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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

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

Orkney Islands

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

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Orkney Islands and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its museums and beaches. Zermatt is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Matterhorn

How is Orkney Islands different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing. However, Orkney Islands is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Orkney Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Orkney Islands is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Zermatt.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Zermatt for the nightlife scene. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Orkney Islands is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Orkney Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

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 Zermatt?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

Zermatt is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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.

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

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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

Orkney Islands and Zermatt both offer notable 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.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Orkney Islands or Zermatt a more walkable city?

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

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

In either Orkney Islands or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Zermatt because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt, you'll find shopping and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

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.

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or Zermatt?

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 food and shopping when visiting the town of Zermatt. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

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

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt 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. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Zermatt in the Autumn?

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

In October, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Zermatt in the Winter?

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

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands is cooler than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt 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 Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Orkney Islands