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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Lucerne?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Lucerne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Orkney Islands and Lucerne are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Lucerne is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Orkney Islands different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for the beach. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Lucerne?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Lucerne.

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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Lucerne are high quality 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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Orkney Islands and Lucerne 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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Orkney Islands or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Lucerne?

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

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Lucerne?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Lucerne. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

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 Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne 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 Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 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 Lucerne. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lucerne in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. In January, Orkney Islands is generally a little warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 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 Lucerne. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lucerne in the Spring?

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

Orkney Islands is much colder than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Orkney Islands