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.

Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Scotland
The price is NT$6,092 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
NT$6,092
NT$7,311 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & 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! (255 reviews)
"Nice hotel near the harbour and town centre. Helpful and friendly staff. Nice quiet room with very comfortable beds and powerful showe."

Reviewed on 2025/9/9

Albert Hotel
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
The price is NT$3,242 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
NT$3,242
NT$3,891 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
includes taxes & 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! (204 reviews)
"Dinner was good but not special. Otherwise our stay was lovely."

Reviewed on 2025/9/14

The Ayre Hotel
The Shore

The Shore

3 out of 5
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,925 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
NT$3,925
NT$4,710 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and Orkney ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (172 reviews)
"nice area very efficient checkin/checkout"

Reviewed on 2025/9/6

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.
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 Orkney Wireless Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Great location in Kirkwall, close to the information centre, supermarkets, abs the cathedral. Clean as a whistle too!"

Reviewed on 2023/5/27

Castleyards Apartment 12
Castleyards Apartment 1

Castleyards Apartment 1

3 out of 5
1 West Castle Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and Orkney Wireless Museum ...
"Bedroom area is cramped otherwise an excellent little flat"

Reviewed on 2024/4/26

Castleyards Apartment 1
Castleyards Apartment 2

Castleyards Apartment 2

3.5 out of 5
2 Castleyards, Kirkwall, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and Orkney Wireless Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Great location, very spacious and clean. Parking space was difficult to navigate into."

Reviewed on 2025/9/10

Castleyards Apartment 2
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

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