Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are not a typical travel destination — they are a time travel. On these 70 islands (20 inhabited) north of the Scottish mainland, a concentration of prehistoric sites has been preserved like no other. The Orkneys are older than Stonehenge, older than the Pyramids — and unlike many other ancient sites, you can still experience firsthand how people lived 5,000 years ago.
UNESCO World Heritage: Heart of Neolithic Orkney
- Skara Brae: A Neolithic village (circa 3180–2500 BC) buried under sand dunes for 5,000 years and uncovered by a storm in 1850. Eight stone houses with furniture (beds, shelves, fireplaces) — all made of stone, perfectly preserved. Older than the Pyramids, more intimate than Stonehenge. One of Europe's most important archaeological sites. Admission: £10.
- Ring of Brodgar: A stone circle of 27 (originally 60) stones, erected around 2500–2000 BC. On an isthmus between two lakes, with views of the surrounding hills — the location is as impressive as the stones themselves. Free.
- Maeshowe: A Neolithic chambered tomb (circa 2800 BC), so precisely aligned that on the day of the winter solstice, the sun shines directly through the passage onto the back wall of the chamber. In the 12th century, Vikings broke in and left the largest collection of runic inscriptions outside Scandinavia — including graffiti like "Ingigerth is the most beautiful woman in the world". Accessible only with a guided tour (from £10).
- Stones of Stenness: Four standing stones (of the original 12) forming the oldest known stone circle in Britain (circa 3100 BC). Free.
Other Highlights
- St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall: The "Cathedral of the North" (1137), built from red and yellow sandstone. The northernmost medieval cathedral in Britain. Free.
- Scapa Flow: The sheltered bay where the German fleet scuttled itself after World War I (1919). Today a premier diving site with wrecks.
- Italian Chapel: A chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II from two Nissen huts — a moving artwork from debris. Free.
💡 Tipp
You can reach the Orkney Islands by ferry from Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness (90 min.) or from John o'Groats to Burwick (40 min., summer only). There are also flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. Plan at least 2–3 days. The islands are wind-exposed — warm, windproof clothing is a must!
