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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

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 Grindelwald 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 hiking, museums, and food.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a breathtaking, beautiful, and adventure-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Grindelwald: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grindelwald. Although Orkney Islands and Grindelwald are popular destinations, Grindelwald has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grindelwald is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its museums, food, and beaches. Grindelwald is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. It is also well known for the beautiful mountain scenery. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Orkney Islands different from Grindelwald?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is great for skiing. However, Orkney Islands is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Orkney Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Orkney Islands is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

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

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Grindelwald 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.

Grindelwald is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is renowned for hiking. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

Grindelwald is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Grindelwald has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald Better for Families?

Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

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 Grindelwald Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Grindelwald are very good 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.

Grindelwald is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

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

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Grindelwald are very good 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 Grindelwald. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

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

Orkney Islands and Grindelwald both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Grindelwald has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Orkney Islands or Grindelwald a more walkable city?

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

Grindelwald is a somewhat walkable town. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Grindelwald or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Grindelwald because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Grindelwald.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald.

One day in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural 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.

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the remote 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.

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote 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 Grindelwald. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Grindelwald?

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.

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Grindelwald, we can see that Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald Expensive?.

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

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 Grindelwald in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Grindelwald. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Grindelwald in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Grindelwald fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Grindelwald in the Autumn?

Both Grindelwald and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is much colder than Grindelwald. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Grindelwald averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Grindelwald in the Winter?

Both Grindelwald and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Grindelwald in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Grindelwald. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Grindelwald in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Grindelwald fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Grindelwald and Orkney Islands