The Brough of Birsay
A Viking Age sauna
Key Facts
The Brough of Birsay has been an important settlement for over 1,300 years. The small tidal island was first occupied by the Picts in the late 7th century, likely serving as a high-status power centre in Orkney. Archaeological finds, including finely crafted brooches, combs and a distinctive Pictish symbol stone, show that the settlement was wealthy and influential.
In the early 9th century, Norse settlers established themselves on the island. Over the following three centuries they built houses, barns and workshops, creating a substantial settlement. Remains of these buildings can still be seen today, including a house with underfloor heating which may have been a sauna.
Archaeologists found a hundred pebbles on the building's floor. People would have heated them in a brazier then doused them with water to create steam. Hot air flowed beneath benches around the room. The walls were insulated with turf to hold the heat in a give an escape from the cold.
