/

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Orkney

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

Updated September 30, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Orkney

Sandwick, Scotland

Skara Brae

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

Orkney, Scotland

Ring of Brodgar

The true age of this ancient stone circle is unknown, but its stunning vista isn't in question.

Orkney, Scotland

Old Man of Hoy

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

Orkney, Scotland

The Stones of Stenness

Possibly the oldest of Britain's ancient henges is also one of its most stark.

Orkney, Scotland

Brough of Birsay

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

Orkney, Scotland

Tomb of the Eagles

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

Orkney, Scotland

Cuween Hill Cairn

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

Orkney, Scotland

Maeshowe

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

See All 12 Things To Do in Orkney

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Guided Tours of Orkney

Atlas Obscura Trips

Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Explore Orkney, Scotland

Standing Stones 2

Rites And Rituals 1

Orkney Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Orkney.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Orkney.

Recent Orkney Activity

R

raquel9e

wants to go to Maeshowe
R

raquel9e

wants to go to The Stones of Stenness
R

raquel9e

wants to go to Old Man of Hoy
R

raquel9e

wants to go to Ring of Brodgar
K

kevdonelly

wants to go to Cuween Hill Cairn

Stories About Orkney

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.

September 30, 2021

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

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

Her ruse worked—until she had a baby.

January 27, 2016

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.