Standing Stones of Stenness

The basics

The Standing Stones of Stenness are impressive in their scale, with the tallest standing around 19 feet (5.8 meters) tall. They are all thin, with angular edges at the top. In the middle of the circle are the remains of an ancient hearth. It’s connected by a narrow causeway to the Ring of Brodgar, less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away, and the two sites are often visited together.

Visit on a guided sightseeing tour from within the Orkney Islands, Inverness, or John O’Groats. Tours will usually include additional stops at popular Orkney highlights such as Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel, and St. Magnus Cathedral. Visitors with more time can explore the region in more depth on a multi-day Orkney Islands tour.

Things to know before you go

• There is no fee to access the Standing Stones of Stenness.
• Bring layers as it can be windy here.
• Day trips can last upwards of 14 hours from Inverness and 11 hours from John O’Groats.

How to get there

The stones are located on a narrow strip of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, about a 10-minute drive from Stromness along the B9055. In the summer, there are regular buses from Kirkwall and Stromness to the standing stones.

When to get there

The site is open 24 hours a day and can be visited at any time. Regular bus service in the summer makes it easier to visit independently. For the most striking photos, visit at sunrise or sunset.

The Barnhouse Settlement

Located a short distance away from the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Barnhouse Settlement is a cluster of more than 15 small buildings on the shore of Loch Harray that were occupied at around the same time as the standing stones. Discovered in 1984, the dwellings here are similar to those at Skara Brae, with each having a central stone hearth, recessed bed boxes, and stone furniture.