top sights compared
| # | Interlaken | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe | Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town |
| 2 | Harder Kulm | Lindenhof hill |
| 3 | Höhematte | Grossmünster |
| 4 | Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls | Fraumünster |
| 5 | Trümmelbach Falls | Bahnhofstrasse |
Food compared
| Interlaken | Zurich |
|---|---|
| Rösti | Zurich-style veal |
| Cheese fondue | Rösti |
| Cheese toast | Cheese fondue |
| Bernese platter | Veal sausage |
Which is cheaper?
Interlaken and Zurich cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $260–$450 in Interlaken and $280–$450 in Zurich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Interlaken on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Interlaken and Zurich are about 92 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Interlaken and 3 in Zurich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Interlaken or Zurich cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $260–$450 in Interlaken and $280–$450 in Zurich (estimates).
+Is Interlaken or Zurich better for a first trip?
Pick Interlaken for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley, or Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse.
+How far is Interlaken from Zurich?
About 92 km in a straight line.