The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of 70 islands located on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the northernmost part of Scotland.
The Orkney Islands is a place where the history of the people is an integral part of the life of citizens. While the banners and cultures of the conquerors succeeded each other on this land, the islanders zealously preserved the traditions that have survived to this day.
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| Orkney Scotland |
The Orcadians, as the inhabitants of the island call themselves, are the descendants of the Celtic tribes, mixed with the Scandinavians. Such an explosive mixture could not but give rise to warriors, and therefore the history of Orkney is replete with the exploits of mighty heroes.
Settlements of wooden houses in which brave tribes lived have survived to this day. Many have been restored, and now have almost the same appearance as it was in the early years of the village. Anyone can sign up for an excursion where they can fully experience the life and spirit of the islands.
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| Orkney Scotland |
Orkney also regularly hosts exhibitions of collections of weapons that the islanders bravely fought against the Vikings.
In the XVIII century, the conquered islands of the Picts were annexed to the Norwegian kingdom. The new county was named Orkney, a name the area still retains today.
The Scandinavians left a tangible mark on the life of the Orcadians, and, first of all, it is observed in architecture. Castles, cathedrals and some houses of the islanders seem to be taken from the scenery for films about harsh Viking warriors. In many of these places, representatives of role-playing movements from all over Scotland have long been found.
During their free time from training, role players organize excursions into the history of Orkney, teach swordsmanship and arrange photosets for tourists in combat attire of medieval warriors.
Neolithic Monuments
Orkney, which was buried under the earth a long time ago, becomes truly attractive to tourists. The true Orkney is in the Neolithic monuments of these places.
Giant cromlechs and dolmens, these temples of the ancients are among the most frequently visited attractions and form a powerful tourist flow.
The majestic and austere stones are believed to have served the druid sorcerers not only in their rituals, but also as working "tools". The system of placement of stones strictly corresponds to the lunar and solar cycles, forming a calendar.
There are a great many similar structures on the island, and most can compete with the famous Stonehenge both in scale and age; for example, the New Temple complex was erected 800 years before the advent of Stonehenge.
One of the main megaliths of Orkney is the Brogar ring, consisting of small boulders - the remains of menhirs. According to local legends, this ring is all that remains of the castle of the yottens - giants who in ancient times were defeated by the army of aces led by Odin.
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| Orkney Scotland |
Connoisseurs of Celtic and Scandinavian mythology will find a truly promised land in Orkney. However, this glorious county has not been forgotten by civilization and provides tourists with many modern entertainments.
Lovers of the water world will find a lot of truly fabulous at the bottom of the shelf waters of the islands, replete with rare species of marine fauna.
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| Orkney Scotland |
Nature of the Orkney Islands
On Orkney, unlike the rest of the Kingdom, there was a magnificent ecological situation. This is due to the winds that almost always blow here with great force. The government of the island strongly encourages alternative energy sources that do not pollute nature, especially wind farms.
As a result, many health resorts and sanatoriums appeared in the county, allowing you to take full advantage of the gifts of nature of the Celtic islands.
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| Orkney Scotland |
Orkney is an open-air museum of antiquity. The islands will be the best choice for those who dream of immersing themselves in the bosom of primeval nature, without moving away from civilization.