Cruise port · United Kingdom · British Isles
Kirkwall, Orkney cruise port guide
Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney, a windswept archipelago off Scotland’s northern tip packed with some of Europe’s finest prehistoric sites. Most ships dock at Hatston Pier, about 1.5 miles (2 km) from town, with shuttles into the center. The highlights are the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and the red sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral.
- Neolithic sites
- Stone circles
- Viking history
- Whisky
- Wild scenery
Photo: Stevekeiretsu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- British Isles
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English, with a distinctive Orcadian lilt and some Norse-derived words.
- Currency
- Pound sterling (£). Contactless cards are accepted in most shops, cafés and attractions.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 44–59°F through the year
About Kirkwall, Orkney
Orkney feels like the edge of the world: low green islands, big skies, sea in every direction and almost no trees. Yet these islands have been home to people for more than 5,000 years, and the landscape is scattered with Neolithic villages, tombs and stone circles older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Viking earls ruled here for centuries, and Orkney was part of Norway until 1468.
A typical port day loops through the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, with Maeshowe if you’ve booked a tour. Many cruisers also visit the Italian Chapel, built by prisoners of war in World War II, and finish in Kirkwall with the cathedral and a whisky distillery.
Kirkwall is ideal for archaeology lovers, history buffs and anyone who loves wild coastal scenery. It isn’t a shopping or beach port, and the weather can be windy, cool and wet even in midsummer, so dress for the elements.
Where cruise ships dock in Kirkwall, Orkney
Most ships dock at Hatston Pier, about 1.5 miles (2 km) northwest of Kirkwall’s center; shuttle buses usually run into town, and the walk takes about 30 minutes. Smaller ships may berth at the harbor in town, and on busy days some ships anchor and tender into Kirkwall harbor. The town center is compact and walkable. Skara Brae is about 30 to 40 minutes away by road, the Ring of Brodgar and Stenness around 20 to 25 minutes, and the Italian Chapel about 20 minutes south. Taxis are limited, so book tours or cars ahead.
Best things to do in Kirkwall, Orkney on a cruise
- 1
Skara Brae
history
Uncovered by a storm in 1850, this Neolithic village on the Bay of Skaill is around 5,000 years old. Its stone houses still hold built-in beds, dressers and hearths, giving a remarkable glimpse of daily life. A replica house shows how they looked intact. Nearby Skaill House is a 17th-century mansion.
- 2
Ring of Brodgar
history
A huge stone circle on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, originally with around 60 stones, of which many still stand. Walking the path around it, with water and hills on every side, is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Britain. It’s free and open year-round.
- 3
Standing Stones of Stenness
history
Close to Brodgar, these few tall, thin stones are among the oldest henge monuments in Britain. Their size against the open landscape is striking, and they’re a quick stop on any Neolithic tour.
- 4
Maeshowe
history
A chambered tomb built about 5,000 years ago and aligned so the setting midwinter sun lights its inner chamber. Vikings broke in centuries later and carved runic graffiti on the walls. Access is by guided tour only, with limited places, so book well in advance.
- 5
St. Magnus Cathedral
history
Founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald in honor of his martyred uncle, Magnus, this red and yellow sandstone cathedral dominates Kirkwall. Inside are massive pillars, memorial stones and the remains of Saint Magnus. The ruined Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces stand across the road.
- 6
Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers
history
Italian prisoners of war turned a pair of Nissen huts into an ornate chapel on the islet of Lamb Holm during World War II, painting the interior to look like a Renaissance church. Nearby, the Churchill Barriers they helped build seal off the eastern approaches to Scapa Flow.
- 7
Highland Park Distillery
food
On the edge of Kirkwall, Highland Park has made whisky for more than two centuries, using local peat that gives its malt a gentle, heathery smoke. Tours show traditional floor maltings and end with a tasting. Scapa, a short drive south, is another option.
Kirkwall, Orkney weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 457 | 447 | 457 | 478 | 5111 | 5513 | 5814 | 5915 | 5714 | 5312 | 4910 | 478 |
| Low °F (°C) | 415 | 415 | 415 | 436 | 478 | 5110 | 5312 | 5412 | 5312 | 5010 | 468 | 436 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.6117 | 3.795 | 3.589 | 2.563 | 2.872 | 2.564 | 3.487 | 3.486 | 4.4113 | 4.8122 | 4.4112 | 4.8121 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
What to eat and drink in Kirkwall, Orkney
Orkney is proud of its produce. Try Orkney beef and lamb, hand-dived scallops and crab, and Orkney cheddar. Bere bannocks, flat breads made with an ancient barley, are a local specialty. Orkney fudge and ice cream are widely available, and local breweries, gin makers and distilleries offer plenty to taste.
Tips for your port day
- Book a Maeshowe tour well in advance, as places are very limited. Ship tours sometimes include it.
- Taxis and rental cars are scarce on cruise days. Reserve tours or transport before you arrive.
- Dress for wind and rain with a waterproof jacket, warm layers and sturdy shoes, especially for the stone circles.
- Combine Skara Brae, Stenness and Brodgar in one loop; they’re close together on the West Mainland.
- If you’re short on time, St. Magnus Cathedral and the palaces in Kirkwall are a rewarding walkable visit.
Cruise lines that visit Kirkwall, Orkney
Often on the same itinerary
Kirkwall, Orkney cruise FAQs
Where do cruise ships dock in Kirkwall?
Most dock at Hatston Pier, about 1.5 miles (2 km) from the town center. Smaller ships may use the town harbor, and some anchor and tender on busy days.
Is Skara Brae worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes. It’s one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Europe, about 30 to 40 minutes from Kirkwall, and its stone furniture makes the distant past feel close.
Can you walk from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall?
Yes, it takes about 30 minutes, but most passengers use the shuttle bus. The walk follows roads with sidewalks for part of the way.
Do you need to book Maeshowe in advance?
Yes. Visits are by guided tour only, with small groups and limited daily places, so book well before your cruise or choose a ship tour that includes it.
What is the weather like in Orkney in summer?
Cool and changeable. Summer highs are typically in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (around 14–17 °C), often with wind and showers. The long daylight hours are a bonus.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.