Why go
- Archipelago, county and council area in northern Scotland.
- Served by Westray Airport (WRY).
History
Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, is an archipelago off the north coast of mainland Scotland. The plural name the Orkneys is also sometimes used. Part of the Northern Isles along with Shetland, Orkney is 10 miles (16 km) north of Caithness and has about 70 islands, of which 20 are inhabited. The largest island, the Mainland, has an area of 523 square kilometres (202 sq mi), making it the sixth-largest Scottish island and the tenth-largest island in the British Isles. Orkney's largest settlement, and also its administrative centre, is Kirkwall.
Restaurants & places to go
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 2 airlines, 11 direct destinations
- Linhas A LM (BNI) · 6 routes: Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray
- Flybe BE (Saab 340, S20) · 5 routes: Aberdeen*, Edinburgh*, Glasgow*, Inverness*, Sumburgh*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 1 direct destination
- Linhas A LM (BNI) · 1 route: Kirkwall
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 4 direct destinations
- Linhas A LM (BNI) · 4 routes: Eday, Kirkwall, Papa Westray, Sanday
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 3 direct destinations
- Linhas A LM (BNI) · 3 routes: Kirkwall, North Ronaldsay, Westray
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 2 direct destinations
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 2 direct destinations
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Where to stay
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Westray Airport (WRY); 6 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: NRL has direct flights to 4 destinations on 1 airline (incl. Eday, Kirkwall, Papa Westray, Sanday). By water: 6 ferry terminals within 12 mi (nearest: Kirkwall, 2.9 mi); routes include Kirkwall - Shapinsay, Tingwall - Rousay, Kirkwall - Eday.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Orkney Islands, Scotland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.