Shetland – the Most Important Attractions
The islands in the far north reveal their history, nature and wild beauty. Here are the finest attractions of Shetland.
Inhalt: Top 5 Attractions | Map of All Attractions | Beaches | Mainland | Lerwick | Unst | Video
My Top 5 Recommendations for Your First Trip to Shetland
Is this your first visit to Shetland and you have only a little time? Then these are the five attractions you should see.
Nature, Technology
I | Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head with its lighthouse marks the southern tip of Shetland’s main island. Seabirds and even whales can be spotted here. You can explore the buildings around the lighthouse on a guided tour.
History
II | Jarlshof
One of the most impressive historic sites in Scotland. It brings together structures from the Stone Age through to the Middle Ages, and as a visitor you can walk right through the centuries.
Beach
III | St Ninian’s Beach
One of the finest beaches on Shetland, lapped by the sea on both sides. A narrow tombolo leads out to St Ninian’s Isle. A wonderful sight and a most refreshing walk.
Capital
IV | Lerwick Old Town
The main town has been an important harbour for centuries. The old buildings along the waterfront display history in all its beauty. The Lodberrie is known from the TV series “Shetland”.
Nature
V | Cliffs of Eshaness
The view of the sheer plunging cliffs and the crashing Atlantic waves is one of the finest sights Shetland has to offer. Take your time and walk along the clifftops.
Map of Places of Interest in Shetland
The Finest Beaches
Tucked within Shetland’s dramatic coastline, you will find bay after bay of the finest sandy beaches. Here is an overview of the most beautiful ones.
Attractions on the Mainland
Shetland’s main island is simply called “Mainland”. There is much to discover here. These are its attractions.
History
1 | Old Scatness
Alongside Jarlshof and the Broch of Mousa, Old Scatness is another archaeological gem in the Shetland landscape. For just a few pounds you can join one of the three daily tours that lead through the Iron Age village.
History
2 | Quendale Mill
Here you can visit a grain mill built in 1867. On display are the old grinding mechanism, tools of all shapes and sizes from the surrounding crofts, and of course the millwheel itself. The craft shop sells locally made crafts as well as coffee and cake.
History
3 | Crofthouse Museum
Step inside and travel back to the 19th century. Experience for yourself what life may have felt like 160 years ago. The houses are authentically furnished with original pieces. The museum is open during the summer months and admission is free.
Places
4 | Hoswick
This former fishing village was the heartland of Shetland tweed production after the World Wars. The visitor centre displays period fabrics, order books and looms. There is also a café serving tasty snacks. The small village is home to further fashion shops and jewellery designer Karlin Anderson.
Nature, History
5 | Mousa
This island off the east coast of Mainland can only be reached by passenger ferry from Sandsayre. Mousa is home to what is probably the best-preserved broch in Scotland – it stands 13 metres tall. The island is a nature reserve rich in birds and marine life. Boat trips to the island run from April to the end of September and typically last 3.5 hours.
Places
6 | Scalloway
Once Shetland’s capital, Scalloway remains the second largest settlement on the islands. The main attraction is the castle and the museum beside it. My tip: the walk along the harbour past the old row of houses.
What to see in Lerwick
History
Clickimin Broch
Just outside the gates of the capital Lerwick lies the Clickimin complex. This collection of prehistoric structures on a loch was inhabited over many centuries. The most important feature is the remains of the broch. Entry is free.
History
Shetland Museum
In the main town, a modern exhibition traces the lives of the islanders through the centuries. You can see facial reconstructions, mediaeval stonework, traditional boats and even cars. Free entry.
Food & Drink
Lerwick Distillery
Scotland’s most northerly whisky distillery is located in Lerwick. The master distiller is Ian Millar, who previously worked mainly in Speyside. No whisky has yet matured, but there are already “While we wait” bottles representing the future flavour. The distillery also produces gin. Tours and shop visits are available.
History
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte has overlooked the capital Lerwick since 1780. With its twelve cannons, it once guarded the harbour and the sound of Bressay. When you visit Lerwick, you can walk freely through the fortification and enjoy the views over the town.
Nature
7 | Mavis Grind
At this point the land is so narrow that two seas almost meet: the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic to the west. You could practically throw a stone from one sea into the other. A walk here takes you to the remains of a burial cairn, passing an old quarry along the way.
Technology
8 | Scatsta Airport
This is one of the most fascinating abandoned places on Shetland. The airport once brought workers to Sullom Voe and onwards to the oil rigs. In 2020, however, Sumburgh Airport took over this role and Scatsta was closed. Down a side road off the B9076 you can drive up to it and peer through the fence.
Technology
9 | Sullom Voe Terminal
Shetland is relatively prosperous, thanks to the oil and gas reserves of the North Sea. The hub for crude oil is Sullom Voe Terminal, one of the largest in Europe. From a viewpoint along the B9076 you can look out over the facility.
Nature, Geology, History
10 | Stennes
As part of the Shetland Geopark, agate stones can be found in the bay. Today Stennes has only a handful of houses, but a fishing village once stood here, the ruins of which are still visible. Walking along the coast you can also see a remarkable island: Dore Holm with its natural stone arch.
Nature, Geology, History
11 | Tangwick Haa
A small museum illuminating local history. The highlight is the Laird’s Room, which features a well-appointed interior from the 19th century. Further rooms contain artefacts from the past and changing exhibitions. The museum is open from mid-April to the end of September.
Shetland Ponies
The weather and rugged landscape have made this breed of horse hardy and resilient. Shetland ponies are something special and a sight in their own right. You can often see them across the islands – near Jarlshof, for instance, or on the road to Eshaness. If you would like to experience the horses up close, you can do so at the Shetland Pony Experience.
What to see on Unst
The island of Unst lies right at the northern tip of Shetland. If you have enough time, a day trip there is well worthwhile. These are the attractions awaiting you.
History
12 | Muness Castle
This castle was built by a descendant of King Robert the Bruce, who later moved to Scalloway Castle. Muness stands today as a ruin in the south of Unst. You can explore its interior free of charge, though some of the passages are rather dark.
Nature, History
13 | Easting Beach
The remains of more than 60 Viking longhouses have been found on Unst – a higher density of rural buildings than even in Scandinavia. Such remains were excavated in the bay at Easting and can be viewed there. They lie directly alongside a long sandy beach.
History
14 | Unst Viking Project
Outside the village of Haroldswick on Unst lies a replica Viking ship called Skidbladner. Here you can see how skilfully the hull was crafted and take the helm yourself. All free of charge. Right beside the ship stands a replica longhouse of the kind the Norsemen once built on Shetland.
History
15 | Unst Heritage Centre
The small exhibition illustrates how the people of Unst lived, recreating living conditions and displaying photographs. Particularly impressive are the lace textiles in the display cases, woven so finely they resemble spiderwebs. The centre is open from May to mid-October. A small admission charge supports the centre.
History, Technology
16 | Unst Boat Haven
Shetland and its inhabitants have long navigated stormy seas in small wooden boats. These remarkable craft from different eras and in various sizes have found a safe harbour here. In the centre of Haroldswick you can view them between May and mid-October for a small admission fee.
Nature
17 | Hermaness
A place of pilgrimage for birdwatchers in spring and summer. Fulmars, gulls, gannets, puffins and many more nest in the cliffs at Hermaness. You can also see the northernmost lighthouse on the island of Muckle Flugga. To visit, however, you will need to lace up your walking boots – it is three kilometres each way to the cliffs.