BETA: The search and map are new features with further enhancements planned. VisitScotland is not responsible for the content of external links and accepts no liability for any reliance on these.
Churchill Barriers
Orkney
See 5,000 year old sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, stroll along idyllic beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, get up close to amazing wildlife and reconnect with nature in Orkney. Discover Orkney islands and find information on Orkney holidays, how to travel to Orkney, the Orkney map, and more.
Great things to do in Orkney
Find amazing things to do in Orkney. Enjoy the outdoors, go on wildlife tours, visit world class attractions and enjoy some free time.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments and landmarks out of stone.
Landscapes & nature in Orkney
Reset your mind and body and reconnect with nature in beautiful island surroundings.
Leisure & sport in Orkney
Visitors of all ages can get active across Orkney all year round, whatever the weather.
Shopping in Orkney
Find a unique gift or keepsake in one of Orkney's independent shops.
Get to know Orkney after seeing The Outrun
Get inspired by The Outrun and explore Orkney's history, wildlife and geology which has shaped the island's beautiful landscapes.
Lorraine Kelly's Guide to Orkney
The popular tv presenter blogs about one of her favourite holiday destinations.
Top days out ideas
Feel inspired for your upcoming trip to Orkney with these fantastic suggestions. Explore the island's Viking history, visit the famous Italian Chapel or see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
How to Train Your Dragon: Scotland’s Mythological Legacy
Enter a world of Viking heritage and dragon folklore and discover the Scottish locations inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon series.
Walking in Orkney
Embrace the fresh air and discover Orkney on foot where you'll be treated to stunning views across the island.
See the Northern Lights in Orkney
Experience the magic of the 'merry dancers' with Orkney's dark skies and clear nights.
The Italian Chapel
Situated in Lamb Holm in Orkney, visit one of the island's most beloved attractions, The Italian Chapel.
Orkney's lesser-known islands
Enjoy some of Scotland’s most remote landscapes with our list of some of the lesser-known islands.
History of Vikings in Scotland
Delve into the history of Vikings and Norse culture in Orkney and Shetland and find ways to get involved in places that exist today.
Inspiring routes, trails and itineraries
North Ronaldsay Lighthouse, Orkney
© Orkney.com
Follow a route
Make your way around Orkney on a dedicated tour or trail, from ancient pilgrimages to tasty foodie experiences.
See what's on in Orkney
Stromness
Events
There are plenty of events and festivals taking place on the island. It's a great way to get to know the community and experience life as a local in Orkney.
Map of Orkney
Explore Orkney
Loading
Javascript is needed to show this map.
Javascript is needed to show this map.
How to travel to and around Orkney
Getting to Orkney
Ferry
There are three ferry routes, with several daily sailings. Pentland Ferries from Gill's Bay to St Margaret's Hope, Orkney (one hour) is the quickest sailing, and the most environmentally-friendly passenger ferry of its type in Scotland, thanks to the new purpose-built catamaran MV Alfred.
You can also sail with NorthLink Ferries for 1.5 hours from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney, or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney for 7 hours and onto Lerwick in Shetland.
Train
You can take public transport up north to the Orkney islands – you can travel to Aberdeen and Thurso by Scotrail train. You can then catch the ferry over to the islands.
Flying
Planes also fly direct to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness with Loganair, with flights lasting up to one hour. There are connections from Birmingham, Belfast City, Bristol, Exeter, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and Teesside.
Getting around Orkney
Driving
Many people arrive in Orkney in their own car or hired vehicle. Orkney has quiet roads and an excellent inter-island ferry service. Electric vehicle drivers will find multiple public charging points across the islands. You can find petrol stations in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby as well as petrol pumps on some of the outer islands.
There are several car-hire firms and taxi services on Orkney if you don't have a vehicle.
Cycling
Bike hire is widely available in Orkney. Bicycles can be hired in both Kirkwall and Stromness and outer islands such as North Ronaldsay and Stronsay.
Bus and coach
Prefer to travel by bus? Orkney's local bus services will help you reach most corners of the Orkney mainland. The network can be used to visit iconic sites such as the Ring of Brodgar and Italian Chapel. The outer islands often have local bus services too.
Ferry
Looking to hop around several islands? Check out services from Orkney Ferries which are accessible from four ports on the Orkney mainland.
Flying
For an exciting sightseeing adventure, you could even hop onboard an inter-island flight with Loganair. These flights reach six islands from Kirkwall Airport, including the shortest scheduled flight in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray.
Brough of Birsay
© Orkney.com
Places to stay in Orkney
Find the right accommodation in Orkney to suit your budget, from camping and lodges to friendly B&Bs and cosy self-catering options.
Birsay Tea Room
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Places to eat in Orkney
Orkney is full of exciting food & drink destinations. Why not sample a tipple or brew or take a look at our list of island restaurants to try?
Burwick coastline
© Orkney.com
Find information on accessible trips
Whether you're travelling with kids, need a mobility scooter or you're a wheelchair user, there are many parts of Orkney which are easily accessible.
Other things you might like
11 Breathtaking photos of Orkney
Wellness retreats in Scotland
Airports & flights in Scotland
Getting around Scotland by ferry
12 Small islands trips
Scotland's islands
Scottish islands & island hopping
Join our Newsletter Clan
Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.