Ring of Brodgar

Overview

The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle and henge monument in Orkney, Scotland. It is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved examples of its kind in the world.

The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney' designation, highlighting its importance in understanding prehistoric culture and society.

Archaeological Historical

Location

Address

B9055, Stromness, Orkney

Neighborhood: Mainland

Coordinates

58.993100, -3.301200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (suggested donation of £5)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-June, September

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, variable

• Wildflowers
• Lambing season

summer

Warm, but can be cool and windy

• Long daylight hours
• Festivals and events

autumn

Cool, crisp air

• Fall foliage
• Harvest time

winter

Cold, short days

• Winter solstice celebrations
• Northern lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check the weather forecast
Wear appropriate clothing
Bring water and snacks

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Waterproof jacket Camera

seasonal

Warm layers in winter Sun protection in summer

not allowed

Drones without prior permission Pets (except guide dogs)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, as there is walking on uneven terrain

• Uneven ground, can be slippery when wet

Medical facilities: Nearest medical facilities are in Stromness and Kirkwall

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry Free (suggested donation of £5)

parking £3

food £10-£20

souvenirs £5-£20

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing, Layers for changeable weather, sturdy footwear, Walking shoes or boots, High heels, Inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• Not typically required, but recommended for guided tours
• Official Historic Environment Scotland website or local tour operators
• Varies by tour operator
• Guided tours may offer priority access

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Historic Environment Scotland

Size: 50 MB

Features: Site information, Audio guides, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Distance: 13 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes by car

taxi

£20-£25 20 min

public_transport

£3-£5 30-40 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking

Free 20-30 min

bus

£1.50 5-10 min

taxi

£5-£10 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Ring of Brodgar is a source of local pride and a symbol of Orkney's rich history and culture. It is a place of natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Historical Significance: The site is believed to have been used for rituals, ceremonies, and possibly astronomical observations. It is part of a larger complex of Neolithic sites in Orkney, including Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

Insider Tips

Visit during the off-season for a more peaceful experience
Check with local tour operators for unique experiences and insights
The site is free to enter, but donations are appreciated

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness
• Explore the village of Stromness
• Try local Orkney cuisine, such as seafood and fudge

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Some guides may speak other languages

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Inside the stone circle

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the stones with the landscape in the background

Result: Stunning images of the ancient stones with dramatic lighting

#RingOfBrodgar #Orkney #Neolithic #StandingStones #AncientHistory

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Within the protected stone circle (no climbing or touching the stones)

flash photography Not allowed inside the stone circle

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Drones are not permitted without prior permission

tripod policy Tripods are allowed but should not obstruct other visitors

selfie sticks Allowed but should be used responsibly

Nearby Attractions

Standing Stones of Stenness

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 10 min

Type: Historical

Skara Brae

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Archaeological

Stromness