Things to see and do Stromness

The Neolithic dwellings in Barnhouse Village were probably occupied by those who built Maeshowe and the foundations give a good impression of what the houses looked like at the time. 1.5 km further on you will find the very romantic Ring of Brodgar. Its monoliths are said to be between 3,500 and 4,000 years old. Sitting enthroned in the heather, 27 of the original 60 are still visible. Between the two sites, you will pass the Ness of Bodgar, still under excavation.

The Standing Stones of Stenness would have been erected 5,000 years ago. They belong to a series of domestic and ritual monuments. There were twelve standing stones on this site, but only four remain today. Their forms and stature are absolutely stunning and the highest is 6 m high. A path perpendicular to the road and parallel to the field where they are located leads in a short time to Barnhouse Village, another site to visit if you are interested in Prehistory.

You will have to check the tides before going to this small island, whose access depends entirely on them. There are interesting Pictish and Viking remains, although much more recent than all the neighbouring attractions. The area was densely populated between the 7th and 13th centuries and witnesses to the past include a large Celtic stone (a replica, the original is on display in Edinburgh), ruins of Scandinavian dwellings and a Romanesque church. The info point contains information and objects found during excavations.

Built between 500 and 200 BC, this Iron Age site is admirably well preserved and complete for its great age. A brooch is a construction unique to Scotland of this period and formed a defensive tower to protect the villagers from frequent raids. There are about 500 brochs left in the whole country and this one is one of the most impressive and remarkable in the country. Surrounded by dwellings, the whole site is spread over 45m and surrounded by a moat. The small museum displays everything that has been found on the site.

Situated on the coast south of Stromness, this battery is a precious witness to Orkney's military history. It was in service during both World Wars and was part of the Scapa Flow defences, as the main base of the Royal Navy fleet. The command post, mess, gun room, murals, and the lives of the soldiers are all told during 75-minute tours, which take place several times a week at varying times of the year, depending on the season.

If you've ever been to a few pubs in Orkney or even the rest of Scotland, this is a brewery you've heard of. Its beers are among the best in the country and are all produced here, before landing in the pints of real ales lovers. Tours last 40 minutes and depart regularly, but reservations can be made to ensure a schedule. A tasting concludes the experience (beer for adults, fruit juice for children) and there is also a café renowned for its food on site.

The Pier Arts Centre is the Orkney Museum of Contemporary Art. Located in Stromness, it houses a fine collection of works by British artists from the 20th century to the present day. Barbara Hepworth, Sylvia Wishart, Robert Adams and Callum Innes are just a few of the names. The collection has been recognized as being of national importance and its works travel regularly around the world. A varied programme of events is held throughout the year, with exhibitions and activities. A library is also accessible.

This tour is particularly informative as it tells the maritime and natural history of the Orkney Islands, with a particular interest in the whaling industry, the Hudson Bay Company, and the German fleet sunk at Scapa Flow in 1919. In the summer, temporary exhibits are also programmed. The discovery of this museum allows a better understanding of the history and heritage of this part of Orkney. If you are passionate about archaeology, you should know that this museum gathers a large number of objects of international importance.

It is one of the most beautiful tombs of this type in Europe, among those built about 5,000 years ago. The entrance passage to Maeshowe is aligned with the mid-winter sunset, so that light illuminates the interior of the tomb. Vikings broke into Maeshowe in the mid 12th century, long after it had fallen into disuse and oblivion. They too left their mark on the site: this time in the form of graffiti carved in runes on the walls of the main chamber.