Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland
Just north of Scotland lay the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.
Vikings - Norsemen - ruled the Orkney Islands from the 9th to 13th centuries, leaving in their wake such monuments as St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. This hint of Scandinavian influence can be heard in the lilting accent with which Orcadians speak.
Points of Interest
- Skara Brae
- Italian Chapel
- Scapa Flow
- St. Magnus Cathedral
- Ring of Brodgar
- Maeshowe
- Distillery
- Balfour Castle
More about Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland Points of Interest
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Skara Brae -
This Neolithic village dates back 5,000 years and has such well-preserved features, including beds and dressers in the houses. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
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Italian Chapel -
A lovely chapel simply constructed with two nissen huts during World War II, is a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Built by Italian prisoners of war, among them, an artist and sculptor named Domenico Chiocchetti who stayed to finish it once the war ended.
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Scapa Flow -
This stretch of water links the North Sea to the Atlantic and is famous for its role in both World Wars as a natural harbor offering shelter for the British naval fleet.
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St. Magnus Cathedral -
Known as the "Light in the North," this cathedral was founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald in honor of his uncle St. Magnus.
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Ring of Brodgar -
Perhaps, once used to study the stars, this perfect circle of immense standing stones is an impressive vision and one of Orkney's most a popular attractions. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
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Maeshowe -
Dating back to prehistoric times, this chambered tomb hidden beneath a grassy mound is a marvel of ancient architecture. It also contains the largest concentration or runic writing (Viking "graffiti") outside of Scandinavia. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
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Distillery -
Highland Park is the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in Scotland and produces arguably the most respected single malt in the world.
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Balfour Castle -
Britain's most northerly inhabited castle and its two-acre Victorian gardens form part of the private Balfour Estate on the Island of Shapinsay. Magnificent Balfour Castle has stood overlooking Kirkwall Bay for more than 160 years.
9 Excursions
A Discovery Exclusive - Ultimate Orkney
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $314.95
Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae & Skaill House
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
From $144.95
Ancient Standing Stones
Moderate Activity
From $94.95
West Mainland Sightseeing
Moderate Activity
From $89.95
Ring of Brodgar & Maeshowe
Moderate Activity
From $164.95
Local Connections: Gin Tasting & Kirkwall Walking Tour
Moderate Activity
From $289.95
Orkney Island Drive
Easy Activity
From $94.95
St. Magnus Cathedral & Earl's Palace Walk
Moderate Activity
From $69.95
Nature Reserve Walk
Strenuous Activity
From $164.95