Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland Apr 19, 2024

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland

At the heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern Scotland, lies an ancient riddle: the Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to sometime between 2500 and 2000 BCE, this Neolithic henge—a type of ancient circular earthwork—and stone circle measure about 340 feet across. Lying on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, the site initially comprised 60 stones, although today only 36 remain. The exact purpose of the structure is still unknown, despite an excavation project at the site in 2008. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney group of monuments, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, consider walking amid the echoes of history at the Ring of Brodgar while the crisp Scottish air embraces you.

© Paul Williams - FunkyStock/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Apr 19, 2018Craig Goch Dam in the Elan Valley of Wales
Apr 19, 2019Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park shines
Apr 19, 2020Step into the dark
Apr 19, 2021Rays on parade
Apr 19, 2022Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Apr 19, 2023Taiwan yuhinas in Alishan National Scenic Area
Apr 19, 2025First day of National Park Week
Apr 19, 2026National Library Week

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 1, 2021Welcome to Scotland s garden
Dec 26, 2020Happy Boxing Day!
Oct 13, 2022Alaska moose
May 5, 2018Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Aug 10, 2018Assembling the Smithsonian
Dec 22, 2018Night of the ‘Cold Moon’
Feb 5, 2019Welcome to the Year of the Pig
Oct 6, 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
Jan 9, 2018Great Fountain Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Mar 23, 2021Uncommon clouds are gathering
Mar 9, 2021Spring comes to the Diablo foothills
Apr 21, 2024National Park Week continues
Aug 6, 2026Migrating wildebeest crossing Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya
Jun 30, 2026Giraffes at sunset in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
May 15, 2025Palace of Westminster, London, England
May 13, 2024Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Jan 23, 2025Sundance Film Festival
Jul 29, 2018A Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park, India
Mar 12, 2020Fiesta at Siesta
Jul 26, 2020A path to access
Dec 3, 2021Frost on autumn leaves
Sep 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Dec 19, 2019Winter at Valley Forge
Nov 11, 2024Veterans Day
Mar 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Sep 28, 2023World Maritime Day
Jul 1, 2022Tour de France
Oct 22, 2021Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Aug 8, 2023Infinity Day
May 19, 2026Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain