Kirkwall

Travel Guide

St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral
Bishop\'s Palace featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a castle
Kirkwall showing heritage elements
Kirkwall showing heritage elements and a house
St. Magnus Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements

Wander along the winding streets of this bustling market town, one of Britain’s most well-preserved ancient Norse settlements.

The capital of Orkney, Kirkwall, is a lovely town dotted with historic houses and independent shops. Look inside the town’s eye-catching sandstone cathedral, sip Scotch whisky and learn about the rich history of Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands at the local museum.

It’s almost impossible to miss St. Magnus CathedralOpens in a new window, which is easily Kirkwall’s most notable landmark. Dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful sandstone building features an interesting mix of Norman and early Gothic designs. Admire the early stained glass works, as well as the compelling 17th and 18th-century tombs housed inside.

Find the 17th-century ruins of Earl's PalaceOpens in a new window just across from the cathedral. Once the residence of despised leader Earl Patrick Stewart, the palace’s most significant feature is its elaborate 16-foot (5-meter) wide fireplace.

Your entrance ticket to Earl’s Palace also grants admission to neighboring Bishop’s PalaceOpens in a new window. Like Earl’s Palace, Bishop’s Palace mainly consists of roofless ruins. Make your way to the top of its tower staircase for magnificent views over St. Magnus Cathedral and all of Kirkwall.

Head to the Highland Park Distillery for samples of local single malt whisky. Informative hour-long tours of the distillery cover the entire process of producing the region’s smoky yet sweet malt. Learn about the processes of drying the barley in peat kilns, mashing and maturation of the product in oak casks.

The engaging Orkney Museum provides an overview of the islands’ history. Housed in a former merchant’s house, the museum includes Pictish carvings as well as intriguing exhibits dedicated to the islands’ social history. Don’t miss the pretty gardens located at the back of the residence.

Plan your visit in June to see the week-long St. Magnus Festival. One of the most acclaimed arts festivals in Britain, this event features a diverse program of literature, visual arts, dance, music and drama.

Kirkwall is one of Orkney’s main transportations hubs. Kirkwall Airport is serviced by flights from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness. The town itself is located just west of the airport, where it’s accessible by bus. The harbor is connected to Shetland and Aberdeen via ferry. See the fascinating historic sites of this charming harborside town.

The Ayre Hotel
The Ayre Hotel
3 out of 5
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
$200 nightly
The price is $240 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$240 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (185 reviews)
"The Ayre is conveniently located and we we very pleased with the accommodations. The staff was friendly and helpful. It is a great place to stay when arriving on the late night ferry."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

The Ayre Hotel
Albert Hotel
Albert Hotel
3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$200 nightly
The price is $241 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$241 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (236 reviews)
"Brilliant room, great view and clean. Water bottle was welcome touch for those of us who don't drink hot drinks. Only negative was the bed was a bit lumpy, but nothing to stop me sleeping."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Albert Hotel
The Shore
The Shore
3 out of 5
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
$144 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
$173 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (165 reviews)
"What are wonderful and friendly. Rooms were small but clean."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

The Shore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Kirkwall
Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace are located nearby.
poor check in data
"not advised there are three properties no 86.no info re key access and code received until the Sunday by which time we were booked in a local hotel !!! All the above should have been clarified through Vrbo days before arrival.Once in the place is excellent.Partial refund for two lost days ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Castleyards Apartment 12
Castleyards Apartment 12
3.5 out of 5
12 Castleyards, Kirkwall, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located ...
"Great location in Kirkwall, close to the information centre, supermarkets, abs the cathedral. Clean as a whistle too!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Castleyards Apartment 12
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Kirkwall
Stay at this vacation home in Kirkwall. Popular attractions Highland Park Distillery and Bishop's Palace are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Spacious and clean!
"Very nice property with lots of additional touches to make our stay comfortable and easy."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kirkwall

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful. Unique in this world

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We only spent one night but it was very nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you are a whisky drinker, make sure you go to Highland Park. Great tours and tasting!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love Kirkwall. Difficult to find affordable housing at short notice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Book ahead!!! This place fills up the year before for the season. I was lucky to get a room for one night!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Should come again in the Summer with the family!

Cities near Kirkwall