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Orkney Islands Heritage Society Sites adventures

Orkney Islands Heritage Society Sites Adventures

The Orkney Islands Heritage Society Sites consist of a collection of prehistoric and historic landmarks that offer an exceptional glimpse into early human settlement and maritime history on the Orkney archipelago. These sites provide rich opportunities for outdoor exploration combined with archaeological and cultural discovery.

3,500
Acres Protected
40
Miles of Trails
150,000
Annual Visitors
1968
Year Established

About Orkney Islands Heritage Society Sites

 

The Orkney Islands Heritage Society Sites are spread across the Orkney archipelago, located off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. The area is renowned for its extensive Neolithic monuments, Viking heritage, and preserved historical landmarks that reflect thousands of years of human history. Key archaeological sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar showcase some of the best-preserved prehistoric stone structures in Europe, dating back over 5,000 years. Beyond the ruins, the islands’ rugged coastlines, windswept moorlands, and diverse birdlife create a natural setting appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy coastal hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives while engaging with Orkney’s rich past through interpretive signage and guided tours offered by the Heritage Society. The Society plays an important role in conserving these cultural treasures and promoting sustainable tourism. Important historic themes include early farming communities, Norse settlements, and maritime trade routes. Recreational highlights include walking the coastal footpaths, exploring archaeological monuments, and visiting small island villages that maintain traditional crafts and culture. The sites attract history buffs, archaeologists, and outdoor lovers alike, with opportunities for photography, education, and quiet enjoyment of the unique northern landscape.

Highlights

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Skara Brae: A remarkably preserved Neolithic village dating to around 3100 BCE

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Ring of Brodgar: A large Neolithic stone circle and henge monument

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Maeshowe: A chambered cairn and passage grave aligned with the winter solstice

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Italian Chapel: An iconic WWII-era chapel built by internees on Lamb Holm island

Notable Natural Features

Skara Brae

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a reconstructed stone-built Neolithic village, providing exceptional insight into early human domestic architecture and lifestyle.

Ring of Brodgar

A large prehistoric stone circle surrounded by a ditch, this henge monument is one of the finest ceremonial sites in Scotland, dating from 2500-2000 BCE.

Maeshowe

A chambered cairn known for its precise alignment to the winter solstice sunset, housing Viking runic inscriptions inside its passage grave.