Norse history in a living cathedral / KIRKWALL

St Magnus Cathedral

Step inside the red-and-yellow sandstone cathedral for architecture and stories at the heart of Kirkwall. This remains a place of worship, so ordinary sightseeing works around services and occasional ceremonies. Take time to look at the building and memorials rather than treating it only as a photograph from Broad Street.

Before you go

St Rognvald’s Chapel currently has restricted access for maintenance. Upper-level tours are separate bookings, not part of every ordinary visit.

The practical details

Where to find it: Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NX
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Ordinary admission is free, with a suggested £5 donation towards upkeep. No routine booking is required, but services, weddings and funerals can affect access. Winter Sunday sightseeing is not normally available; check current seasonal hours.
Access and getting around: Public toilets include an accessible cubicle. Ask staff about the areas and approach appropriate to your mobility needs; upper-level tours have different requirements. The current chapel restriction should be checked before a visit focused on that area.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Choose a few architectural details or stories and keep voices respectful around worship. Ordinary entry is more flexible than a long specialist tour; check any tour’s age and access conditions separately.

Practical information checked 16 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 45–90 minutes for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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