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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Bern?

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 Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

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

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bern than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bern is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bern is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern 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 Bern?

Bern is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Orkney Islands or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Orkney Islands or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Bern 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 Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Bern Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Bern Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Bern?

Bern is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bern. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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 Bern. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Bern are great 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.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Bern are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Bern can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Bern is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Bern?

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

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

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Bern?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the tranquil destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural archipelago of Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Orkney Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Orkney Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Orkney Islands and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Orkney Islands.

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 Bern Expensive?.

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

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Bern. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Bern. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 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 Bern. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Bern. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Bern. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Bern during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Orkney Islands