Maeshowe Chambered Cairn - Stromness

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn: A Journey Through Time

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, located at Address: Maes Howe, Stoneyhill Rd, Stromness KW16 3HQ, United Kingdom, stands as a remarkably preserved Neolithic monument and a significant site in the history of Orkney. The site represents a truly exceptional Historical landmark, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who constructed it over 5,000 years ago. It’s more than just a pile of stones; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual practices of a bygone era. The cairn’s enduring presence continues to captivate and intrigue researchers and tourists alike.

A Historical Overview

Construction of Maeshowe began around 2800 BC, during the Neolithic period. Initially, it was a simple burial mound, but over centuries, it was extensively modified and expanded, eventually becoming a complex chambered cairn. The earliest phases involved the construction of a large, circular chamber, accessed by a narrow passage. Subsequent additions included a series of smaller chambers and a remarkable ‘tunnel’ – a deliberately engineered passage that leads from the entrance court into the heart of the cairn. This tunnel, a feat of engineering for its time, is a particularly compelling feature of Maeshowe.

Exploring the Chambers

Visitors can explore the various chambers within Maeshowe, providing a tangible connection to the past. The main chamber, approximately 11 meters (36 feet) in diameter, is the largest and most prominent. Within this chamber, archaeologists have discovered human remains, along with artifacts such as pottery and stone tools. The smaller chambers served as burial spaces for individuals and families. The tunnel, a significant architectural achievement, is a narrow, sloping passage that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of construction and surveying. Its purpose remains a subject of debate, with theories ranging from ritualistic passage to a symbolic representation of the underworld.

The Viking Graffiti

What truly sets Maeshowe apart is the presence of Viking graffiti – a collection of carved runes and images etched into the walls of the chambers. Dating from the 11th century, these markings were made by Norse settlers who used the cairn as a longhouse and workshop. The carvings depict scenes of daily life, including animals, ships, and human figures. This remarkable evidence of Viking activity provides invaluable insight into the cultural exchange and adaptation that occurred in Orkney during the medieval period. It’s a unique example of how ancient sites can be repurposed and utilized by subsequent generations.

Visiting Maeshowe

The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public for guided tours. Website: historicenvironment.scot offers comprehensive information about the site, including opening hours, tour schedules, and accessibility details. Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Getting tickets in advance recommended. Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during peak season, to guarantee entry. The on-site services include a visitor center with exhibits and information, and accessible facilities for visitors with mobility requirements. The site boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can experience this incredible monument.

Opinions & Reviews

Maeshowe consistently receives high praise from visitors. This company has 128 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4.4/5. Visitors consistently describe the experience as awe-inspiring, educational, and deeply moving. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to step back in time. The site's atmosphere is palpable, allowing visitors to connect with the past in a profound way. It's frequently noted as the highlight of an Orkney trip, and many visitors express excitement about the prehistoric and Viking evidence preserved within the cairn. The detailed explanations provided during the tour, combined with the impressive scale of the structure, create a truly memorable experience. The preservation of the site and the efforts to interpret its history are consistently commended.

👍 Reviews of Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Chrystal S.

5/5

This was the highlight of our trip to Orkney. The one hour guided tour was excellent. Be sure to book your tix well in advance!

Pradhyumna B.

5/5

I extremely loved it. The significant history this has is what makes me excited. Prehistoric and Vikings proof has been carved in this place.

Anthony R.

5/5

I had read on our tour itinerary that, at Maeshowe, there would be a low and narrow entrance. It was. Our site tour guide and all other site staff were watchful to make sure that no one got injured. I did bump my head as I went in but didn't incur any injury.
The wall markings were great to see. Back in the cafeteria when I rejoined my tour group a man at the next table indicated, I think without words, that he wanted me to look at his phone. What I saw amazed me and had one of my tour party in stitches. On his phone was a photo, head on, of me coming out through the narrow entrance.
Later that day I asked my fellow travellers if I could claim on public liability insurance for the apparent injury to my head. In the background behind me was a neolithic stone that looked as though it had risen from my head. It was only a joke but it did look good.
We saw many other similar sites that day as they are very close together.
Though I hadn't an interest in the subject before, the sights of neolithic stones from elsewhere on our tour had me hooked.
Maeshowe is well worth a visit. We had to wait because our tour was scheduled for a particular time.

Tom W.

5/5

Maeshowe is absolutely worth the visit! It's amazing to think this tomb was built over 5,000 years ago — and it’s still standing strong.
The tour guide made the history come alive, especially the part about the Vikings breaking in and leaving graffiti inside (some of it surprisingly funny).
The engineering and alignment with the winter solstice is mind-blowing. It’s a short shuttle ride from the visitor center, and everything was really well organized.
If you’re in Orkney, don’t miss this place!

maz M. -. T. T.

5/5

You're supposed to book online as it gets very booked up, but I popped in the visitor centre to use their loo and there was a cancellation so I got in. It's not at all wheel chair accessible. You get a bus to the site itself then walk a fair way, sloping in parts, then access through a tunnel we had to stoop to go through. Truly amazing site though, and very informative guide.

Rolf A.

5/5

This is an incredible place, well presented by the guides. Only 16 people are allowed in at a time, so do not fail to book in advance. No photos are permitted inside. The entrance is very low and requires major stooping for 30 feet - I saw one poor (tall) man on his hands and knees. Wear comfy shoes that can take a little mud. It’s worth it.

Lucy H.

5/5

Whilst this is a fascinating place i have to say the guide really made this tour. Without a guide i really would not have seen any of the carvings, or very few anyway. You do need to book in advance because you need to get a guided tour where a bus drives you up the road to the site, so there are set times, although if you time it right you could chance your luck. I would not have chosen a guided tour but there was no choice and i ended up being very grateful the guide was there. She was full of information, very knowledgeable, pointed out everything you coukd want to see and made sure people didnt bump their heads in the low tunnel. Definitely enjoyed this tour, on a lovely sunny day it was a joy.

SARAH B.

5/5

Need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Fascinating history.
Historical landmark in Scotland, one of Europe's finest chambered tombs, built 5000 years ago.
A masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction.
Carey was a great insightful, enthusiastic guide.