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All United Kingdom Scotland Orkney

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Orkney

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Orkney, Scotland

Updated September 30, 2021

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Unusual Attractions in Orkney

Skara Brae is on the west coast of Scotland.

Sandwick, Scotland

Skara Brae

Amazing and mysterious Neolithic settlement on Scotland's Orkney Islands.
Ring of Brodgar

Orkney, Scotland

Ring of Brodgar

The true age of this ancient stone circle is unknown, but its stunning vista isn't in question.
A teeny climber on top of the Old Man of Hoy.

Orkney, Scotland

Old Man of Hoy

A red sandstone freestanding monolith rises out of the sea in northern Scotland.
The Stones of Stenness

Orkney, Scotland

The Stones of Stenness

Possibly the oldest of Britain's ancient henges is also one of its most stark.
The remains of houses with the church and, on the left, the replica Pictish stone.

Orkney, Scotland

Brough of Birsay

This tiny island featuring 9th-century Viking ruins is only accessible at low tide.
Cuween Hill Cairn

Orkney, Scotland

Cuween Hill Cairn

Enter the world under the hill at this ancient UK burial chamber.
Maeshowe

Orkney, Scotland

Maeshowe

Thanks to both terrific preservation and historic vandalism this ancient site is known as the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney."
The excavation site on the Ness of Brodgar.

Stenness, Scotland

Ness of Brodgar

The discovery of this Neolithic settlement, which contained a Stone Age "cathedral," threw archaeologists for a loop.
See All 12 Things To Do in Orkney
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Stories About Orkney

Two of these polished stone balls were found in a Neolithic tomb on a remote Scottish island.

Why Were These Mysterious Stone Orbs Stashed All Over Neolithic Britain?

Two new ones just turned up in a tomb on a remote Scottish island. 
by Hannah Seo
September 30, 2021
These women weren't just dropping by. See the trowel in her hand?

The Female Archaeologists of the Scottish Orkneys Were Hiding in Plain Sight

The women in this century-old photo weren't visitors—they were probably scientists.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
March 27, 2019
A fairly unusual sight: Sheep share the shore with seals, known as "selkies" in Orcadian dialect.

The Uncertain Future of North Ronaldsay's Seaweed-Eating Sheep

Concerned islanders are rethinking old traditions to ensure the survival of this very special breed.
by Karen Gardiner
August 22, 2017
The Hudson's Bay Company's outpost on the shore of Lake Saskatoon, Canada. Gunn traveled 1,800 miles between remote trading posts, disguised as a man.

The Teen Who Trekked 1,800 Miles Through the Canadian Wilderness Disguised as a Man

Her ruse worked—until she had a baby.
by Ailsa Ross
January 27, 2016

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