The Orkney Islands in Scotland are famous for their unique archaeology that’s well-preserved and accessible. (Learn more: Where is Orkney located?)

These fertile lands have provided a safe haven and welcome for travellers, from early Stone Age explorers to Vikings.

The people, called Orcadians, are very friendly and hospitable and reflect a mixture of cultures both Scottish and Scandinavian.

The largest island is called the Mainland, second is Hoy, the highest and close to the Scottish mainland. Standing on the cliffs looking across the sea between the Pentland Firth you can imagine the excitement of paddling a boat that short but fearsome way.

Nowadays it’s easy — three busy ferry routes connect Orkney with the rest of Scotland. Outside the town of Thurso is the port called Scrabster and along the coast, Gills Bay. Both have vehicle ferries, whilst in summer a passenger ferry makes the short crossing from John O’Groats.

Other sailings to Orkney leave from the city of Aberdeen and also the more northerly Shetland Islands, with connections to Iceland. Learn more: How to Get to Orkney

What’s Orkney like?

Orkney festivals, music and craftsmanship combined with high quality local foods give it a real cosmopolitan feel, reflecting its Scandinavian influence.

The two main towns are Kirkwall, the capital, and Stromness.

Kirkwall

The largest town is Kirkwall, well-stocked with facilities. It huddles around the great red sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral. Distinctive craft shops nestle beside butcher and banks along the paved main street, and are all within walking distance. There is also a busy nightlife with plenty of live music, a nightclub, storytelling, pubs and cinema.

Kirkwall has a small, busy airport connecting to Inverness, Edinburgh and Aberdeen as well as Shetland and the outlying northern islands, which can also be reached by regular ferries.

Stromness

Stromness, the second largest town, is charming with rare architecture and streets. It hosts a number of artists and craftspeople, and has the famous Pier Arts Centre, a substantial gallery for artwork. See too the Stromness Museum and Harbour.

Top Visitor Sites in Orkney

Popular places to visit include:

• Skara Brae, 5000 year old village made of stone
• Maes Howe, Europe’s finest chambered tomb
• Ring of Brodgar, amazing stone circle with 36 of original 60 stones standing
• Broch of Gurness, superbly preserved circular broch with village and defences
• Tomb of the Eagles, a stalled chambered tomb 5000 years old and a bronze age house, privately run
• St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, impressive structure and history from 1137AD
• Brough of Birsay, early Christian & Viking settlement across a tidal causeway
• Stones of Stenness, another fine collection of standing stones
• Italian Chapel & Churchill Barriers, Second World War prisoners chapel and barriers to block sea channels into Scapa Flow

Visiting other Orkney islands

Popular places on other islands accessed by ferries and short flights:

• Knap of Howar, the oldest surviving house in northern Europe, located on the island of Papa Westray
• Old Man of Hoy, and nearby Dwarfie Stane, Rackwick Bay
• Midhowe Broch and Cairn, on the island of Rousay

All three sites are free!