Orkney Islands

Arcaibh

An archipelago with one of Europe's highest concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage heart of Neolithic Orkney. Rich in Viking heritage, dramatic coastlines, and abundant wildlife.

Things to do

• Explore Skara Brae — Walk through Europe's best-preserved Neolithic settlement, a 5,000-year-old village with intact stone furniture and dwellings.
• Visit the Standing Stones of Stenness — Stand among four Bronze Age megaliths arranged in a circle, part of Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Birdwatch at Marwick Head — Observe thousands of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nesting on dramatic red sandstone cliffs.
• Kayak through Scapa Flow — Paddle through the sheltered waters where German warships were scuttled in 1919, offering wreck diving and marine wildlife viewing.
• Tour Maeshowe chambered tomb — Enter a 5,000-year-old passage grave aligned with the winter solstice, featuring intricate Viking runic inscriptions.
• Walk the Old Man of Hoy — Hike to Britain's most famous sea stack, a dramatic 137-metre sandstone pillar rising from the Pentland Firth.
• Visit Jarlshof Norse settlement — Explore multi-period ruins spanning from Bronze Age through Viking occupation on the southern tip of Shetland's nearby islands.

Food to try

• Fresh Orkney crab and lobster — Sweet, tender shellfish landed daily from local boats, typically served simply with butter or in traditional seafood platters.
• Orkney beef — Grass-fed cattle raised on the islands produce exceptionally flavourful, tender meat, a staple at local restaurants and butchers.
• Finnan haddie — Smoked haddock traditionally cured and dried over peat fires, served hot with butter or as part of local breakfast spreads.
• Orkney cheese — Creamy, complex artisan cheeses like Orkney Cheddar and Highland Park made from local milk, often paired with local whiskies.
• Bannocks and oatcakes — Traditional Scottish flatbreads made from locally-milled oats and barley, served with cheese or at breakfast tables throughout the islands.
• Seaweed and kelp products — Locally harvested and dried seaweed used in traditional broths, sprinkled on fish, or made into nutrient-rich condiments unique to coastal Orkney.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit during up-helly-aa season if possible — January fire festivals celebrate Viking heritage with torch-lit processions and community celebrations; book accommodation well in advance.
• Embrace changeable weather and plan flexibly — Orkney's Atlantic climate shifts rapidly, so waterproof layers and willingness to adjust daily plans are essential for comfort and safety.
• Respect archaeological sites — Many sites are protected; stay on marked paths, obtain permission before exploring private land, and leave no trace to preserve 5,000 years of heritage.
• Support local communities — Shop at independent local businesses, hire local guides, and stay in family-run accommodations to benefit islanders and sustain rural Orkney's economy.