Orkney Islands
Subregion

Orkney Islands

Ancient mysteries scattered across windswept Scottish isles

Forget everything you think you know about Scottish islands. The Orkneys aren't your typical Highland escape with kilts and bagpipes. These 70 scattered isles north of the mainland feel more Nordic than Celtic, shaped by 5,000 years of human history and relentless Atlantic winds. Here, Stone Age villages sit better preserved than Roman ruins, while seabirds outnumber tourists by thousands to one. The landscape shifts from dramatic cliffs to rolling farmland in minutes, and locals still speak with accents that hint at their Viking heritage. This is Scotland's best-kept secret – ancient, wild, and refreshingly uncommercial.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Orkney Islands. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

The Orkney archipelago sits 10 miles north of mainland Scotland, scattered across choppy waters that can turn from mirror-calm to white-capped fury in an hour. Only 20 of the 70 islands have people living on them year-round, with Mainland (yes, that's actually its name) hosting most of the 22,000 residents. The landscape here defies Scottish stereotypes. No towering mountains or deep lochs – instead, you get rolling green hills that rarely top 500 feet, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and beaches that could pass for the Caribbean if not for the temperature. The Gulf Stream keeps things surprisingly mild, though the wind never stops. Ever. It's this constant breeze that shaped the islands' treeless landscape and the hardy character of everyone who calls this place home. Archaeological sites dot every island like ancient breadcrumbs – from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae to the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. The islands feel simultaneously ancient and timeless, where farmers still plow fields around Stone Age burial mounds.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Ferry costs add up quickly – book return tickets for better deals and consider staying longer to justify the journey
  • 2.Many archaeological sites are free to visit, including Skara Brae's exterior viewing and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle
  • 3.Local distilleries offer free tastings with tours – Highland Park and Scapa both provide excellent value for whisky lovers
  • 4.Self-catering accommodation saves money on food, especially when you buy local beef and seafood directly from producers
  • 5.Orkney Islands Council offers annual passes for multiple Historic Scotland sites if you're planning extensive archaeological exploration

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps before arriving – mobile signal can be spotty between towns and archaeological sites
  • •Pack serious waterproof gear and layers – Orkney weather changes faster than you can check the forecast
  • •Book accommodation well ahead for summer visits – the islands have limited hotel rooms and popular B&Bs fill up months early
  • •Bring cash for small shops and cafes – many local businesses still prefer cash payments over cards
  • •Check ferry schedules obsessively and have backup plans – weather cancellations happen regularly, especially in winter
  • •Respect archaeological sites by staying on marked paths – these 5,000-year-old structures are irreplaceable
  • •Time your puffin viewing for June and July when colonies are most active on Westray and Papa Westray cliffs

Frequently Asked Questions

Fly from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen to Kirkwall Airport (45-90 minutes), or take the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness (90 minutes). The ferry from Aberdeen takes 6 hours overnight. Flying is faster but more expensive – ferries cost around £40-60 per person while flights start at £150.

Explore Orkney Islands

Things to Do in Orkney IslandsWhen to Visit Orkney Islands3 Days in Orkney Islands7 Days in Orkney Islands

Ready to explore Orkney Islands?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.