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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Hannover?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Hannover

Hannover is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Hannover: 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
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Hannover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hannover than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hannover is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hannover is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orkney Islands
Hannover

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Hannover 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.

Hannover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orkney Islands. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

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

Many people head to Hannover for the nightlife scene. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for its beaches. However, Hannover 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.

Hannover is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

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

Hannover has an old town worth visiting. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. 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.

Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Hannover?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

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

Hannover has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Hannover.

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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

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

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.


Is Orkney Islands or Hannover Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Hannover is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Hannover is very popular with students. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Hannover

Hannover 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 Hannover can get you to most places easily. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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 Hannover a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Hannover

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

Hannover is a very walkable destination. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Hannover 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 Hannover.

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Hannover. 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 Hannover 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 Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Orkney Islands or Hannover?

The beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Hannover, 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 Hannover?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Hannover. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover 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 Hannover 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 Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Hannover £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Hannover £146
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Hannover? 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 Hannover


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: Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Hannover £20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover 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
    Hannover £42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Hannover £30

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

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

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

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

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


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



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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Hannover during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hannover because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Hannover. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hannover in the winter. The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. Orkney Islands is much warmer than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Hannover during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Hannover. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hannover for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Hannover. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)