Shetland Attractions

Shetland is home to a surprising large number of things to do and places to go. When you're here, just tell us what your interests are and we'll point you in the right direction.

In the meantime, here is a list of the most popular:

Shetland Museum And Archives

The Visit Scotland graded 5-star Shetland Museum is the ideal place to find our more about Shetland's culture and heritage. Brimming with more than 3,000 artefacts, including a boat hall where boats are suspended from the ceiling, an exhibition area, shop and café restaurant, it will occupy you for hours.

Learn more at: www.shetland-museum.org.uk

Jarlshof

Travel through time with a walk inside Jarlshof, an underground settlement dating back as far as 2,500BC and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Scotland.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/archaeology

Mousa Broch

The only complete, free standing broch in the world, Mousa Broch has no equal. Dating back 2,000 years, this 13m high fortress structure has a stairway in between its thick stone walls so you can climb to the top to check for any invading Vikings!

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/tours

Hermaness National Nature Reserve

Located at the very tip of Shetland, on the island of Unst, is Britain's most northerly nature reserve - Hermaness. The world famous reserve provides a wonderful vantage point from which to watch more than 250,000 seabirds and provides spectacular views out towards the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and northwards towards where the North Atlantic Ocean battles against the North Sea.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/unst

Eshaness

Facing north and west, out over the North Atlantic and on towards Canada are the jagged cliffs and sea stacks of Eshaness. The result of millions of years of punishment by the North Atlantic Ocean, these amazing rock formations are testament to the colossal power that the ocean holds.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/northmavine

Island of Noss

Claiming some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain, Noss, just 10 minutes from Lerwick, is home to tens of thousands of Gannets, Guillemotts, Kittiwakes and Puffins. Take a stroll around the island and see and hear for yourself why Scottish National Heritage call it the Seabird Skyscraper!

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/noss

St Ninian's Beach

Sit and enjoy a picnic on one of the finest examples of a tombolo beach in Europe! At 500m long and almost 100m wide, St Ninian's, just 20 minutes south of Lerwick, has probably enough space for 5000 people but rarely sees more than a handful. The world-class beach leads you across to St Ninian's Isle where Shetland's most famous treasure was discovered and is absolutely perfect for a family day out.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/beaches

Sumburgh Head

Want to see Puffins up close? Sumburgh is home to the UK's most accessible Puffin colony. Located 30 minutes drive south of Lerwick, these funny little birds can be found in their thousands between April and July. All you have to do is spot them peeking out of their underground burrows!

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/south-mainland

Shopping In Lerwick

As Shetland's capital, Lerwick is home to two main shopping areas. Commercial Street in the old town of Lerwick hosts an array of knitwear, crafts and gifts shops as well as providing newsagents, chemists and clothing stores etc. 10 minutes walk north from Commercial street is the Tollclock Indoor Shopping Centre which also offers a variety of stores where you can buy anything from fresh smoked fish to electrical items.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/crafts-and-shopping

Places To Eat

Shetland has plenty of eateries throughout the islands so you're never too far from a hearty meal. From a simple dish with fresh local fish to a spicy Indian, Shetland has an array of places to eat that cater for all tastes.

Learn more at: http://visit.shetland.org/eating-out

Indoor Fun For Rainy Days

Clickimin is the largest of eight fantastic sports centres in Shetland operated by the Shetland Recreational Trust. Graded 4 star by the Scottish Tourist Board, it's facilities provide plenty of safe, fun activites for the kids and a relaxing environment for the parents.

Learn more at: www.srt.org.uk