The 70 or so Orkney Islands lie at the north west tip of Scotland, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea. Kirkwall, the capital, is a Viking town founded in 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason.
You'll find that the original ancient Norse town has been beautifully preserved and provides an intriguing place to while away your time. For such a small town, there is plenty to see and do. Visit one of Scotland's finest town houses - The Tankerness House Museum - where examples of Orkney's rich archaeology are on display. Alternatively there are two palaces to explore; the mid-century Bishop's Palace and the stunning Earl's Palace, with its French Renaissance style of architecture. And there's St. Magnus Cathedral, which was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald Kolson in memory of his uncle Saint Magnus. The island's 5,000 years of culture ensures you will find history around every corner.
