The Orkney Islands have many attractions of interest to tourists, both natural, cultural and historical. Here are some popular and easily accessible attractions:
Skara Brae, a prehistoric site consisting of several stone houses built around 3000 BC. The site was hidden from history until a storm revealed it back in 1850. You can see these houses up close and see how the ancient inhabitants lived.
Watch, Read, Listen
St Magnus Cathedral, a Romanesque-style cathedral built in the 12th century by Earl Rognvald I of Orkney. The cathedral is located in the center of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, and has red sandstone that shines in the sun. You can stroll around the cathedral grounds and go inside to explore Orkney’s Norse heritage.
The Italian Chapel, a beautiful Roman Catholic chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. The chapel is located on Lamb Holm Island, one of the Churchill Barriers built to protect Scapa Flow. The chapel is made from two disused Nissen huts (military barracks) and decorated with beautiful paintings.
Ring of Brodgar a prehistoric site consisting of 27 standing stones arranged in a circle with a diameter of about 104 meters. The site is believed to date from around 2500 BC, and had religious and astronomical significance for the ancient inhabitants. You can walk around the stone circle and feel its mystical aura.
Maeshowe, a prehistoric site consisting of a chamber tomb built around 2800 BC. The tomb has a sophisticated design, with the entrance aligned with the sunset at the time of the winter solstice. The tomb also has many Norse runic inscriptions made by Viking visitors in the ninth and tenth centuries. You can enter the tomb with the help of a tour guide and see the contents and writings.
Scapa Flow, a natural harbour located between the main islands of Orkney. The port has an important role in military history, as it became the base of the British Royal Navy during the first and Second World Wars. The port was also the site of the sinking of the German fleet in 1919, which was one of the most dramatic events in maritime history. You can visit this port by boat or dive to see the sunken ships that are still on the seabed.
The Old Man of Hoy , a towering rock off the coast of Hoy island. The Rock is about 137 meters high and about 30 meters wide, and is one of the tallest rocks in the United Kingdom. This rock was formed due to wind and seawater erosion, and is believed to collapse in the next few centuries. You can see this rock up close by taking a boat ride or climbing to the top.
The Italian Chapel, a beautiful Roman Catholic chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. The chapel is located on Lamb Holm Island, one of the Churchill Barriers built to protect Scapa Flow. The chapel is made from two disused Nissen huts (military barracks) and decorated with beautiful paintings.
Highland Park Distillery, a whisky distillery located in the town of Kirkwall. The distillery was founded in 1798 and is the oldest single malt whisky distillery in Scotland. The distillery uses traditional methods of making whisky, such as using local peat to dry the malt, using copper tools to distill, and using wooden barrels to store. You can take a guided tour to see the process of making whiskey, taste their products, and buy souvenirs in their shop.
Location Access
There are several ways to get to the Orkney Islands, both by public and private transport. Here are some options you can consider:
Aircraft: the nearest airport from the Orkney Islands is Kirkwall Airport , which is located on the mainland island. The airport serves domestic flights from Aberdeen , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Inverness and Sumburgh (Shetland) . From the airport , you can take a bus , taxi or rent a car to the cities or other tourist attractions of the archipelago.
Ships: there are several ferry ports connecting the Orkney Islands with mainland Scotland or other islands. You can take a ferry from Scrabster or Gills Bay (mainland) to Stromness , from Aberdeen or Lerwick (Shetland) to Kirkwall , or from John O’groats (mainland) to Burwick . You can bring your own car or rent a car at the port of your destination.
Car: if you drive yourself, you can follow the directions to the Orkney Islands along the way. You can use the Skye Bridge bridge to reach the Isle of Skye, and then take a ferry to the other islands. You can also use the A9 motorway to reach Scrabster, Gills Bay or John O’groats, and then take a ferry to the Orkney Islands. You should pay attention to the road and weather conditions when driving, as some of the roads in the archipelago are narrow and winding.
Visitor Tips
To make your visit to the Orkney Islands more enjoyable and smooth, here are some tips you can follow:
Check the weather before you go to the Orkney Islands, as the weather here can be changeable and the wind can blow hard. Do not forget to also bring warm, waterproof and windproof clothing just in case.
Bring enough cash, as not all places accept credit or debit cards. There are several ATM machines in major cities such as Kirkwall, Stromness, and St Margaret’s Hope, but none in remote places.
Take advantage of the facilities available in the Orkney Islands, such as toilets, changing rooms, luggage storage, free internet access and wheelchairs. If you have any special needs or questions, feel free to contact the friendly and helpful Orkney Islands staff.
Enjoy every corner and detail of the Orkney Islands by exploring every island and tourist attraction there is. Don’t miss the beautiful views of the sea, sky and mountains that surround the archipelago, as well as the special events that are often held here.
The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of about 70 islands and islets, of which only about 20 are inhabited, in the north of Scotland. The archipelago has a long and rich history, as well as a unique culture. Here, you can learn about the history, traditions, and important events that happened in this archipelago, through prehistoric relics, historical sites, museums, and cultural centers that exist here. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and fun activities in the islands, such as walking on the beach, swimming, surfing, cycling, camping, or watching sea birds.
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