Scapa Flow, Natural harbor in Orkney Islands, Scotland
Scapa Flow is a natural harbor in the Orkney Islands, lying between the islands of Mainland, Graemsay, Burray, South Ronaldsay, and Hoy, where the water spreads across a wide area. The harbor basin offers calm, sheltered conditions thanks to the surrounding islands that form a natural breakwater.
The German High Seas Fleet scuttled its own warships here on June 21, 1919, after World War I ended. The British Navy used the bay as a major fleet base during both world wars because of its sheltered position.
The name comes from an Old Norse word meaning boat, reflecting the maritime tradition that has defined this sheltered water since Viking times. Visitors can explore exhibits at the local museum that show how the bay served as an anchorage through the centuries.
The waters hold many shipwrecks that divers with different experience levels can explore throughout the year. Underwater visibility varies depending on weather and season, with calm days offering the best conditions.
In 2007, the world's first ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas at sea took place here. This operation showed that the sheltered waters could serve modern industrial purposes as well.
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