Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
About
Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Enter one of the finest Neolithic buildings in north-west Europe, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. This chambered tomb, which sits on a platform encircled by a ditch, is a monument to the skill and beliefs of Orkney's people some 5,000 years ago. If you visit in midwinter - and the skies are clear - you can witness the central chamber illuminated by a shaft of light from the setting sun. Maeshowe's unique story continued with it was broken into about 1,000 years ago by Norsemen. They left their mark in the astonishing runic graffiti, alongside the stunning 'Maeshowe Lion' carving. Visits are by guided tour only. Tours depart from the new Maeshowe Visitor Centre (at Stenness), postcode KW16 3LB.
Highlights
- Winter Solstice Sunrise
- Runic Inscriptions
- Maeshowe Lion Carving
- Guided Tour Experience
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late November to mid‑January for the winter solstice sunrise; otherwise spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes