Stromness

Travel Guide

Stromness featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Stromness which includes rocky coastline
Stromness which includes boating and a lake or waterhole
Stromness which includes a hotel and a square or plaza
Stromness which includes rugged coastline and tranquil scenes

The quaint, winding streets of Stromness are home to captivating museums and galleries, compelling historic landmarks and stunning natural views.

The main seaport for Orkney Mainland, Stromness is a charming, characterful town. Historic stone buildings line the quay and seem to grow out of the hillside beyond the waterfront. Stroll around the attractive port and the surrounding town to discover its fascinating history and lively culture.

Stromness was originally named Hamnavoe, which means “safe haven.” Vikings, tradesmen and sailors found shelter from the seas here as they navigated around Britain. The town often served as the last port of call for transatlantic services. Learn about how each group left its mark at the Stromness Museum, which documents the natural and social history of the area.

Browse British art at the Pier Arts Centre, a sleek modern gallery overlooking the quay. The center features a large collection of contemporary paintings from the 20th century, as well as a program of visiting exhibitions.

Enjoy the wild landscapes and seascapes that surround Stromness and choose from a wide range of outdoor activities. Dive down to the shipwrecks at Scapa Flow on a scuba tour, rent a bike or explore the hills and coastal paths outside the town on foot.

The Orkney Islands are rich in historical landmarks. Find prehistoric sites just a short drive away from Stromness. The Neolithic stone circles at the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness set amid spectacular landscapes exude an air of mystery. Walk through the past at Skara Brae, a prehistoric village featuring the beautifully preserved remains of ancient houses more than 5,000 years old.

Travel to Stromness by ferry for the most rewarding vistas of the town. Boats leave from Scrabster and cruise around the coastline of the archipelago. Stromness is 19 miles (30 kilometers) away from Kirkwall Airport.

Summer in Stromness offers long days that stay light well into the evening. Arrange your visit for May to witness the traditional music and dance events of the Orkney Folk Festival.

The Stromness Hotel
The Stromness Hotel
2 out of 5
The Pierhead, Stromness, Scotland
Stay at this hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (60 reviews)
Stromness hotel
"The hotel car park has a skip full to overflowing, and this, as well as disused furniture and scrap metal reduced the hotel parking, on an island where parking spaces are hard to find. We were not given the code to the fire door but were lucky enough to meet another couple of guests who did and let ..."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

The Stromness Hotel
Ferry Inn Stromness
Ferry Inn Stromness
3 out of 5
10 John Street, Orkney, Stromness, Scotland
The price is ¥32,259 per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
¥32,259
¥38,711 total
Jun 21 - Jun 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Ferry Inn Stromness
The Royal Hotel Stromness
The Royal Hotel Stromness
3 out of 5
55-57 Victoria St, Stromness, Scotland
The price is ¥35,843 per night from Jun 20 to Jun 21
¥35,843
¥43,011 total
Jun 20 - Jun 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf inn in Stromness. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (68 reviews)
"Great place for our short visit to the Orkneys! Very close to the ferry service, easy overnight parking, very close to most of the Neolithic sites we wanted to see, and great breakfast each morning."

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

The Royal Hotel Stromness
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stromness Apartments
Stromness Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Milldam, Cauldhame Road, Orkney, Stromness, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Stromness. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stromness Ferry Terminal and Piers Art ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"An awesome place!"

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Stromness Apartments
Withi-Gill - Cottage - Bay of Ireland Views
Withi-Gill - Cottage - Bay of Ireland Views
Stromness
Stay at this vacation home in Stromness. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Standing Stones of Stenness and Maes Howe are located ...
Withi-Gill - Cottage - Bay of Ireland Views
Charming in the heart of Stromness Pet friendly 
Saturday Arrival and Departure
Charming in the heart of Stromness Pet friendly Saturday Arrival and Departure
Stromness
Stay at this cottage in Stromness. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Piers Art Centre and Stromness Ferry Terminal are located nearby.
Charming in the heart of Stromness Pet friendly Saturday Arrival and Departure
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stromness

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Location, location, location. Easy access to the Paleolithic sites, etc.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved Stromness; it doesn’t take very long to see, but the people are the best part of the town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Walkable city with many fine shops and restaurants. Easy access to many of the Orkney's sites.

Cities near Stromness