Is Kirkwall worth visiting on a cruise?

Kirkwall offers the most concentrated history in Europe, with 5,000-year-old Neolithic villages, Viking cathedrals, and ancient standing stones all within easy reach.

What are the best things to see in Kirkwall?

Skara Brae combined with the Ring of Brodgar. Skara Brae is a 5,000-year-old village older than Stonehenge, and the Ring of Brodgar features 27 standing stones in a perfect circle.

How long do you need for the main sites in Kirkwall?

5–6 hours is ideal for visiting the main archaeological sites including Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and St. Magnus Cathedral.

Can you walk from the cruise port in Kirkwall?

Yes to the town center, which is about a 10-minute walk from the ship. However, the main archaeological sites require transport via excursions or taxis.

Kirkwall: My 5,000-Year Journey

We walked off into a town whose name comes from Old Norse Kirkjuvágr – "church bay" – and St. Magnus Cathedral glowing red sandstone explains why. Founded 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald in honor of his martyred uncle St Magnus, it's Scotland's oldest cathedral, built when Orkney was still part of Norway. In 1919 they found bones hidden in a cathedral column – skull split by an axe – confirming the martyrdom legend as historical fact. Ten minutes by bus to Skara Brae – a 5,000-year-old village uncovered by a storm in 1850, complete with stone dressers, beds, and hearths. Walking through houses older than Stonehenge while Atlantic waves crashed behind felt like time travel.

Kirkwall harbor view — Kirkwall — WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

The Ring of Brodgar at noon – 27 standing stones in a perfect circle on a windswept isthmus between two lochs, older than anything we know why. We had lunch at the Standing Stones Hotel – Orkney crab sandwiches and Highland Park 12-year whisky that tastes like peat smoke and honey. The pros: history density that blows the mind. The cons: wind (always wind), but it makes the stones feel alive.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Standing alone inside the 5,000-year-old Tomb of the Eagles while Atlantic gales howled outside and realising people were burying their dead here when Egypt was still building mud-brick villages.

Getting Around Kirkwall

Ship docks 10-minute walk from town approximately 7 football fields, 27 blue whales in a row, or 586 emperor penguins stacked skyward. Excursions or taxis for archaeological sites.

Depth Soundings Ashore

Practical tips before you step off the ship.

Orkney wind is legendary – a warm hat and windproof jacket make the ancient sites even more atmospheric.

Kirkwall scenery — WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Kirkwall worth it?
A: The most concentrated history in Europe.

Q: Best thing?
A: Skara Brae + Ring of Brodgar.

Q: How long for main sites?
A: 5–6 hours perfect.

Q: Walk from port?
A: Yes to town; sites need transport.

Last reviewed: January 2026

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Kirkwall Port Map

Interactive map showing cruise terminal and Kirkwall attractions. Click any marker for details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best time of year to visit Kirkwall?
A: Peak cruise season offers the most reliable weather and best conditions for sightseeing. Check the weather guide above for specific month recommendations based on your planned activities.

Q: Does Kirkwall have a hurricane or storm season?
A: Weather patterns vary by region and season. Check the weather hazards section above for specific storm season concerns and timing. Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and will adjust itineraries if needed for passenger safety. Travel insurance is recommended for cruises during peak storm season months.

Q: What should I pack for Kirkwall's weather?
A: Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for variable conditions. Check the packing tips section in our weather guide for destination-specific recommendations.

Q: Will rain ruin my port day?
A: Brief showers are common in many destinations but rarely last long enough to significantly impact your day. Have a backup plan for indoor attractions, and remember that many activities continue in light rain. Check the weather forecast before your visit.