The islands of Orkney offer one of the most fascinating travel experiences in the British Isles. Remote yet welcoming, ancient yet vibrantly alive with culture, this windswept archipelago combines extraordinary archaeological heritage with dramatic coastal scenery and a distinctive identity.
For travellers exploring northern Scotland, Orkney rewards those who venture a little further beyond the Highlands.
From Neolithic villages older than the pyramids to Viking cathedrals and sweeping Atlantic cliffs, these captivating islands offer a rare combination of history, landscape, and quiet authenticity.
This Guide to Orkney introduces the highlights of visiting the islands and offers insight for travellers planning to include them in one of our bespoke tours of Scotland.
Orkney lies just off the northern coast of mainland Scotland, separated from the Highlands by the Pentland Firth. At its narrowest point, the distance between the two is around 10 miles. The archipelago is made up of around 70 islands, though only about 20 are inhabited.
The historic town of Kirkwall serves as Orkney’s capital and main transport hub, while nearby Stromness offers a picturesque harbour and a more intimate glimpse of island life.
Despite their proximity to the mainland, Orkney feels culturally distinct. The islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway for over 500 years, until 1468. This Scandinavian heritage remains visible today in place names, traditions, and architecture.
Due to their northerly location, most visitors to the islands typically include a journey through the Highlands before hopping over the Pentland Firth, creating a memorable northern Scotland adventure. If this sounds like your dream trip, we think you’ll love our Guide to the Scottish Highlands.
Many travellers discover that Orkney offers something quite different from other Scottish destinations. While these islands may be small, they hold huge appeal with people interested in history, landscapes, and quieter cultural experiences.
Extraordinary Prehistoric Heritage
Orkney is home to one of Europe’s most important prehistoric landscapes. Archaeological discoveries have revealed communities that lived here more than 5,000 years ago, leaving behind remarkably preserved settlements and ceremonial monuments.
Few places in Britain offer such a vivid connection to the distant past. We take a closer look at Orkney’s unmissable historic sites below.
Viking and Medieval History
After the Neolithic period, Orkney became part of the Norse world. Viking influence shaped the islands for centuries and remains visible in everything from local folklore to the architecture of the islands’ cathedral.
Dramatic Island Landscapes
Cliffs, sea stacks, and open moorland create a striking natural setting. Unlike the towering peaks of the Highlands, Orkney’s beauty lies in its vast horizons and powerful seascapes.
Authentic Island Culture
Life here moves at a gentler pace. Visitors encounter local crafts, traditional food, and warm island hospitality that reflects generations of maritime heritage.
Together, these elements make this archipelago one of the most rewarding destinations for those seeking meaningful things to do in Orkney beyond typical tourist routes. Are you looking to explore more off the mainland? Be sure to read our Guide to the Scottish Islands when you have finished here.
History lovers will find that Orkney contains an extraordinary concentration of archaeological landmarks, with many recognised as part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Just some of the highlights worthy of any itinerary include:
Often described as the best-preserved prehistoric village in Europe, Skara Brae offers an astonishing glimpse into daily life around 3000 BC. Stone houses, beds, and storage spaces remain clearly visible, creating an experience that feels almost frozen in time.
Standing dramatically between two lochs (Loch of Stenness and Loch of Harray), this vast stone circle is one of Britain’s most impressive prehistoric monuments. Walking among the standing stones that make up the Ring of Brodgar gives a sense of the ceremonial landscape that once dominated these islands.
A natural harbour sheltered by the islands of Mainland, Burray, Graemsay, Hoy, and South Ronaldsay, this body of water is home to historic shipwrecks and holds key naval importance. The geographical features offering habitable shores and sheltered anchorage also support a distinctive range of wildlife.
These WWII-era anti-submarine barriers were designed to prevent eastern approaches to naval vessels anchored at Scapa Flow. Today, they act as vital causeways connecting Orkney’s islands.
During WWII, some Italian POWs captured in Africa were transported to Orkney. During their time on the Isles, they built this beautiful chapel, a symbol of hope and artistry.
Built by Norse earls in the 12th century, St Magnus Cathedral remains the architectural centrepiece of Kirkwall. Its striking red sandstone and intricate interior reflect Orkney’s strong Viking heritage.
Maeshowe is a remarkable burial chamber aligned with the winter solstice sunset. Viking visitors later carved runic inscriptions into the walls, creating an extraordinary meeting point between two ancient cultures. Entrance here is by guided tour only, and it’s strongly recommended to book in advance.
Exploring these historic landmarks is often the highlight of any Orkney travel guide. We have included many of these historic gems in our carefully crafted 8-day Luxury Scotland and Orkney Tour. Read the full itinerary to find out more.
Beyond its archaeological treasures, Orkney offers wild coastal scenery that feels refreshingly untouched. One of the most beautiful viewpoints can be found at Yesnaby Cliffs, where the majestic Yesnaby Castle sea stack rises from the Atlantic, and seabirds circle the dramatic coastline. On clear days, the views stretch endlessly across the open ocean.
Wildlife enthusiasts may spot seals resting on rocky shores or seabirds nesting along the cliffs during spring and summer. As a premier UK seabird destination, just some of the species you can find here include puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars.
The island of Hoy is also home to the Old Man of Hoy, one of Britain’s most famous sea stacks. It stands at 449 feet, or 37 metres, high. These windswept landscapes offer a quiet, contemplative beauty that complements the islands’ historic sites perfectly.
Orkney’s cultural identity extends beyond history and scenery. The islands are also known for excellent local produce and traditional crafts. Fresh seafood, locally farmed beef, and artisan cheeses feature prominently in many restaurants. The islands also produce a range of craft goods, from jewellery to textiles inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Whisky lovers will recognise Highland Park Distillery, one of Scotland’s most respected single malt producers. Its distinctive flavour reflects both traditional craftsmanship and the stunning island environment. Don’t miss our Guide to Visiting Scotland’s Whisky Distilleries if you want to explore this side of Scottish culture and heritage.
Experiences such as distillery visits, local museums, and cultural events add another dimension to the things to do in Orkney during a visit.
Each season offers a different perspective on the islands. Spring and summer are particularly popular thanks to long daylight hours and lively seabird colonies along the cliffs. The extended northern daylight makes it easy to explore archaeological sites well into the evening.
Autumn brings dramatic coastal skies and fewer visitors, making it a peaceful time to explore outdoors. Winter, while quieter, offers atmospheric landscapes and the chance to experience Orkney’s wild coastal character in a more intimate setting. The northern location that brings long summer days produces the opposite in winter, with approximately six hours of daylight around the solstice.
As with much of Scotland, the key to enjoying Orkney is simply dressing for changing weather conditions.
Most visitors base themselves in Kirkwall or Stromness, where accommodation ranges from welcoming guesthouses to comfortable boutique hotels.
For travellers planning their visit, our dedicated Orkney Accommodation Guide provides a detailed overview of where to stay across the Isles, helping you choose the ideal base for exploring the region.
While Orkney feels wonderfully remote, visiting becomes far easier when included within a well-planned Scottish itinerary. Many travellers combine Orkney with a journey through the Highlands, travelling north through dramatic landscapes before crossing to the islands by ferry.
Our own 8-day Luxury Scotland and Orkney Tour departs from Edinburgh, visiting Stirling and Inverness before arriving in the Orkneys on day four. The entire journey is a seamless experience that combines extraordinary history with some of northern Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.
Travelling with a private driver-guide allows guests to explore comfortably while gaining deeper insight into the landscapes and stories that define the region.
We hope you’ve found this Guide to Orkney equally inspirational and informative. For travellers looking beyond Scotland’s most famous destinations, Orkney offers something genuinely special. Few places combine ancient archaeology, Viking heritage, dramatic coastal landscapes, and welcoming island culture so effortlessly.
This Orkney, Scotland travel guide only scratches the surface of what these isles offer. If you’re ready to experience all of this and more for yourself, let’s start planning your adventure.
Find out more about our bespoke tours of Scotland to curate the kind of trip you’ve always dreamed of. If you have any questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.