Orkney Islands Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village 🏛️

#timetotravel Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, nestled on the windswept Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom, is a remarkable window into the past. Visiting this 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement is like stepping into a time machine. Walking among the remarkably well-preserved stone houses, I was struck by the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors. The snug, stone-built dwellings with their stone furniture and ingenious drainage systems are a testament to the resourcefulness of the people who lived here. The location itself, right on the edge of the rugged Orkney coastline, adds to the mystique. The dramatic sea views and the sound of waves crashing against the shore provide a haunting backdrop to this ancient site. Skara Brae is a UNESCO World Heritage site and rightly so. It offers a profound glimpse into the lives of those who lived here millennia ago, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about humanity's ancient past.

The best preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe and part of the UNESCO Heart of Neilithic Orkney World Heritage. A 12 kilometers 13 minutes drive from Stromness. Skara Brae dates back to Neolithic times, over 5000 years ago. Skara Brae are a group of houses that are used for their daily activities, every house has a heart in the middle, stones bed on opposite walls, a tank on the floor is likely used for storing. Exposed by great storms in 1850, four buildings were excavated during 1860s by Willam Watt.

Beautiful Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Gorgeous views from apartment window!

Ring of Brodgar is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site, a series of important monuments built 5000 years ago. An 18 kilometers 20 minutes drive from kirkwall will reach the beautiful place. A foot path will built around the circle of stones to let people walk around it and prevent people from going in to touch the stones. This massive site originally consist of 60 stones, now only 36 survive, so we must do our part not to climb or touch it.

Toward St Margaret's hope for our car ferry to Gilles bay mainland Scotland from Orkney, the journey is 25 kilometers 25 minutes drive from kirkwall. We pass through Best Animals Attraction in Orkney Brian and Peter, the two Hungarian Sheep pigs, look very cute. Ships sunk during world war also can be found at Scapa flow. Italian Chapel that is built by the prisoner of war, a beautiful interior small chapel.

Brough of Birsay 🇬🇧

#timetotravel The Brough of Birsay, perched on the rugged coastline of Orkney in the United Kingdom, is a captivating historical and natural wonder. My visit to this tidal island was a journey back in time. Accessible by a causeway that's uncovered during low tide, the Brough of Birsay offers a unique opportunity to explore the remains of an ancient Norse settlement. Walking through the well-preserved ruins of Viking houses and the medieval church was like stepping into the past. The rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views that surround the island are awe-inspiring. Watching the waves crash against the cliffs while seabirds circled overhead was a memorable experience. I recommend checking the tide times before visiting to ensure you have ample time to explore safely. The location, rich history, and dramatic natural beauty make the Brough of Birsay a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.