Stromness Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Stromness is accessible via regular ferry services from Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, with crossings taking approximately 90 minutes across the Pentland Firth. Travelers from Edinburgh or Inverness can reach Scrabster by car in roughly 4-5 hours, while train services connect to Thurso, just a short taxi ride from the Scrabster terminal. Within Orkney, reliable bus services connect Stromness to Kirkwall, the island's capital, in about 30 minutes. For those bringing vehicles, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though booking ahead is advised during summer months when spaces fill quickly.

Nestled on the southwestern edge of Mainland Orkney, Stromness unfolds as a charming harbor town with a rich seafaring heritage. Its winding, narrow streets lined with stone buildings tell stories of centuries of maritime trade and adventure. As the second-largest town in the Orkney archipelago, Stromness offers visitors an authentic Scottish island experience where the pace of life moves with the rhythm of the tides and the call of seabirds.

May through September offers the most favorable weather for visiting Stromness, with long daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C (54-64°F). June brings the magical midsummer, when daylight stretches nearly around the clock, perfect for extended exploration. The Stromness Shopping Week in July delivers a week of community celebrations, while August hosts various arts and music events. Spring and autumn visits (April/October) reward travelers with fewer tourists and the dramatic interplay of light on sea and land, though ferry crossings can be affected by weather conditions during these shoulder seasons.

From Stromness, the enchanting island of Hoy is just a 40-minute ferry journey away, offering dramatic landscapes including the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack and sweeping moorlands. The northern isles of Westray and Papa Westray can be reached via connecting services from Kirkwall, rewarding visitors with pristine beaches and remarkable wildlife sanctuaries after about 75 minutes at sea. Adventurous travelers can embark on day trips to Rousay, often called 'the Egypt of the North' for its archaeological treasures, with a sailing time of approximately 30 minutes. The inter-island ferry network makes Stromness an ideal base for exploring Orkney's archipelago of 70 islands, each with its own distinct character and allure.

The award-winning Pier Arts Centre showcases an impressive collection of 20th-century British art alongside changing exhibitions in converted historic buildings. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Stromness Museum with its extensive maritime collection and polar exploration connections, including artifacts from local hero Dr. John Rae. Just outside town, the prehistoric marvel of the Ring of Brodgar stands as one of Europe's finest stone circles, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae offers a glimpse into Neolithic life. For culinary adventures, sample fresh Orkney seafood at local eateries, paired with ales from the Orkney Brewery or spirits from the Highland Park distillery. The winding Victoria Street invites leisurely exploration with its independent shops, galleries, and cafés housed in traditional stone buildings.

Stromness served as the last European port of call for Hudson's Bay Company ships, leading many Orcadians to work in Canada's fur trade, at one point, over 70% of the company's workforce had Orkney origins. The town's name derives from the Old Norse 'Straumr-nes' meaning 'headland by the stream,' reflecting its Viking heritage. Renowned Arctic explorer Dr. John Rae, who discovered the final missing link in the Northwest Passage, was born in Stromness and learned survival skills from local fishermen. The narrow main street follows the shoreline because the town was built specifically to service ships in the natural harbor, with many homes featuring their own private piers.