Ferries to Orkney

Orkney is an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland, made up of around 70 islands, 20 of them inhabited. The islands bridge past and present: they hold prehistoric sites, historic buildings and striking landscapes that make the archipelago a memorable destination.

Nature and geography

Orkney has a scenic landscape of gentle hills, fertile plains and dramatic cliffs. The islands are surrounded by the rough waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic, which together with the "Old Red Sandstone" have shaped the characteristic coastlines and rock formations. The island of Hoy stands out with its comparatively high hills, while the other islands are flatter, which favours farming.

Historical heritage

Orkney is a melting pot of history. From mysterious stone circles such as the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stennes to the well-preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the islands offer a unique insight into the Stone Age. The Vikings left their mark too, as the imposing St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall shows, one of the outstanding medieval buildings in Scotland. These historic sites, grouped together under the name "Heart of Neolithic Orkney", have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.