Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland
Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement is one of Scotland's most remarkable archaeological sites. It provides a journey through over 4,000 years of human history, with continuous occupation evidence spanning Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch, Pictish dwellings, a significant Norse longhouse settlement, and a medieval farmstead.
Mousa Broch is the best-preserved Iron Age broch in the world, rising over 13 meters (43 feet) tall. Mentioned in Norse sagas, its preservation offers unique insight into Iron Age engineering and life.
You can climb an internal staircase to the top of the broch for panoramic views, making it an excellent half-day trip.
Features interactive exhibits, a boat shed with traditional Shetland boats, a popular café overlooking the harbor, and a gift shop. Allow 2-3 hours.
A charming gallery space, with a popular café known for its baking, and a craft shop selling high-quality local crafts and artwork.
Complements a visit to Scalloway Castle, providing local historical context and insight into the wartime "Shetland Bus" operation.
The Shetland Museum and Scalloway Museum offer free entry, making them accessible cultural resources.
Check individual museum websites for current opening hours, as these can vary seasonally.
Explore layers of history across Shetland's landscapes, from ancient settlements to medieval castles, each site offering a glimpse into the islands' past.
Ruined 17th-century tower house built by tyrannical Earl Patrick Stewart, overlooking Scalloway. Free to access, from Scalloway Museum.
Impressive Iron Age broch on an island in Clickimin Loch, connected by a causeway to Lerwick. Free and always open.
Internationally significant multi-period archaeological site near Sumburgh Airport, with a continuously excavated Iron Age broch and village.
Famous for its stunning tombolo connecting to a small island with medieval chapel ruins and the discovery site of the Pictish silver treasure.
Many sites are free and open-access. For Mousa Broch and Old Scatness, check seasonal opening times and ferry schedules.
At St Ninian's Isle, the tombolo can be covered by sea at high tides or stormy weather; check tide times before visiting.
Scalloway Castle, a ruined 17th-century tower house, has a dramatic presence and a dark history tied to tyrannical Earl Patrick Stewart.
Clickimin Broch, located on an island in Lerwick's loch, is an impressive example of prehistoric defensive architecture.
St Ninian's Isle, connected by a sandy tombolo, was the discovery site of a significant hoard of Pictish silver artifacts.
These sites collectively paint a picture of Shetland's layered past, from ancient settlements thriving through millennia to medieval power struggles. They showcase remarkable human ingenuity and resilience across various historical periods.
Shetland's dramatic natural beauty is a major draw, with stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife. Venture beyond the well-known sites to discover equally captivating hidden gems.
Located at the northern tip of Unst, this reserve features immense colonies of gannets, puffins, and great skuas, with stunning cliff-top views.
A spectacular example of volcanic coastline in Northmavine, shaped by ancient eruptions and powerful sea erosion, with dramatic cliffs and sea stacks.
One of Britain's most remote inhabited islands, known for its dramatic 370-meter high cliffs and unique birdlife, including a large colony of great skuas.
Shetland boasts numerous beautiful sandy beaches, often deserted and peaceful. Enjoy quiet walks, beachcombing, and the wild coastal environment.
Explore BeachesVisit Muness Castle on Unst, a ruined 16th-century tower house and the UK's northernmost castle, offering a glimpse into island life centuries ago.
Discover Muness CastleLook for common and grey seals, elusive otters, porpoises, dolphins, and increasingly, orcas in Shetland's waters.
Find Wildlife ToursFrom May to July, Sumburgh Head, Noss, and Hermaness host vast seabird colonies, including puffins, gannets, and guillemots.
RSPB Sumburgh HeadExplore picturesque settlements like Uyeasound on Unst, and enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the North Mainland.
Plan Your DriveDiscover the tranquility of Shetland's more remote islands, offering unique geological features and a distinct island lifestyle.
Fetlar, known as the "Garden of Shetland," offers a greener, more fertile landscape and is a haven for unique birdlife.
Many of Shetland's most captivating spots require a little more effort to reach, but the reward is stunning scenery and peaceful solitude.
Always check ferry timetables and weather conditions when planning trips to outer islands or remote coastal walks.
Shetland's combined historical significance and raw natural beauty create an unique travel experience, where ancient sites meet dramatic landscapes.
Explore prehistoric settlements and Iron Age brochs that tell stories spanning thousands of years of human occupation.
Witness the power of nature at Eshaness Cliffs and the beauty of tombolos and sea stacks along the rugged coastline.
Encounter vast seabird colonies, curious seals, and the chance to spot otters and various marine mammals.
The wild, remote northern tip of Mainland Shetland, with fascinating ruins of old fishing stations and breathtaking coastal views. It requires a significant walk from the road end.
Explore Fethaland WalkConnected to Mainland by bridge, these islands offer charming villages like Hamnavoe, beautiful sandy beaches (Meal Beach), and lovely coastal walks. Provides an easily accessible island life experience.
Discover Burra IsleMany historical sites and natural attractions are freely accessible year-round. Specific visitor centers or museums may have seasonal opening hours.
Plan Your VisitConsider organized tours for easier access to more remote locations or for expert guidance on wildlife spotting and historical context.
Find Tours on GetYourGuideAlways follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, leave no trace, and respect private property and the natural environment when exploring.
Access Code DetailsThe Shetland Museum & Archives serves as a hub for understanding the islands' diverse history and culture, offering free admission and comprehensive exhibits.
Smaller museums and galleries enrich the cultural landscape, focusing on specific community histories and contemporary art.
These sites offer unique glimpses into Shetland's diverse character, from its ancient past to its natural present.
Fethaland, the wild northern tip of Mainland Shetland, showcases fascinating ruins of old fishing stations and provides breathtaking coastal views, ideal for keen walkers.
A rewarding destination for those seeking wilderness and history.
Burra Isle, connected to Mainland by bridge, boasts charming villages, beautiful sandy beaches (Meal Beach), and coastal walks, providing an easily accessible island experience.
A delightful destination often overlooked by those rushing to the North Isles.
Papa Stour, a remote island on Shetland's west side, offers unique geological formations and extensive sea caves, providing a tranquil escape for explorers.
This remote island provides an authentic and serene experience.
Dedicate time to Jarlshof, Scalloway Castle, and the Shetland Museum to immerse in the islands' layered past.
Prioritize Sumburgh Head for birds, Eshaness for dramatic cliffs, and consider a boat trip for marine wildlife.
Plan visits to Foula, Papa Stour, or Fethaland for a truly remote and unique experience.
