Where is orkney islands

Check out Loganair Fly Safe simple steps to healthy flying and 12 ways to travel safely with NorthLink. Hire cars and bikes to explore the islands, with taxis available too. Four islands can be reached by road from Orkney Mainland thanks to the Churchill Barriers.

The islands are relatively flat, offering good cycling, including along the Prehistoric Loop Ride. Plan your travel around Orkney by car, bus, ferry or plane. You can find out more about what to see and do in Orkney, and how to get the best of your break to the islands. Find more information on Orkney. Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at to Orkney at the Kirkwall iCentre, located in the Kirkwall Travel Centre, adjacent to the bus station.

Visit Kirkwall iCentre. Our iKnow partners offer local information and there are a number of partners across Orkney. Visit iKnow partners in Orkney. Plan your trip and browse Orkney's digital guides which list all Orkney attractions and accommodation providers. Visit advice page. Home Map of Scotland Orkney.

Latest Covid info See the latest changes to the current Covid restrictions and plan and book your next trip. Visiting the islands Find out more about the latest Orkney Covid Advice and the recommendation to take two lateral flow tests before visiting a Scottish island.

Get your history fix at world-class attractions across Orkney, see excellent art and crafts inspired by island life, and explore the islands' breath-taking scenery too. See all things to do. Orkney Year of Coasts and Waters Opens a new window With nearly miles of coastline and 16 inhabited islands, where better to spend the Year of Coasts and Waters than Orkney? Orkney Northern Lights Opens a new window Nature's most dramatic winter light display.

Short Break in Orkney - 4 day itinerary Explore the enchanting Orkney islands on this 4 day short break that takes in key Orkney points of interest. Orkney Landscapes and Seascapes Opens a new window Explore breathtaking views, pristine beaches and stunning cliffs. Island hopping in Orkney and Shetland Discover Orkney and Shetland by following this fascinating day itinerary.

Tours Discover the real Orkney on a tour of the islands and learn about its fascinating past and iconic landscapes. Orkney has a superb range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. On the other hand, why not go searching for those seals with some scuba diving? Everything from killer whales, dolphins, and a million seabirds pass through the seas or occupy the cliffs of Orkney throughout the year. For the teetotallers among you, why not tune in to a piece of radio history with a visit to The Orkney Wireless Museum?

And for those of you with a more creative side, Orkney has a thriving craft scene, and you could while away your time going on the Orkney Craft Trail or by taking a craft class like pottery. However, Orkney is teeming with history, so just spending your visit taking in all the ancient sites on the Islands would see your time well spent.

Find out more about the outdoors and leisure on VisitScotland. Everything from self-catering to hotels and inns, bed and breakfasts and hostels and camping awaits the visitor to beautiful Orkney. Orkney Islands Consisting of 70 individual islands, of which only 20 are inhabited, the Orkney Islands can be found roughly 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland. Population: 21, approx. Five Fascinating Facts: 1. Orkney is actually closer to the arctic circle than it is to London 2.

Orkney library was founded in — making it the oldest public library in Scotland 3. During World War I, dozens of old ships and fishing vessels were intentionally sunk to block the gaps between the islets that define Scapa Flow. You can still see many of these "block ships" breaking the surface today. At the end of World War I, a fleet of 74 captured German ships was anchored here. Barely over a century ago — just before the Treaty of Versailles was formally enacted — the British admiral took most of his ships out on a "victory lap" patrol.

Once they were gone, the German commander ordered his men to scuttle the entire fleet, rather than turn it over. The interned ships had not actually surrendered, so there were no British soldiers on board.

When the British returned, 52 German ships littered the bottom of the bay. While most of the ships were later salvaged for scrap, to this day, German crockery washes up on Orkney beaches after a storm. Italian POWs imprisoned here were allowed to create a Catholic chapel to remind them of their homeland.

While the front view is a pretty Neo-Baroque facade, if you circle around you'll see that the core of the structure is two prefab huts similar to Quonset huts. Inside, you can see the remarkable craftsmanship of the artists who decorated the church. Even on a short visit, Orkney can be alluring for travelers seeking a contrast to the rest of Scotland.