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Europe

Kirkwall, United Kingdom

Explore the rugged heart of the Orkney Islands, a land steeped in ancient Neolithic and Viking history. Start at the center, then follow the vibe.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

41-57F (5-14C)

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1)

Overview

Kirkwall is your base for exploring a place older than the pyramids. This is the Orkney Islands, a remote archipelago off the north coast of Scotland with a raw, dramatic beauty. The islands are home to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site of mind-blowing, 5,000-year-old sites. You can walk through Skara Brae, a perfectly preserved prehistoric village, and feel the mystery of the Ring of Brodgar, a massive stone circle. The town of Kirkwall itself is a gem, a historic Norse port dominated by the magnificent, red-sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral, a legacy of the islands Viking past.

Top Sights

  • Skara Brae
This is the unmissable, 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It's a stunningly preserved. cluster of 10 prehistoric houses that was buried in sand for millennia.
  • Highland Park Distillery
One of Scotlands most famous and respected single-malt whisky distilleries. Take a tour to see its unique. floor maltings and kilns, and to taste its famously balanced, peaty whisky.
  • Ring of Brodgar
A vast, mysterious, and atmospheric 36-stone circle thats part of the Neolithic UNESCO site. Set on. a narrow isthmus between two lochs, its a powerful and unforgettable place.
  • Maeshowe
A 5,000-year-old, chambered Neolithic tomb that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. It's long, low entrance passage is perfectly. aligned with the midwinter sunset, and its walls are covered in 12th-century Viking graffiti.
  • Italian Chapel
A beautiful and moving chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. It was crafted. from two simple Nissen huts and decorated with incredible, intricate artwork.
  • St. Magnus Cathedral
The magnificent, red-sandstone cathedral that dominates Kirkwall's skyline. Founded in 1137 by a Viking earl. its a stunning and rare example of Norse Romanesque architecture.

Neighborhoods

Kirkwall (Town Centre)

Local eats and photo spots

Stromness (Nearby)

Local eats and photo spots

Finstown

Local eats and photo spots

St Ola

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Mull Head Walk & Whisky

Experience Scotland's iconic whisky and breathtaking natural beauty in the same tour.
View Details

Pedals & Panoramas

Hop on two wheels for an invigorating ride through Orkney's serene landscapes, Scapa Beach, and historic gems.
View Details

Rum, Relics & Resilience

From ancient standing stones to a rum distillery and a chapel built by WWII prisoners, this journey is as unforgettable as it is diverse.
View Details

Seafood, Spirits & Stories

Climb aboard the Boy Ryan and dive into Orkney's waterscapes, folklore, and a seafood feast you'll never forget.
View Details
Explore all Kirkwall Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Mull Head Walk & Whisky

Experience Scotland's iconic whisky and breathtaking natural beauty in the same tour.
View Details

Pedals & Panoramas

Hop on two wheels for an invigorating ride through Orkney's serene landscapes, Scapa Beach, and historic gems.
View Details

Rum, Relics & Resilience

From ancient standing stones to a rum distillery and a chapel built by WWII prisoners, this journey is as unforgettable as it is diverse.
View Details

Seafood, Spirits & Stories

Climb aboard the Boy Ryan and dive into Orkney's waterscapes, folklore, and a seafood feast you'll never forget.
View Details
Explore all Kirkwall Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

41-57F (5-14C)

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1)

Ready to explore Kirkwall?

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