Orkney Islands

Province ·🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Population 22,270

Area 1,003 km²

Time zone Europe/London

Official website www.orkney.gov.uk

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Explore Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Essentials

The Orkney Islands feature a dense concentration of archaeological treasures, including the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the Neolithic monuments of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO site. The archipelago’s history spans from the Iron Age Broch of Gurness to the Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Modern history is preserved at the Italian Chapel, built by POWs during WWII, while the Highland Park Distillery represents the islands' long-standing whisky-making tradition alongside dramatic coastal landforms like The Gloup and Marwick Head.

13 places

Archaeological Wonders of Orkney

Orkney’s landscape preserves over 5,000 years of human history, featuring some of Western Europe's best-preserved Neolithic sites. This collection includes the UNESCO-listed stone village of Skara Brae and the Knap of Howar, which contains the oldest standing stone houses in northern Europe. The list spans from Iron Age defensive structures like the Broch of Gurness to medieval ruins including the 12th-century Bishop’s Palace and the Renaissance-style Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall. Numerous chambered cairns, such as Midhowe and Cuween Hill, offer insight into ancient burial traditions.

16 places

Coastal and Maritime Heritage

Orkney’s maritime landscape is defined by its strategic naval history and rugged coastline. This collection highlights iconic Stevenson-engineered lighthouses, such as the 19th-century towers at Cantick Head and Noup Head. Scapa Flow serves as a focal point, containing the protected war grave of HMS Royal Oak and the sunken remains of the German High Seas Fleet, including the SMS Markgraf and SMS König. Coastal sites like St Peter’s Pool and Scapa Beach provide evidence of World War II defenses set against natural sandy bays.

15 places

Historic Churches of Orkney

Orkney’s religious landscape spans over 800 years, from the 12th-century red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall to the hand-painted Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war during WWII. These sites reflect the islands' Norse heritage and wartime history, featuring architectural highlights such as the rare round tower of Egilsay and the 17th-century ruins of Lady Kirk on Westray. Many locations provide insight into early Christian life and medieval craftsmanship across the archipelago.

6 places

Historic Structures of Orkney

Orkney’s architectural landscape spans millennia, from the Neolithic remains of Barnhouse Village to the 17th-century Skaill House. This collection features rare structures like the Dounby Click Mill, a surviving example of a horizontal water mill, and the unique 12th-century circular ruins of St Nicholas's Church. Explore the ruins of medieval palaces in Kirkwall and Birsay, alongside Victorian landmarks like the Kitchener Memorial. These sites illustrate the islands' transition from prehistoric settlements and Norse strongholds to agricultural hubs and modern commemorative spaces.

10 places