Also known as Orkney the Orkney Islands Scotland's sixth largest island and has been inhabited for over 5,500 years. The Orkney Islands which was originally referred to by it's Gaelic name of Insi Orc or 'Island of the Orcs', which is a boar or young pig. The name was then changed to Orkneyjar by the Norwegian Vikings but is now known in English as Orkney.

There is plenty of fascinating activities to do while you are visiting the Orkney Islands with activities ranging from scuba diving to exploring through the islands many museums. Kirkwall which is the capital of the islands and largest with a population of over 8,500 thousand people.

Kirkwall is a beautiful town with many historical buildings and is home to many 17th and 18th century buildings. While you are visiting Kirkwall be sure to visit the St Magnus Cathedral as well as the Tankerness House Museum.

Getting there is easy with regular flights and a ferry link that travels from Scotland to many of the islands within the archipelago group. There are many restaurants to choose from on the Orkney Islands as well as a fine selection of fresh seafood.

Climate

Learn About The Climate At The Orkney Islands

September through to November is the best time of the year to visit the Orkney Islands with warm weather conditions although fog is common during these months. Winters are cool with lows of 4 degrees while during the summer months temperatures can reach up to 12 degrees. The wind mainly flows from two directions from the north and the south. The days are short during the winter months with average day light lasting for 6 hours while in the summer the sun only disappears for a couple of hours.

Geography

Geographical Information On the Orkney Islands

Scotland's Orkney Islands are made up of over seventy islands with Mainland also known as Pomona being the largest known island. The Orkney Islands can be located in the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea about 20 miles off the north east coast of Scotland. Only 20 out of the seventy islands are inhabited with a total area of 376 square miles and a population well over 19,700.

Festivals and Events

Discover What's Happening On the Orkney Islands

It doesn't matter when you choose to visit the Orkney islands you are sure to find something of interest to see or do. If you are a rugby fan then January is the month to visit with the annual sporting event known as The Ba. The Orkney Folk Festival is held in May each year and has been running for over 25 years. The event is filled with modern and traditional fold music as well as many artists visiting from all over the world. June is the month to visit if your a wine lover with the Orkney Fine Wine Festival where you will be able to taste local wines as well as food and wine matchings.

Hostels in Orkney Islands

Below are a selection of Hostels located in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Alternatively, you can browse through all Orkney Islands Hostels.