Helgi’s

Kirkwall


There’s a traditional cosiness about this place and the decor is a comfortable, with contemporary slate floor and quotes from the Orkneyinga Saga plastering the walls. It’s more find-a-table than jostle-at-the-bar and serves cheerful, well-priced comfort food in big portions (light bites only between 2pm and 5pm). Take your pint upstairs for quiet harbour contemplation.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kirkwall attractions

1. Orkney Wireless Museum

0.02 MILES

This curious little museum is jam-packed with old radios and war memorabilia. Mostly local in character, it's an impressive collection.

2. Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin

0.07 MILES

Opened in 2018, this distillery and visitor centre on the waterfront is a new showcase for this tasty Orkney spirit. Tours run for an hour and include an…

3. St Magnus Cathedral

0.22 MILES

Constructed from local red sandstone, Kirkwall's centrepiece, dating from the early 12th century, is among Scotland's most interesting cathedrals. The…

4. Orkney Museum

0.23 MILES

This labyrinthine display in a former merchant’s house gives an overview of Orcadian history and prehistory, including Pictish carvings and a display on…

5. Bishop's Palace

0.26 MILES

Right opposite St Magnus Cathedral, the ruined but attractive Bishop’s Palace was built in the mid-12th century for Bishop William the Old. There’s a good…

6. Earl's Palace

0.28 MILES

The intriguing Earl’s Palace was once known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. One room features an interesting history…

7. Highland Park Distillery

1.14 MILES

This distillery, South of Kirkwall's centre, is great to visit. Despite a dodgy Viking rebrand, it's a serious distillery that malts its own barley; see…

8. Scapa

1.73 MILES

Two miles south of Kirkwall's centre, on the shores of Scapa Flow, this is one of two Orcadian whisky distilleries and, though less famous than Highland…