Best Orkney Travel Apps & Digital Resources

Enhance your Orkney adventure with the right digital tools! While exploring ancient sites and stunning landscapes, having useful information at your fingertips can make your trip smoother and more enriching. This guide highlights the best Orkney travel apps and essential online resources for visitors.

Essential Orkney Apps

• Historic Environment Scotland app: The heritage app that earns its space here — site information, opening times and your membership card for Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Broch of Gurness and the rest. HES publishes a separate Explore Maeshowe app too. Note there is no VisitOrkney app: the official visitor information is the orkney.com website, listed below.

• Stagecoach Bus App: Essential if using Orkney public transport. Provides live bus tracking, journey planning, and mobile ticket purchase.

• NorthLink Ferries app: Check sailings and book or manage tickets for the Scrabster–Stromness and Aberdeen–Kirkwall crossings. Pentland Ferries has no app — its Gills Bay–St Margaret’s Hope sailings are booked on its website.

• Weather Apps (e.g., Met Office, BBC Weather): Crucial for checking Orkney's changeable weather forecast on the go. See our weather guide for what to expect.

• Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps App: Highly recommended if planning serious walking or hiking. Subscription required for detailed maps, but offers offline access.

• Stargazing Apps (e.g., Star Walk, SkyView): Helpful for identifying constellations or predicting Northern Lights visibility during darker months.

Key Online Resources

• Orkney.com: The official tourism website for Orkney. Packed with information on attractions, events, accommodation, travel, and more.

• Historic Environment Scotland (HES): Website (historicenvironment.scot) provides details on major heritage sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Earl's Palace, including opening times, prices, and booking information.

• RSPB Orkney: The RSPB manages several Orkney reserves — search rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/ for Birsay Moors, Hoy, Marwick Head and Trumland for sightings, access and visiting information.

• Orkney Ferries: Website (orkneyferries.co.uk) for inter-island ferry timetables and bookings.

• Orkney Library & Archive: Website (orkneylibrary.org.uk) offers local information, event listings, and online resources.

Tips for Using Digital Resources in Orkney

• Download Offline Maps: Mobile signal can be patchy outside towns. Download maps (Google Maps offline feature, OS Maps app) before you travel.

• Check Opening Times Online: Always verify opening hours for attractions, cafes, and shops online before visiting, especially outside peak season, as they can change.

• Book Ahead Online: Use websites/apps to book accommodation, ferries (essential!), tours, and some attractions (like Maeshowe) in advance.

• Conserve Battery: Carry a portable power bank, as using GPS and apps can drain your phone battery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there good Wi-Fi in Orkney?

Wi-Fi is generally available and reliable in accommodations, cafes, and public buildings in Kirkwall and Stromness. Coverage becomes less reliable in rural areas and on smaller islands. See our digital nomad guide for more.

Do I need a specific app for Orkney?

No single app covers Orkney, and there is no VisitOrkney app — the official visitor information lives on the orkney.com website. The ones worth installing are the Stagecoach Bus app (if using buses), the NorthLink Ferries app (if arriving by sea), and a good weather and map app.

Can I rely solely on digital maps for hiking?

It's advisable to also carry a physical map and compass as a backup, especially for longer or more remote hikes, as phone batteries can die and signal can be lost.

Are there apps for identifying wildlife or plants?

Apps like Merlin Bird ID or plant identification apps can be fun additions, but their accuracy depends on signal and the specific species.

Where can I find the latest event listings?

Orkney.com and the Orkney Library & Archive website are excellent resources for up-to-date event information.

Conclusion: Stay Connected and Informed

Leveraging the right Orkney digital guides and travel apps can significantly enhance your visit. From planning your journey with transport apps to navigating trails with map apps and checking forecasts with weather apps, these tools help you make the most of your time. Remember to download key information for offline use and always double-check critical details like opening times online. Pair these digital tools with somewhere comfortable to stay for a well-planned trip.