A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Orkney Islands for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Orkney Islands. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Aalborg and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aalborg than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aalborg is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Aalborg is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Also, Aalborg is famous for the Utzon Center. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Aalborg different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Both Aalborg and Orkney Islands have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aalborg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Orkney Islands offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Orkney Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Aalborg and Orkney Islands.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Orkney Islands has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Aalborg for the nightlife scene. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for its beaches. However, Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Aalborg has an old town worth visiting. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aalborg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Aalborg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Aalborg is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aalborg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Both Aalborg and Orkney Islands are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aalborg. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Students?

Aalborg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Orkney Islands.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Aalborg or Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

Aalborg is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable town. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Both Aalborg and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Aalborg. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

Families should spend more time in Aalborg than Orkney Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aalborg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orkney Islands that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Aalborg 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

In Aalborg, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Aalborg. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Orkney Islands, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Orkney Islands?

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 Aalborg or Orkney Islands in the Summer?

Both Orkney Islands and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aalborg is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 16°C (61°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Orkney Islands. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Orkney Islands. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aalborg is around the same temperature as Orkney Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aalborg or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Orkney Islands. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. Aalborg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Aalborg is much colder than Orkney Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aalborg in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Orkney Islands. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

Both Orkney Islands and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year.

In April, Aalborg is generally around the same temperature as Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 6°C (43°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Aalborg