A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

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 Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baden-Baden. Although Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden are both popular with visitors, Baden-Baden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baden-Baden is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baden-Baden is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. It is also home to The Thermal Baths. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Baden-Baden and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. 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.

Baden-Baden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


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

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baden-Baden has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Baden-Baden has a few options to choose from. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. 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.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its hiking trails.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baden-Baden. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Both Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

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

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

Orkney Islands is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.


Is Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Baden-Baden. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Baden-Baden.

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

Couples should spend more time in Baden-Baden than Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden 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.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Baden-Baden 1-3

One day in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote archipelago of Orkney Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Baden-Baden, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Baden-Baden 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.


Five days in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spa town of Baden-Baden. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Orkney Islands?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Baden-Baden is £132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Baden-Baden £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Baden-Baden £150
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Orkney Islands


Hotels in Baden-Baden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Baden-Baden £28

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Orkney Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Orkney Islands £34
    Baden-Baden £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Baden-Baden £29

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orkney Islands.

  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246
  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Baden-Baden £10


When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Baden-Baden Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden?

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 Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

Both Baden-Baden and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Baden-Baden. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Baden-Baden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Baden-Baden during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Baden-Baden. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baden-Baden can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is much warmer than Baden-Baden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Baden-Baden during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)