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Kirkwall is the compact and historic capital of the Orkney Islands, a town steeped in Viking history and dominated by one of Britain's most magnificent medieval churches. The city’s centrepiece is the immense, red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Norse Earl Rognvald and known as the 'Light in the North'.
Just a short walk from the Cathedral, you can explore the impressive ruins of the 12th-century Bishop's Palace and the adjacent 17th-century Earl's Palace. The town's heritage is preserved at the Orkney Museum and the unique Orkney Wireless Museum near the harbour. With the picturesque Peedie Sea nearby for birdwatching and the Highland Park Distillery offering tours, Kirkwall is the perfect base for exploring the Neolithic history of the Orkneys.
The best location for your Kirkwall hotel is in the Town Centre and around Broad Street, as this compact area is where all the major historical sites and amenities are clustered, making it easily walkable.
Accommodation near St Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum is the most convenient choice. Staying here puts you steps away from the magnificent architecture, the narrow flagstone streets, and the town's best traditional pubs. This area is ideal for soaking up the town’s unique Norse-Scottish atmosphere.
For visitors prioritising the ferries and transport, look for accommodation closer to the Harbour and the Bus Station. This area offers easy access to the ferries for the outer islands and provides better access to the Orkney Wireless Museum and the Highland Park Distillery just outside the centre.
Kirkwall is served by Kirkwall Airport (KOI), with simple transfers via bus or taxi. The town is highly walkable. Local bus services, which depart from the central bus station, are essential for exploring the main island of Orkney, including the famous Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
Hotel prices in Kirkwall are extremely high during the peak summer tourist season, from June to August, when the weather is at its best and demand is high due to the limited island accommodation. Prices are also affected by the annual St Magnus Festival in June.
The best value is found during the quieter winter months, from November to March, though daylight hours are short. The shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October offer a balance of moderate weather and lower rates. A unique tip for Kirkwall is that the town has a heavy reliance on ferry and cruise ship tourism. Booking a hotel for a mid-week stay that avoids the main cruise ship docking days (often found via local schedules) can offer a quieter experience and better rates.