Welcome to Viking's View Bed and Breakfast

Why visit Orkney and stay at Viking’s View BnB

Visiting Orkney is an experience like no other, where history and nature come together in perfect harmony. From its ancient archaeological sites, including the world-famous Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, to its stunning landscapes of rugged coastlines and tranquil beaches, Orkney is a place that will captivate your heart.

Start your day with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast at Viking's View BnB, where we serve up a delicious spread to fuel your adventures. Our traditional Scottish breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients, with crispy bacon, free-range eggs, and a delicious serving of haggis, a true taste of Scotland. Whether you're a fan of the rich, savoury flavours of haggis or prefer the lighter options, we’ve got something to satisfy every appetite.

Archaeology sites in Orkney

Scara Brae

Period: Neolithic (c. 3200-2200 BCE).

Scara Brae is one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe, and it's located on the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. This ancient village offers an extraordinary glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago, long before the arrival of the Vikings, Romans, or even the Picts. The site is particularly famous for its incredibly well-preserved stone-built houses, which are part of a Neolithic settlement that dates back to around 3100 BCE, making it older than both the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Read More..

The Broch of Gurness

Period: Iron Age (c. 500 BCE – 100 CE).

The Brough of Gurness is another fascinating archaeological site located on the Orkney Mainland, off the northern coast of the island. It is a well-preserved example of a Pictish and Viking settlement and provides valuable insights into the complex history of the region, showcasing the overlapping cultures and influences that shaped Orkney’s past. Like many other prehistoric and early historical sites on Orkney, the Brough of Gurness is a testament to the island’s strategic importance in the North Sea and its role as a center for trade, culture, and conflict throughout the ages. Read More..

The Ring of Brodgar

Period: Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (c. 2500-2000 BCE).

The Standing Stones of Orkney are a collection of ancient stone monuments scattered across the islands, which have been central to the island’s history and culture for thousands of years. The most famous of these is the Ring of Brodgar, but there are several other significant sites that showcase Orkney's prehistoric past. These megalithic stone structures, dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, are some of the most impressive examples of ancient engineering in Europe. They continue to captivate visitors and historians alike, offering insight into the rituals, astronomy, and culture of the island's early inhabitants. Read More..

Maeshowe: A Neolithic Wonder in Orkney

(Period: Neolithic, with Viking graffiti from the 12th century)

Located on the beautiful Orkney Islands in Scotland, Maeshowe is a fascinating testament to ancient history, architecture, and astronomy. This prehistoric chambered cairn and passage tomb, dating back to around 2800 BCE, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved Neolithic monuments in Europe. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a place that has been shaped by both ancient cultures and the Vikings. Read More..

Introduction

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland, played a crucial role in Viking history. From the late 8th century, Norse settlers arrived in Orkney, eventually transforming it into a powerful Norse earldom that lasted for over 600 years. Unlike other areas raided by Vikings, Orkney became a permanent Norse settlement, where Scandinavian culture thrived, influencing everything from language to law.

Today, Orkney remains one of the most Viking-rich regions in Britain, with archaeological sites, sagas, and traditions that continue to tell the story of its Norse past. Read More..

The Vikings at the Brough of Birsay

The Brough of Birsay, a small island off the northwest coast of Mainland Orkney, is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Orkney Islands, particularly when it comes to Viking history. The site’s strategic location, perched at the edge of the mainland, made it an ideal place for the Vikings to establish a settlement and, later, a thriving Norse community.

The history of the Brough of Birsay dates back to the Viking Age, a time when Norse settlers had a significant influence over Orkney. The Vikings arrived in Orkney around the late 8th and early 9th centuries, and by the 10th century, they had established a powerful presence in the archipelago. The Brough of Birsay was not just a simple settlement; it served as a centre for political and religious activity during the Viking Age.

The Vikings in Orkney: A Legacy of Norse Rule

We are here!

Jubidale, Birsay,

Orkney Islands,

United Kingdom

KW17 2LT

Contacts
Phone: +447432753775
Email: info@vikingsviewbnb.co.uk