The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic henge monument and stone circle on Mainland Orkney, constructed between 2500 and 2000 BC. Originally consisting of 60 standing stones, 36 remain today in a circle 104 metres in diameter. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe chambered cairn. The stones rise to 4.7 metres in height and the site has a profound sense of mystery and antiquity.
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle and henge monument on a narrow promontory between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray on Mainland Orkney. Constructed between approximately 2500 and 2000 BC, the original circle consisted of 60 standing stones arranged in a perfect circle 104 metres in diameter — the third largest stone circle in the British Isles after Avebury and Stanton Drew. Of the original 60 stones, 36 remain standing, the tallest reaching 4.7 metres. The monument is surrounded by a rock-cut ditch up to 9 metres wide and 3 metres deep, giving it the classic henge form. The ring stands within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness (800 metres south), Maeshowe chambered cairn, and the settlement of Skara Brae. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and has no entry charge. The Ness of Brodgar, between Brodgar and Stenness, is an active archaeological site where ongoing excavations are revealing a substantial Neolithic ceremonial complex; guided tours of the excavations are offered during summer. The Ring of Brodgar is accessible year-round and at any time of day; sunrise and sunset in summer create outstanding photographic conditions with Orkney's extraordinary northern light.
Highlights
- Standing stones
- Orkney landscape
- Nearby Stones of Stenness
- Maeshowe cairn
- Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Tips for visiting
- Orkney is reached by ferry from Scrabster or Gills Bay (near Thurso) or by air from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or Inverness.
When to visit
Midsummer (around the solstice in late June) offers extraordinary light in Orkney, with the sun barely setting in the far north — sunrise occurs before 4am and the site is deserted. Autumn and winter visits offer dramatic skies and solitude.
Accessibility
The Ring of Brodgar car park and the main path to the stone circle are accessible by wheelchair on a firm gravel surface. The circle interior has a relatively smooth grass surface. The site is at ground level with no stairs. The surrounding landscape is open and exposed, with limited shelter.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Ring of Brodgar?
Orkney is reached by ferry from Scrabster (near Thurso) or Gills Bay to Stromness, or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. The Ring of Brodgar is approximately 8 kilometres from Stromness on the B9055 road, accessible by car, bicycle, or local bus.
Can visitors touch the standing stones?
Visitors are asked not to touch or climb the stones to prevent damage and erosion. The site is freely accessible and there are no barriers to the stones themselves; responsible visiting is encouraged.
How long does a visit to the Ring of Brodgar take?
Walking the circle and reading the information panels takes 30–45 minutes. Most visitors combine it with the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe on a half-day circuit from Stromness.