Overview
The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of around 70 islands lying just off the northern tip of mainland Scotland, separated from Caithness by the Pentland Firth. About 20 islands are inhabited, with Kirkwall on Orkney Mainland serving as the main town and administrative hub. Orkney punches well above its weight in world heritage terms: its Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites — Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe — are UNESCO-listed and rank among the best-preserved prehistoric landscapes in Europe.
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located in the North Atlantic roughly midway between Norway and Iceland. The archipelago consists of 18 islands, most of them inhabited, with Tórshavn as the capital — one of the smallest capitals in the world. The landscape is defined by steep sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, grass-roofed buildings, and a treeless interior shaped by wind and Atlantic weather.
Though geographically distinct — Orkney is roughly 400 km south of the Faroes — the two destinations are often considered together by travelers drawn to North Atlantic island life, Norse culture, and raw natural scenery. Both reward slow travel and an appetite for weather.
Before You Go
Visas
Orkney is part of Scotland and therefore part of the United Kingdom; standard UK entry rules apply. The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory of Denmark but are not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so entry rules differ from mainland Denmark. Visa requirements for both destinations vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for guidance and verify current requirements directly with the UK Home Office (for Orkney) and the Faroese or Danish immigration authority (for the Faroes) before booking.
When to Go
- May–August brings the best weather for outdoor activities in both destinations. Orkney's famous "simmer dim" — the prolonged twilight around the summer solstice — is a highlight. The Faroes experience long summer days and the peak hiking season.
- Winter (October–March) is quieter and wetter but offers aurora borealis possibilities at both latitudes. Daylight hours are short, and some ferry routes and attractions operate reduced schedules.
- Spring and autumn are transition seasons: fewer crowds, unpredictable weather, and good birdwatching as migratory species pass through.
What to Pack
Layered, waterproof clothing is essential year-round. Both archipelagos are exposed to rapid weather changes; a windproof outer layer is non-negotiable even in summer. Sturdy walking footwear is recommended for coastal paths and moorland terrain.
Getting There
Orkney Islands
The most common routes to Orkney are by ferry from Scrabster (near Thurso) or Gills Bay in Caithness to Stromness or St Margaret's Hope, operated by NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries respectively. There is also a summer ferry link from Gill's Bay. Loganair operates scheduled flights from several Scottish cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen) and from Bergen in Norway to Kirkwall Airport. Journey times by ferry from Scrabster are typically around 1.5 hours to Stromness; verify current schedules and book ahead in peak season.
Faroe Islands
Tórshavn's Vágar Airport receives flights from Copenhagen, Reykjavík, London, Edinburgh, and several other European cities, primarily via Atlantic Airways and Scandinavian carriers. Schedules and routes change seasonally; confirm options on airline and official tourism sites. The Smyril Line ferry (MS Norröna) operates a seasonal route connecting Hirtshals (Denmark) and Bergen (Norway) with Tórshavn, with a stop in Iceland available on some sailings. The crossing takes multiple days and is popular with travelers who want to bring a vehicle.
Traveling Between the Two
Orkney and the Faroe Islands are not directly connected by scheduled transport. Travelers combining both destinations typically route through Edinburgh, Bergen, or Reykjavík.
Getting Around
Orkney Islands
Orkney Mainland is compact and navigable by car, which gives the most flexibility for reaching outlying archaeological sites. Car hire is available in Kirkwall; book ahead in summer. Local buses connect the main towns and some villages, though frequency is limited outside Kirkwall and Stromness. Inter-island travel to the outer isles (Hoy, Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and others) is via small Loganair flights or ferry services operated by Orkney Ferries — some routes are among the shortest scheduled flights in the world. A bicycle is a pleasant option on flatter parts of Mainland in dry weather.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands have an impressive modern infrastructure including subsea tunnels connecting several islands, making road travel between them surprisingly straightforward. Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the archipelago at your own pace. Bus services (Strandfaraskip Landsins) connect towns and villages on most islands but may not reach all scenic viewpoints. Some smaller islands are still reached by ferry, operated by the same public transport company. Tórshavn itself is walkable.
Things to See & Do
Orkney Islands
- Skara Brae – A remarkably intact Neolithic village, older than Stonehenge, preserved by sand dunes and now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland; verify opening hours and admission fees before visiting.
- Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness – Impressive prehistoric stone circles within walking distance of each other on the isthmus between two lochs. Open year-round.
- Maeshowe – A 5,000-year-old chambered tomb with Viking runic graffiti carved by Norse crusaders sheltering inside centuries later. Guided tours required; book through Historic Environment Scotland.
- Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm – A remarkable World War II chapel built by Italian prisoners of war from two Nissen huts. Free to enter; verify hours locally.
- Scapa Flow – One of the world's most historically significant anchorages (site of the German fleet scuttling in 1919). Popular with wreck divers; diving operators are based in Stromness.
- Orkney Distillery, Kirkwall – Highland Park and Scapa are two working Scotch whisky distilleries offering tours; verify booking requirements in advance.
- Birdwatching – The RSPB reserve on Hobbister and the cliffs of Marwick Head and Noup Head (Westray) host large seabird colonies including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars.
Faroe Islands
- Múlafossur Waterfall, Gásadalur – Cascades directly into the ocean above the village; one of the most photographed spots in the archipelago.
- Sørvágsvatn (Sørvágar Lake) – An optical illusion lake that appears to hang above the sea; reached by a guided hike from Miðvágur. A fee and guide are required; verify current details locally.
- Tórshavn Old Town (Tinganes) – The historic promontory with turf-roofed government buildings, colorful wooden houses, and a working harbor.
- Klaksvík – The Faroes' second city, with a striking modern church and access to the northern islands.
- Slættaratindur – The highest peak in the Faroes at 882 m; a popular but demanding hike offering panoramic views on clear days.
- Vestmanna Bird Cliffs – Boat tours navigate sea caves and dramatic cliff faces inhabited by large seabird colonies. Seasonal; verify operators locally.
- Eiðisvatn and Eiði – Scenic northern Eströy with views toward the uninhabited islands of Enniberg cliff, one of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe.
Food & Drink
Orkney Islands
Orkney has a strong local food culture rooted in excellent raw ingredients. Orkney beef (with its own Protected Geographical Indication status), locally landed fish and shellfish, and Orkney cheddar are staples. Kirkwall and Stromness have a range of cafés, restaurants, and pubs serving both traditional and modern Scottish cooking. Local bakeries are worth seeking out — Orkney oatcakes and bere bannocks (made from bere, an ancient form of barley still grown on the islands) are distinctive regional products. Highland Park and Scapa single malts are distilled here and widely available.
Faroe Islands
Faroese cuisine is defined by tradition and preservation techniques developed to survive long, isolated winters. Skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton, hung in a wooden shed called a hjallur) is the most iconic local food and has a strong fermented flavor not to everyone's taste — try a small amount first. Ræst refers broadly to the traditional fermentation method applied to lamb and fish. Fresh fish, particularly cod and haddock, is excellent, as is locally farmed salmon. Tórshavn has a growing restaurant scene with chefs drawing on these traditional ingredients in modern ways. Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants; the Faroese public alcohol retail system has its own rules — verify locally.
Practical Information
Money
Orkney operates entirely on GBP; card payments are widely accepted across Mainland but carry some cash for smaller outer islands and rural areas. The Faroe Islands use DKK; card payments are broadly accepted in Tórshavn and tourist areas, but carry some cash for remote locations.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage in Orkney is generally good on Mainland but can be patchy on outer islands; check with your provider. In the Faroes, coverage is good in populated areas and along main roads but limited in remote highland terrain. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and public buildings in both destinations.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for either destination for most travelers. Standard European travel health precautions apply. UK travelers should carry a valid GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for Orkney; note that GHIC may not cover the Faroe Islands in the same way as EU destinations — verify coverage with your insurer. Emergency services are available in both locations; verify local emergency numbers on arrival.
Electricity
Both destinations use the standard UK Type G plug and 230V supply (Orkney). The Faroe Islands also use 230V but with the Type C/F (European two-pin) plug standard — bring an adapter.
Respect for Heritage Sites
Many of Orkney's archaeological sites are fragile and irreplaceable. Stay on marked paths, do not touch standing stones or tomb walls, and follow all site-specific guidance. In the Faroes, respect private land — the lack of fencing does not always mean public access — and follow Leave No Trace principles on hiking routes.
Safety
Both the Orkney Islands and the Faroe Islands are considered safe destinations with low crime rates. The primary risks for travelers are environmental rather than social.
Coastal and cliff safety is the most significant concern. Both archipelagos have unfenced, sheer cliff edges that can be slippery and dangerous, especially in wet or windy conditions. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges at all times and be especially cautious with children. Some popular viewpoints in the Faroes have seen incidents due to overcrowding at cliff edges — exercise independent judgment regardless of what you see others doing.
Weather can change rapidly and severely. Fog, heavy rain, and high winds can arrive with little warning. Inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a charged phone, appropriate clothing, and a map. Do not rely solely on GPS or mobile data in remote terrain.
Ferry and flight cancellations due to weather are a reality, particularly in winter and on smaller inter-island routes. Build flexibility into your itinerary and do not plan tight onward connections from outer islands.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Orkney has a distinctly Norse cultural identity — it was under Norwegian and then Danish rule until 1468, when it was pledged to Scotland as part of a royal dowry. This heritage is visible in place names (almost entirely Old Norse in origin), local dialect, and cultural festivals. The St Magnus Festival in June is an internationally regarded arts and music event held in Kirkwall Cathedral, one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Scotland.
The Faroe Islands have their own language, parliament (the Løgting — one of the oldest in the world), and a strong sense of cultural autonomy. Ólavsøka (St Olav's Day, 28–29 July) is the national festival, celebrated in Tórshavn with rowing races, dancing, and the opening of parliament — it is the busiest and most festive time of year. Traditional Faroese chain dancing (with sung ballads called kvæði) is a living cultural tradition, not simply a performance for tourists. The Faroese relationship with pilot whale hunting (grindadráp) is a longstanding and locally significant tradition that generates international debate; travelers should approach the subject with factual awareness rather than assumption.
