Top 10 things to do in Shetland
Shetland is Scotland’s northernmost archipelago, with Norse heritage, seabird cliffs, wild coasts and Up Helly Aa. It is remote, and many sights are outdoors.
- 1
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
📍 SumburghHistory, ancientA site with 4,000 years of settlement layers, beside the sea.
- 2
Sumburgh Head
📍 SumburghSeabirds, lighthouseA lighthouse and nature reserve with puffins in summer.
- 3
Shetland Museum and Archives
📍 LerwickFree, historyA free museum on Shetland’s story, in Lerwick.
- 4
Mousa Broch
📍 SandwickHistory, boatThe best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland, on a small island reached by boat.
- 5
St Ninian’s Isle
📍 BigtonBeach, historyA tombolo beach leading to a ruined chapel.
- 6
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
📍 UnstWalks, puffinsA cliff reserve with puffins and gannets on Unst.
- 7
Eshaness Cliffs
📍 NorthmavineCoast, lighthouseDramatic volcanic cliffs with a lighthouse.
- 8
Scalloway Castle
📍 ScallowayHistory, castleA ruined 17th-century tower house.
- 9
Up Helly Aa
📍 LerwickFestival, NorseA fire festival in Lerwick in January with a Viking theme. The exhibition runs all year.
- 10
Unst Heritage Centre
📍 UnstHistory, museumA small museum in the UK’s northernmost island.
Where to base yourself
Lerwick suits the harbour and museum. Sumburgh suits the airport and the south. The North Isles suit quiet days.
Last checked: October 2026.