St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

Discover Scotland’s only complete medieval cathedral, a stunning red and yellow sandstone masterpiece steeped in Viking history and spiritual heritage.

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St Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral, known as the 'Light in the North,' is a striking Romanesque cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney. Founded in 1137 and built over 300 years, it is Scotland’s only complete medieval cathedral and holds the bones of its namesake saint, Magnus Erlendsson. Made of distinctive red and yellow sandstone, it serves as a place of worship, cultural events, and a major historic landmark, welcoming visitors year-round with free entry and guided tours available.

A brief summary to St Magnus Cathedral

Broad St, Kirkwall, KW15 1DH, GB
+441856874894
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Book the upper-level guided tour in advance to enjoy panoramic views and access to the bell tower.
Download the cathedral’s app at the entrance for an immersive audio-visual guide during your visit.
Visit the nearby St Magnus Centre first for a multilingual film and additional historical context.
Wear sturdy footwear as the cathedral has uneven floors and steps, and lighting inside is low.
Consider timing your visit on a weekday morning to experience a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.

Getting There

Bus

Local buses connect Kirkwall to Orkney’s ferry terminals and airport, with frequent services arriving in the town center. From Kirkwall bus stops, the cathedral is a 5-10 minute walk. Bus fares range from £3 to £8 depending on origin and ticket type.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Kirkwall ferry terminal and airport, offering a direct 5-minute ride to the cathedral. Typical fares range from £6 to £12. Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
Walking

If already in Kirkwall, the cathedral is centrally located on Broad Street and easily accessible on foot. Walking involves navigating some cobbled streets and uneven pavement, suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility.
Car

Visitors driving to Kirkwall can find on-street parking nearby, though spaces may be limited during busy periods. Parking charges apply. The cathedral is a short walk from parking areas, but note that the historic center has narrow streets.

St Magnus Cathedral location weather suitability

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Discover more about St Magnus Cathedral

Origins Rooted in Viking Legacy

St Magnus Cathedral was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald in memory of his uncle, Magnus Erlendsson, the martyred Earl of Orkney. Magnus’s tragic death on the island of Egilsay, the result of a bitter feud with his cousin Haakon Paulsson, inspired the construction of this sacred site. The cathedral was intended as a final resting place for Magnus’s relics, which remain interred within one of the choir pillars, making it a unique spiritual and historical monument in Scotland.

Architectural Grandeur in Sandstone

This cathedral is renowned for its stunning polychromatic sandstone construction, combining red sandstone from Head of Holland and yellow sandstone likely quarried from Eday. Its Romanesque design, with later Gothic influences, showcases Norman architectural features such as towering columns, rounded arches, and intricate capitals, though many details have weathered over centuries. The building’s soft sandstone has been sculpted by Orkney’s winds and rains, creating a textured, almost living facade that adds to its charm.

A Living Heritage and Cultural Hub

Beyond its architectural and religious significance, St Magnus Cathedral remains a vibrant center for worship and community life. It hosts regular Church of Scotland services, concerts, art exhibitions, and national remembrance events. The cathedral’s interior houses memorials to notable Orcadians, including the Arctic explorer Dr John Rae and missionary William Baikie. Its stained-glass windows, added in the 20th century, illuminate the space with colorful light, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere.

Visitor Experience and Tours

Visitors can explore the cathedral freely with no admission fee, though donations are encouraged for upkeep. Guided tours of the upper levels, including the bell tower and roof, offer spectacular views of Kirkwall and insights into the cathedral’s history and architecture; these tours require advance booking and a fee. An onsite app provides an immersive audio-visual guide with films, music, and meditations, enriching the visitor experience. The adjacent St Magnus Centre offers further historical context, a multilingual film, and refreshments.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone several restorations, notably in the early 20th century when a tall steeple replaced the original bell tower roof and interior modifications revealed the warm red sandstone beneath plaster. Conservation efforts continue to maintain this fragile sandstone structure against weathering and aging. The cathedral’s resilience through the Reformation and modern times underscores its importance as a cultural and spiritual landmark.

Setting in Kirkwall’s Historic Heart

Situated prominently on Broad Street in Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral dominates the town’s skyline and serves as a focal point for visitors exploring Orkney’s rich heritage. Its graveyard, open seasonally, contains historic tombstones and memorials that deepen the connection to Orkney’s past. The cathedral’s open doors invite reflection, inspiration, and discovery amid the vibrant life of Kirkwall’s historic center.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

10.1 km

A striking wooden monument in Orkney symbolizing friendship and shared heritage between First Nations and Orcadian cultures.

Churchill Barriers

10.5 km

Historic WWII causeways in Orkney that safeguarded Scapa Flow and now link islands with a rich legacy of resilience and culture.

The Cannon

19.8 km

Historic cannon from an American privateer, set against the stunning backdrop of Stromness harbour’s maritime heritage.

John O'Groats Signpost

38.1 km

Britain's most iconic signpost marks the legendary endpoint of the 874-mile Land's End to John o' Groats journey.

Knap of Howar

41.0 km

Explore Knap of Howar, a Neolithic gem in Orkney, showcasing ancient architecture and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

42.0 km

Experience the stunning beauty and rich heritage of Dunnet Head Lighthouse, Scotland's northernmost landmark with breathtaking coastal views.

Bucholie Castle

45.5 km

Discover the rich history and stunning views of Bucholie Castle, an enchanting historical landmark in Nybster, near Wick, Scotland.

Above and Beyond Tours

45.8 km

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Caithness with Above and Beyond Tours, where adventure meets local expertise in Scotland's stunning north.

Mary Ann's Cottage

45.9 km

Explore the fascinating history of Caithness at Mary Ann's Cottage, a charming museum showcasing 19th-century life and culture.

Caithness Broch Centre

47.8 km

Explore the ancient Iron Age at the Caithness Broch Centre, a unique attraction that unveils the mysteries of Scotland's historic broch structures.

Nybster Broch

48.3 km

Discover the enchanting Nybster Broch, an ancient Iron Age site in Scotland offering a unique glimpse into Pictish history amidst stunning coastal vistas.

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

49.1 km

Discover the ancient ruins of St. Coomb Chapel, a 6th-century site near Castletown that reveals Scotland’s early Christian heritage.

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Castlehill Heritage Centre

49.2 km

Discover the captivating history and culture of Castletown at the Castlehill Heritage Centre, a unique museum in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Old Keiss Castle

50.0 km

Perched on Caithness cliffs, Old Keiss Castle’s dramatic ruins tell the tale of Sinclair nobility and Scotland’s turbulent history.

Whitegate broch

50.5 km

An atmospheric Iron Age broch perched on a Caithness headland, offering dramatic sea views and a powerful sense of Scotland’s ancient past.

Unmissable attractions to see

Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces

0.1 km

Explore Kirkwall’s medieval and Renaissance palaces where Norse kings and notorious earls shaped Orkney’s history.

The Orkney Museum

0.1 km

Discover Orkney’s story from ancient times to today in the historic Tankerness House, home to nationally significant archaeology and vibrant cultural exhibits.

The Tankerness House

0.1 km

Explore Orkney’s rich history in the stunning 16th-century Tankerness House, home to the internationally significant Orkney Museum.

Badly Drawn Cat

0.1 km

A cozy vegan café and art gallery in Kirkwall blending plant-based delights with local creativity and friendly charm.

Spirit of Orkney

0.3 km

Explore the historic heart of Kirkwall where Orkney’s rich Norse heritage and vibrant local culture come alive.

The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre

0.3 km

Discover Orkney’s hand-crafted spirits and rich heritage at Kirkwall’s vibrant distillery and visitor centre on the historic harbour front.

Orkney Wireless Museum

0.3 km

Explore a century of wireless communication and wartime heritage in Orkney’s volunteer-run museum with interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia.

Grain Earth House

1.1 km

Discover the enchanting Grain Earth House, a historical landmark in Kirkwall, Orkney, showcasing ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Highland Park Whisky Distillery

1.5 km

Explore the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery, blending Viking heritage and Orkney’s unique peat smoke into world-renowned single malts.

Scapa Beach

2.4 km

Discover the tranquil beauty and rich maritime history of Scapa Beach, a scenic coastal gem near Kirkwall in Orkney.

Wideford Hill Scenic View

3.8 km

A quiet Orkney hilltop with sweeping views over Kirkwall, the Bay of Firth, and the surrounding countryside, perfect for panoramic photos and peaceful reflection.

Wideford Hill Cairn

4.2 km

Explore Wideford Hill Cairn, a majestic 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Orkney, blending ancient architecture with celestial mysteries and stunning views.

Rennibister Earth House

5.5 km

Discover the Rennibister Earth House, a prehistoric marvel nestled in the Orkney Islands, embodying ancient heritage and natural beauty.

Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café

6.8 km

Handcrafted Orkney jewellery in a restored church, where ancient enamelling techniques meet contemporary design.

Waulkmill Bay

8.0 km

Discover Waulkmill Bay, Orkney’s peaceful golden beach with stunning Scapa Flow views and a hidden coastal charm perfect for picnics and nature lovers.

A family-run British restaurant with rooms offering exquisite local cuisine and stunning countryside views in Kirkwall, Orkney.

A cozy Kirkwall café and crafts shop offering homemade treats and unique handcrafted garden furniture and cards.

Celina Rupp Jewellery

10.0 km

Handcrafted Orkney jewellery and café where island stories become wearable art.

A cozy Highland village pub offering hearty meals, real ales, and warm hospitality in the scenic community of Keiss.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

The Orkney Club

0.3 km

A welcoming social hub in Kirkwall offering lively evening entertainment and a friendly community atmosphere in the heart of Orkney.

Skinandi's Nightclub

54.0 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Skinandi's, the northernmost nightclub on Scotland’s mainland with two bars and two dance floors.

The Waterfront

60.3 km

Wick's vibrant nightlife heart with a lively dance floor, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere on the scenic Shore.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover St Magnus Cathedral with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

A brief summary to St Magnus Cathedral

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Taxi

Walking

Car

St Magnus Cathedral location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of St Magnus Cathedral

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about St Magnus Cathedral

Origins Rooted in Viking Legacy

Architectural Grandeur in Sandstone

A Living Heritage and Cultural Hub

Visitor Experience and Tours

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Setting in Kirkwall’s Historic Heart

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

Churchill Barriers

The Cannon

John O'Groats Signpost

Knap of Howar

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Bucholie Castle

Above and Beyond Tours

Mary Ann's Cottage

Caithness Broch Centre

Nybster Broch

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Old Keiss Castle

Whitegate broch

Unmissable attractions to see

Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces

The Orkney Museum

The Tankerness House

Badly Drawn Cat

Spirit of Orkney

The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre

Orkney Wireless Museum

Grain Earth House

Highland Park Whisky Distillery

Scapa Beach

Wideford Hill Scenic View

Wideford Hill Cairn

Rennibister Earth House

Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café

Waulkmill Bay

Essential places to dine

Lucano

The Orkney Hotel

Trenabies Cafe Bistro

Empire Chinese Restaurant

Twenty One

Pomona Cafe

The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms

Busters Diner

Bothy Bar

Happy Haddock

Dil Se Restaurant

Helgi's

The Shore

Sakura Kitchen

The Foveran

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Judith Glue

The Longship

Aurora Jewellery

Blue Joe's

Starlings

Logo Orkney

Orkney Tweed

Kairds

Poundstretcher

The Orcadian Bookshop