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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Bremen?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Bremen

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

Orkney Islands and Bremen: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Bremen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bremen. Although Orkney Islands and Bremen are popular destinations, Bremen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bremen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bremen is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also well known for The Historic Marktplatz. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Orkney Islands different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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 Bremen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Orkney Islands is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Orkney Islands or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

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

Many people head to Bremen for the nightlife scene. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Bremen Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Orkney Islands is notable for the beach. However, Bremen is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Bremen is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

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

The old town of Bremen is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Bremen Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Orkney Islands is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Bremen?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Bremen Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Orkney Islands is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

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

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Orkney Islands is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.


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

Orkney Islands
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen can get you to most places easily. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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 Bremen a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Bremen

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

Bremen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Bremen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Bremen 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 Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Orkney Islands or Bremen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bremen, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Orkney Islands or Bremen?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bremen. 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 Bremen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bremen. 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen 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 Bremen is £126. 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 Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Bremen £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Bremen £130
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Bremen? 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 Bremen


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: Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Bremen £38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen 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
    Bremen £31

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    £3.34
  • Fish and Chips
    £2.74
  • Pizza and Cola
    £5.99
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    £6.85
  • Vietnamese Soup
    £4.28
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    £6.85
  • Pastry and Coffee
    £3.42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Bremen £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 Bremen

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

  • Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ) : $51
  • Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $196
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $221
  • Bremen Schnoor Area Tour: $24
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $35
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $48
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Bremen's Underground Guided Tour: $17
  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Bremen £29

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Bremen, 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Bremen Expensive?.



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

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Bremen in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bremen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Bremen. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Bremen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Bremen averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Bremen during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 100 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 Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Bremen. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bremen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bremen in the Spring?

Both Bremen and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bremen for the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Bremen in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Bremen during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Bremen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)