Kirkwall Old Town & Harbour
The capital of Orkney, with a flagstone main street called the “Street” running through the old town, where you will find the cathedral, the palace, the museum, and small shops. The harbour is the ferry hub for the northern islands.
The name Kirkwall comes from the Old Norse for “church bay.” From the harbour, Albert Street and the main street run south to St Magnus Cathedral, lined with stone houses, jewellery and wool craft shops, and pubs. Ferries from the harbour serve the northern outer islands of Westray, Sanday, and Stronsay, and cruise ships call here in summer. The tourist information centre is next to the ferry terminal, where you can check tides, bus times, and book guided tours.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- St Magnus Cathedral
- The Orkney Museum
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
- Highland Park Distillery
- Scapa Distillery
- Churchill Barriers
- Italian Chapel
- Scapa Flow