Be inspired by Orkney this autumn
Autumnal Orkney is elemental, invigorating and guaranteed to recharge, physically and mentally.
The seemingly endless days of the island summer are gone, but the long nights of the northern winter are yet to come. That means there’s still plenty of time to experience all that Orkney has to offer the weekend visitor.
You might be surprised at just how much you can see and do over an autumn weekend in Orkney.
From walks along our spectacular coastlines and deserted pristine beaches, to wildlife watching and time spent exploring a myriad of historical sites, you will never be bored.
To help you make the most of your weekend stay though, Destination Orkney has created a series of special autumn itineraries covering everything from our proud Viking heritage and wartime legacy ,to a we inspiring landscapes and seascapes. Orkney was a Viking stronghold for centuries and the islands have an entire Norse chronical – the Orkneyinga Saga – devoted to them. Our Viking Saga itinerary will take you back to when the Viking earldom of Orkney exerted power and influence far beyond these shores.
It goes without saying that you’ll visit the 12th-century Norse cathedral of St Magnus, in the centre of our capital Kirkwall, pictured right, but there are also key Viking sites scattered throughout the islands, including the Round Church, Earl’s Bu and farm at Orphir, and a former Viking estate in Deerness.
You’ll also get to see an astounding collection of Viking runes, carved into the walls of the Neolithic chambered tomb of Maeshowe, and the famous dragon left there by sheltering Norsemen.
Strategically vital to the Vikings, Orkney played an even more crucial role across two world wars, with the vast natural harbour of Scapa Flow providing an anchorage to the Royal Navy, and becoming the final resting place of the captured German High Seas fleet in 1919.
Our wartime itinerary therefore takes you from the shores of Scapa Flow and around a host of important wartime sites, including the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers, main picture, the Hoxa Head defences, the Ness Battery, and Kitchener’s Memorial, perched high on the jaw-dropping cliffs of Marwick Head.
We’ve also included a number of museums where you’ll see wartime artefacts and learn more about how conflict impacted on life in the islands.
Alternatively, experience some of the finest landscapes and seascapes anywhere in the world with an itinerary created especially for autumn weekend explorers.
Watch the waves crash against the cliffs as you wander at wild and wonderful Yesnaby, on Orkney’s rugged West Mainland, then head north to the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay, taking in its Viking history while you’re there.
It’s just as remarkable a landscape on Orkney’s East Mainland coast, where you can stroll along the pristine beach at Dingieshowe, pictured left, and hike out to the dramatic Mull Head in Deerness, pictured above, a nature reserve and historical site. Wherever you go, keep your eyes peeled for seals and other wildlife.
Finally, you’ll be charmed b your Stromness itinerary, which explores the narrow streets of this picturesque and historic coastal town. Pay homage to arctic explorer Dr John Rae, view the nationally important modern art collection at the Pier Arts Centre and watch life in the busy working harbour where local fishermen land their catches of crab and lobster.
Sound like an unforgettable autumn? We’ll see you at the weekend!