Kirkwall Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Kirkwall is well-connected to mainland Scotland through regular ferry services departing from Aberdeen, Scrabster, and John O'Groats. The Aberdeen route takes approximately 6 hours, while the journey from Scrabster near Thurso is shorter at around 90 minutes to Stromness, followed by a 30-minute drive to Kirkwall. Train connections to Aberdeen and Thurso link with ferry departures, making seamless travel possible from Edinburgh and Glasgow. If driving to the ferry terminals, long-stay parking is available at all mainland departure points. Local buses meet arriving ferries, providing convenient transport into Kirkwall's center.

Nestled on the northern shores of Mainland Orkney, Kirkwall stands as the vibrant capital of this remarkable archipelago. With its distinctive red sandstone buildings and narrow medieval streets, this historic port town blends Viking heritage with contemporary Scottish island life. As your ferry glides into Kirkwall's harbor, the imposing silhouette of St. Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline, hinting at the rich history and cultural treasures awaiting exploration.

Kirkwall's northern location brings long summer days from May through August, when temperatures hover comfortably between 12-18°C and daylight stretches nearly around the clock by midsummer. June offers ideal conditions with more reliable weather and fewer tourists than July and August. Winter visits from November to March bring dramatic skies and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, though ferry crossings may occasionally face weather disruptions. The Orkney Folk Festival in May and St. Magnus International Festival in June showcase the islands' vibrant cultural scene, while September offers mild weather and reduced visitor numbers.

Kirkwall serves as an excellent base for exploring Orkney's constellation of islands. Regular ferry services connect to Westray (75 minutes), where you'll find stunning cliffs and the shortest scheduled flight in the world. The mysterious island of Hoy is just a 40-minute crossing, home to the dramatic sea stack Old Man of Hoy and wartime history at Scapa Flow. North Ronaldsay lies 2.5 hours away, famous for its unique seaweed-eating sheep and historic lighthouse. The peaceful isle of Shapinsay can be reached in just 25 minutes, offering Victorian heritage at Balfour Castle and abundant wildlife along its shores.

The magnificent 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral stands at Kirkwall's heart, its red sandstone walls telling tales of Viking sagas and religious devotion. Just a short drive from town, the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney features the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Sample Orkney's renowned produce at the Kirkwall Distillery or savor fresh seafood at harborside restaurants where hand-dived scallops and local crab are menu staples. The compact historic center invites exploration with its independent shops selling local crafts, from hand-knitted Orkney sweaters to distinctive silver jewelry inspired by ancient designs.

Kirkwall's name derives from the Norse 'Kirkjuvagr,' meaning 'Church Bay,' reflecting its Viking foundations that date back over 1,000 years. The town hosts the unique Ba' Game twice yearly, a traditional street football match where hundreds of players compete through the town's streets and harbor in a tradition dating back centuries. Kirkwall's harbor once sheltered the entire British Home Fleet during World War I and II at nearby Scapa Flow. Despite its remote location, Kirkwall was ranked among Scotland's most desirable places to live, celebrating its exceptional quality of life and strong community spirit.