Kirkwall Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Kirkwall, a charming town located in the mainland of Orkney, Scotland, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this idyllic destination offers a unique blend of ancient landmarks, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

One of the most iconic attractions in Kirkwall is the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, this stunning medieval masterpiece boasts intricate architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. As you step inside, you'll be transported back in time, marveling at the grandeur and serenity of this sacred place.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Orkney Museum is a must. Housed in a former merchant's mansion, this museum showcases the rich heritage of the Orkney Islands, from its Neolithic roots to its Viking past. Discover fascinating artifacts, learn about ancient rituals, and gain insight into the lives of the islanders throughout the ages.

Nature lovers will find themselves in awe of the breathtaking landscapes that surround Kirkwall. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shores of Scapa Beach, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and perhaps catch a glimpse of seals or otters frolicking in the waters. Explore the rugged cliffs and rolling hills of the Orkney countryside, where you'll find ancient ruins, mystical standing stones, and stunning vistas at every turn.

No visit to Kirkwall is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Sample delicious seafood dishes, freshly caught from the surrounding waters, at one of the town's charming restaurants. Savor the flavors of Orkney beef, renowned for its exceptional quality and taste. And don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of Orkney whisky, known for its distinct smoky flavor and smooth finish.

Alternative names: Population: 7.2 thous.Area: 1.4 mi²Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°58'57"N, 2°57'35"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Kirkwall Top Attractions

Kirkwall Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kirkwall offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St Magnus Cathedral, Bishop's Palace, Earl's Palace, Unstan Chambered Cairn. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Striking, 12th-century place of worship
St Magnus Cathedral
St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney, a group of islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland.
Stately remains of 2 historic castles
Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall is a 12th-century palace built at the same time as the adjacent St Magnus Cathedral in the centre of Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. It housed the cathedral's first bishop, William the Old of the Norwegian Catholic church who took his authority from the Archbishop of Nidaros.
Historical place • Forts and castles
Earl's Palace
The Earl's Palace is a ruined Renaissance-style palace near St Magnus's Cathedral in the centre of Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. Built by Patrick, Earl of Orkney, its construction began in 1607 and was largely undertaken via forced labour.

Archaeological site
Unstan Chambered Cairn
Unstan is a Neolithic chambered cairn located about 2 mi north-east of Stromness on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. The tomb was built on a promontory that extends into the Loch of Stenness near the settlement of Howe.
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
The Orkney Wireless Museum in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, houses a collection of domestic and military wireless equipment. It developed from the private collection of the late Jim MacDonald from St Margaret's Hope and marks the importance of wireless communications in Orkney during World War II.
Historical place • Archaeological site
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic chambered cairn on Mainland, the main island of Orkney, Scotland, about 6 miles west of Kirkwall. It dates to around 3,000 BCE, and is similar in design to Maeshowe, but on a smaller scale. It was constructed by Neolithic farmers as a burial place.
Library
Orkney Library & Archive
Orkney Library and Archive is a Scottish public library service based in Kirkwall, Orkney. Founded in 1683, Orkney Library is the oldest public library in Scotland. Its rules date from 1815. It has become known for its popular, humorous Twitter account.
Distillery • Whiskey distillery
Scapa distillery
Scapa distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery on The Mainland of Orkney, Scotland on the shore of Scapa Flow near the town of Kirkwall. Scapa is the second-northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland, 1⁄2 mile south of the Highland Park Distillery.
Universities and schools
Orkney College
Orkney College is a further and higher education college in Orkney, an archipelago in northern Scotland. It is an academic partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands. The College serves the Orkney community, which is rural and has long had an economy based on agriculture and fishing.

Day trips

Kirkwall – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kirkwall, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Skara Brae (Stromness), Ring of Brodgar (Stenness), Yesnaby (Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area).

14 milesW
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Skara Brae, Stromness
Nestled on the windswept shores of Sandwick in Orkney, Scotland, lies Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. This Neolithic settlement, which dates back to approximately 3180 BCE, provides a unique window into the lives of our ancestors...
9.7 miW
Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch
Ring of Brodgar, Stenness
Nestled in the heart of the Neolithic landscape of Orkney, Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This ancient stone circle, located near the town of Stenness, is a monumental testament to the...
14 milesW
Protected area
Yesnaby, Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area
Yesnaby is an area in Sandwick, on the west coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland, south of Skara Brae. It is renowned for its spectacular Old Red Sandstone coastal cliff scenery which includes sea stacks, blowholes, geos and frequently boiling seas.
8.9 miW
Prehistoric monument in a wild landscape
Stones of Stenness, Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. This may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles.
6.9 miS
Unique Catholic chapel built by POWs
Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm
The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, who were housed on the previously uninhabited island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers to the east of Scapa Flow.