The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Orkney

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

Unusual
Attractions
in Orkney

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.

59.0020, -3.2287

Added by tylercole

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.

58.9940, -3.2078

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.

58.8859, -3.4282

Added by rachaelcosta

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.

59.1358, -3.3361

Added by wmorden

Tomb of the Eagles

Orkney, Scotland

Tomb of the Eagles

This Scottish burial tomb once held hundreds of ancient eagle bones.

58.7400, -2.9220

Added by embentley1

Cuween Hill Cairn

Orkney, Scotland

Cuween Hill Cairn

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

58.9971, -3.1078

Added by AlexKohan

Maeshowe

Orkney, Scotland

Maeshowe

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

58.9956, -3.1883

Added by DuncanGibson

The Italian Church

Orkney, Scotland

The Italian Chapel

This tin chapel was built by POW's during World War II and is painted to look like something much more grand.

58.8897, -2.8901

Added by vibrantgreen

Explore Orkney, Scotland

Orkney Leaderboard

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Recent Orkney Activity

holliegalpin wants to go to Old Man of Hoy

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joakimerdfelt wants to go to The Stones of Stenness

Stories
About Orkney

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

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