The Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar is one of Orkney’s most famous sights. This ancient, mysterious stone circle has endured for nearly 5,000 years and it continues to attract thousands of visitors every year.
It’s hard not to be inspired by it, and my favourite time of the day to visit the site is at sunset.
The stones give a truly magnificent backdrop to the lowering light in the sky, and you can see the sun reflecting in the water over the Loch of Stenness which adds to the effect.
Read on to learn the fascinating history of these famous standing stones in Orkney, other must-see Neolithic sites, and tips for visiting the Ring of Brodgar while you’re in Orkney.
Ring of Brodgar history
The Ring of Brodgar dates back to the Neolithic period and it was thought to have been built between 2500-2000BC. It’s one of the largest stone circles found in the UK, with 27 out of the original 60 stones still remaining to this day.
Each stone is large, and would have taken a great effort to carry and erect by hand. While there are lots of theories about the purpose of these standing stones – the truth is, nobody really knows why the stone circle was built and what it was used for.
It’s thought to have been created as a place of worship, or ritual but it’s also possible that it was used to monitor the equinox and solstice, as key turning points in the seasons. The not knowing is part of the circle’s appeal, it’s fascinating to walk around and imagine what life was like then, and what part these stones would have played.
Neolithic sites in Orkney
The Ring of Brodgar is one part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness are the other three sites that are included.
Each one gives its own rich insight into Orkney’s ancient history and you can easily visit them in succession in the space of a day (or afternoon if you have less time!)
Skara Brae: is a neolithic village which has been preserved to capture important insights into how people of this time period lived. The visitor centre has ancient artifacts on display, and a film introduction to the history of the place.
Maeshowe: a chambered tomb built 5,000 years ago, this site is a stunning piece of engineering with an interesting history of its own. From vikings breaking in, to the unique pattern formed by the sunset at winter solstice, it’s worth booking a space for.
Standing Stones of Stenness: You’ll see these on the way to the Ring of Brodgar. Thought to be the oldest standing stones in Britain, they’re nearly 6 feet tall and need to be seen up close to truly appreciate them.
Visiting the ring of Brodgar
You can walk around at your own leisure, but it’s important to follow the signs and stick to the marked pathways. This is to protect the site and reduce the impact of too-much footfall.
Opening times
The Ring of Brodgar is free to access and it’s open all the time. You don’t need to book or buy a ticket, just turn up and explore at your leisure.
Parking and toilets
There’s a car park next to the site, with space for larger vehicles but one thing to be aware of is the lack of public toilets. The closest toilets are in Stenness, which is 2 miles down the road. Believe me when I say, this is a hot topic!
Bus travel
For a direct bus, you can take the X1 route from either Kirkwall or Stromness which is approximately every hour during the day. Plan ahead and check the times before you set off.
If you fancy a longer tour, for £2 per person Stagecoach operates the T11 route which leaves Kirkwall at 10am and travels south from St Maragaret’s Hope, onwards to Stromness before stopping at the Ring of Brodgar.
Top tip: During summer in Orkney, it can get busy at the Ring of Brodgar with coaches coming from cruise ships. There’s plenty of room for everyone, but late evening tends to be quieter and it’s a lovely time to make the most of the light nights at this time of year. If you visit in the winter, you can even perhaps view the Northern Lights whilst standing near the Ring of Brodgar.
Ring of Brodgar tours
While you can simply soak up the atmosphere of the stones by yourself, if you want a tour to learn all about the history, there are free guided walks led by the Rangers. They run everyday at 1pm from 11th May–18th September 2026.
Email orkneyrangers@hes.scot for more information and to confirm your spot, and to stay up-to-date with possible cancellations or changes.
Now that you’re set for your visit to the Ring of Brodgar, why not read up on some of Orkney’s other famous sites? My recent blog on the Italian Chapel introduces the unique history of this famous attraction and why it endures in popularity to this day.
Check out my full guide to the Neolithic sites in Orkney for more information.