Best Attractions in Shetland
Planning a trip to Shetland? Discover the best attractions in Shetland with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions in Shetland
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
42 attractions
-
Museum4.7★964 reviews
Shetland Museum & Archives
Located on Lerwick’s historic Hay’s Dock, the Shetland Museum & Archives offers a captivating journey through Shetland’s geological origins, cultural heritage, and maritime history. Visitors explore over 3,000 artefacts including delicate Shetland lace, Pictish art, and traditional boats in the Boat Hall. The museum also houses extensive archives and hosts dynamic temporary exhibitions, all within a restored 19th-century dock setting.
Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.8★823 reviews
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip of Shetland Mainland, is a historic beacon surrounded by dramatic cliffs and an RSPB nature reserve. The restored Grade A listed lighthouse buildings house an interactive visitor centre offering insights into Shetland's maritime history, wildlife, and geology. Visitors can explore seabird colonies, marine life exhibits, and WWII radar huts while enjoying spectacular coastal views.
Mon 10:00–17:00 · Thu–Sun 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.8★703 reviews
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
Jarlshof in Shetland is a remarkable archaeological site showcasing over 4,000 years of continuous human settlement from the Neolithic era through to the 17th century. Visitors can explore remains including Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse longhouses, and a 16th-century laird’s house, all set on a dramatic headland overlooking West Voe of Sumburgh.
Daily 9:30–17:30Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
-
Museum4.6★373 reviews
Scalloway Museum
Located in the historic town of Scalloway on Shetland’s mainland, Scalloway Museum offers a fascinating journey through local history, from early settlement to modern times. The museum is renowned for its extensive exhibits on the Shetland Bus, a daring World War II operation connecting Shetland and occupied Norway. Housed near Scalloway Castle, it features diverse artefacts, interactive displays, and a welcoming volunteer team, making it a must-visit cultural attraction in Shetland.
Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 · Sun 14:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Scenic point4.8★290 reviews
Eshaness Lighthouse
Perched atop towering cliffs on the Northmavine peninsula of Shetland, Eshaness Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime sentinel built in 1929 by the renowned Stevenson family. This distinctive square concrete tower, flashing white every 12 seconds, warns vessels of the perilous Ve Skerries reef offshore. Surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery, sea caves, and natural arches, the lighthouse combines rugged natural beauty with rich maritime heritage, now offering holiday accommodation in the former keeper’s cottage.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Nature reserve4.8★164 reviews
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Hermaness National Nature Reserve, located on the northern tip of Unst in Shetland, is a dramatic coastal sanctuary famed for its towering sea cliffs, expansive moorland, and one of the world’s largest seabird colonies. Home to species like gannets, puffins, and great skuas (bonxies), the reserve offers spectacular wildlife viewing, rich peatland habitats, and breathtaking views of Muckle Flugga lighthouse. Well-maintained boardwalks and trails provide access while protecting fragile environments.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 3–5 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.3★202 reviews
Fort Charlotte
Perched above Lerwick’s harbour, Fort Charlotte is an 18th-century artillery fort built to defend Bressay Sound from Dutch and French warships. Though it never saw battle, its ramparts and barracks offer sweeping views over the town and across to Bressay. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the site is free to explore and remains an active Territorial Army base, blending military history with community use during events like Up Helly Aa. Its stone walls, coastal position, and layered past make it a compelling stop in Shetland’s capital.
Daily 10:00–16:00Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Gift shop4.9★142 reviews
The Cake Fridge - Shetland
A quirky roadside honesty bakery on Shetland’s Mainland, open 24/7 with a fridge full of homemade cakes, bakes, and local treats. Right next door, a cozy tea room serves soup, sandwiches, and coffee, with outdoor picnic seating and views of the surrounding croftland. A beloved local institution and a must-visit for anyone exploring the west side of Mainland, it’s a charming, self-service stop where sweet cravings are always welcome.
Wed–Sun open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.3★196 reviews
Scalloway Castle
Scalloway Castle, a striking late 16th-century tower house on Shetland Mainland, was built by Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, as a symbol of his power and harsh rule. This L-shaped fortress once served as a residence, courthouse, and meeting place for Shetland’s parliament. Though now a roofless ruin, it remains a powerful reminder of Shetland’s turbulent history and the legacy of ‘Black Patie’. The castle is currently closed for conservation but can be explored by obtaining a key from the nearby museum.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Museum4.7★109 reviews
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness offers an immersive experience inside a traditional 19th-century thatched crofthouse, restored to reflect life in the 1870s. Visitors can explore the peat fire-warmed kitchen, handmade box beds, and authentic crofting tools, while enjoying the peaceful coastal garden and hearing stories of Shetland’s crofting heritage. The museum captures the resilience and daily rhythms of island life, set against stunning sea views.
Daily 10:00–13:00, 14:00–16:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
The Knab
The Knab is a scenic headland at the southern edge of Lerwick, Shetland, offering panoramic views over Lerwick Harbour, Breiwick Bay, and Bressay Island. Known for its natural beauty, coastal walks, and historic wartime buildings, The Knab is also a focus of ambitious community redevelopment plans aiming to blend sustainable housing, creative spaces, and public amenities, making it a vibrant hub that showcases island life.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Skaw Beach
Skaw Beach, located on the northern tip of Unst in the Shetland Islands, is famed as Britain’s most northerly sandy beach. This tranquil, sheltered beach features fine white sand backed by wildflower meadows, offering stunning views of the North Sea and unforgettable sunsets. Its remote location and natural beauty make it a serene retreat for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Tesco Superstore
Tesco Superstore on South Road in Lerwick, Shetland, is a large supermarket offering extensive grocery, fresh produce, and clothing options. Open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, it serves as a vital retail and community hub in this northern town, blending convenience with a broad product range including F&F Clothing. Its accessible location and long hours make it a key destination for locals and visitors alike.
Daily 7:00–23:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Broch of Mousa
Mousa Broch, located on the island of Mousa in Shetland, Scotland, is the tallest and best-preserved Iron Age broch in Europe. Built around 300 BC, this remarkable drystone tower rises 13 meters high with walls nearly 5 meters thick. It offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, featuring a narrow spiral staircase and commanding views over Mousa Sound. Accessible by boat from Sandwick, the broch is steeped in history and Norse sagas, making it a captivating archaeological site and cultural treasure.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 2–4 hrs
Tangwick Haa Museum
Tangwick Haa Museum, located in Eshaness on Shetland’s Mainland, is a historic late 17th-century laird’s house turned museum. It preserves the rich history and culture of Northmavine, showcasing the Cheyne family legacy and local life through diverse exhibits including family rooms, nautical heritage, and community artifacts. Surrounded by scenic coastal landscapes, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Shetland’s past and maritime traditions.
Daily 11:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Shetland Textile Museum
The Shetland Textile Museum in Lerwick is a unique community museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Shetland’s rich textile heritage, especially its world-renowned knitting traditions. Housing over 700 items, including Fair Isle and lace knitting, Taatit rugs, and tweed, it offers dynamic exhibitions and live demonstrations that bring the island’s textile culture vividly to life.
Tue–Sat 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Unst Heritage Centre
The Unst Heritage Centre, located in Haroldswick on the island of Unst, Shetland, offers a fascinating insight into the island's rich history, culture, and natural environment. Open daily from May to September, the centre features varied exhibits including local crafts, historical artefacts, and geological displays. Visitors can explore the heritage of Unst, the northernmost inhabited island in the UK, through engaging displays and a welcoming shop showcasing handmade items.
Daily 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Tagon Stores
Tagon Stores is a well-regarded general store located on the A970 in Shetland, offering a wide range of groceries, chilled goods, alcohol, and fuel. Known for its friendly service and essential provisions, it serves locals and travelers alike with extended opening hours throughout the week, making it a convenient stop in the Shetland Islands.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Fair Isle South Lighthouse
Perched on the remote southern tip of Fair Isle in Shetland, the South Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime sentinel. Established in 1892, it was the last manned lighthouse in Scotland before automation in 1998. With a noble yet tragic past marked by wartime losses, this lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime heritage amid rugged coastal beauty and birdwatching havens.
Mon–Thu 9:00–16:00 · Fri 9:00–14:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village
Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village in Shetland is a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site featuring a Middle Iron Age broch and an extensive village. Discovered in 1975 during road construction, it reveals continuous occupation from 400-200 BC through Pictish and Viking periods. Visitors can explore reconstructed Iron Age buildings, learn ancient crafts, and join guided tours during the summer season, immersing themselves in Shetland’s rich prehistoric past.
Fri 10:15–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Culswick Broch
Culswick Broch is a striking Iron Age drystone tower located on the rugged west mainland of Shetland, Scotland. Perched atop a rocky knoll overlooking dramatic cliffs and coastal lochs, this unexcavated broch features thick pink granite walls and a massive triangular lintel above its entrance. Though partially collapsed, it offers evocative views of the surrounding seascape and nearby islands, inviting visitors to explore its atmospheric ruins and the wild natural beauty around it.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Voe Public Hall
Voe Public Hall is a vibrant community hub located in the village of Voe, Shetland. Run entirely by volunteers, this welcoming village hall hosts a variety of events including weddings, parties, group meetings, youth clubs, and fitness groups. It features a registered Changing Places Toilet for accessibility and serves as a focal point for local social and cultural activities in a picturesque island setting.
Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
The Cabin Museum
The Cabin Museum in Mainland, Shetland, is a unique wartime and local heritage museum showcasing Shetland’s contribution to the two world wars alongside traditional Shetland life artefacts. Open seasonally from May to September on selected afternoons, it offers visitors an intimate glimpse into Shetland’s military history and rural culture through a collection of uniforms, medals, photographs, and distinctive Shetland tools.
Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Fair Isle North Lighthouse
Perched on the northeastern tip of Fair Isle, the Fair Isle North Lighthouse stands as a solitary sentinel amid the North Atlantic’s wild seas. This remote lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into maritime heritage, embodying the rugged isolation and natural beauty of Shetland’s most distant inhabited island.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Scord of Weisdale Viewpoint
Scord of Weisdale Viewpoint, located along the A971 in Shetland's Mainland, offers breathtaking panoramic views over Weisdale Voe towards Kalliness and the Hill of Hellister. This tranquil lay-by viewpoint showcases the region’s rugged coastal beauty and rolling hills, making it a must-see spot for nature lovers and photographers exploring Shetland’s west side.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Eshaness Broch
Eshaness Broch, located on the rugged northwest coast of Shetland’s Mainland, is an evocative Iron Age stone tower ruin set amid spectacular volcanic cliffs and wild coastal scenery. This remote area offers dramatic sea views, ancient archaeological remains, and a unique walking experience along cliff tops shaped by powerful Atlantic storms. The site combines rich history with breathtaking natural beauty, making it a must-see for lovers of geology, heritage, and wild landscapes.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
George Waterston Museum
The George Waterston Memorial Centre & Museum, located in the former Fair Isle School on remote Fair Isle, Shetland, offers a rich collection of island history, including knitwear, photographs, artefacts, and memorabilia. Open seasonally with guided tours available, it provides insight into the island’s cultural heritage, natural environment, and wartime significance, making it a key destination for visitors seeking to understand this unique community.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Lingness
Ling Ness is a serene coastal locality in Skellister, Shetland Islands, known for its scenic headland and tranquil natural beauty. This 39-meter-high promontory offers visitors a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and rugged coastline. Ideal for walkers and nature lovers, Ling Ness is a hidden gem that showcases the authentic island atmosphere of Shetland’s remote northern landscape.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Shetland Rural Experience Centre
Nestled in North Roe at the northern tip of Shetland's mainland, the Shetland Rural Experience Centre offers an authentic glimpse into island farming heritage through working sheepdog demonstrations, hands-on interactions with traditional Shetland sheep and ponies, and seasonal encounters with puppies and lambs. Run by David and Isla Murray, experienced dog trainers and crofters, the centre celebrates Shetland's agricultural traditions while showcasing the skill required to work with collies in this rugged landscape. Visitors can observe dogs at various training levels, learn about Fair Isle wool production, and explore the surrounding countryside rich with Viking history and natural beauty.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Foula Lighthouse
Perched on the rugged southern tip of Foula, one of the UK’s most remote inhabited islands, Foula Lighthouse stands as a vital beacon for maritime navigation. Established in 1986, this 8-meter tall, solar- and wind-powered lighthouse guards the western approaches to Shetland, with a powerful light visible for 18 nautical miles. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and wild landscapes, it embodies the island’s blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Esha Ness
Esha Ness is a rugged peninsula on the west coast of Northmavine, Mainland Shetland, famed for its volcanic cliffs, powerful Atlantic waves, and the iconic 1929 lighthouse designed by David Alan Stevenson. Visitors can explore dramatic sea inlets, blowholes, and ancient archaeological sites amid windswept, treeless landscapes, with opportunities to witness seabird colonies and the raw force of nature along one of the UK’s highest-energy coastlines.
Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Beorgs of Housetter, Standing Stones
The Beorgs of Housetter are a striking prehistoric site on Shetland, featuring two prominent red-pink standing stones flanking a flat stone, remnants of a Neolithic chambered cairn dating from 4000 to 2500 BC. These stones, standing up to 2.7 meters tall, mark one of Shetland’s few surviving ancient monuments, offering a tangible connection to the island’s early inhabitants and their ritual practices.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Giant's Leg, Bressay
The Giant's Leg is a striking natural sea arch located on the southern coast of Bressay, one of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. This impressive sandstone formation, shaped by millennia of erosion, stands as a geological marvel and a wildlife haven. It offers breathtaking coastal views and is part of a rugged landscape rich with history, including nearby World War I gun emplacements. The Giant's Leg is a must-see for nature lovers and those interested in Shetland's dramatic maritime heritage.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
RSPB Mousa
Mousa is a wild, uninhabited island in Shetland, Scotland, home to the Broch of Mousa—the best-preserved Iron Age round tower in the British Isles. This RSPB nature reserve hosts approximately 6,800 breeding pairs of European storm-petrels, representing 8% of the British population. Accessible only by ferry from April to September, the island offers visitors an extraordinary blend of 2,000-year-old archaeology, rugged coastal landscapes, and internationally significant seabird and seal colonies. No facilities exist on the island, making it a pristine destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs seeking an authentic wilderness experience.
Time to spend 2.5–5 hrs
The Hollanders Graves
On the wild west coast of Shetland’s Northmavine peninsula, The Hollanders Graves mark a poignant mass burial site linked to the 1674 Battle of Ronas Voe. A small granite cairn and plaque commemorate Dutch sailors killed when the East Indiaman Wapen van Rotterdam was captured by English warships. The site lies on the shore near Heylor, overlooking Ronas Voe, and is thought to be Shetland’s earliest known war graves. Access is informal, via a short walk along the foreshore, and the atmosphere is quiet, reflective, and deeply historical.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Most Northerly Point of National Cycle Route 1
Located on Holsens Road in Shetland, this spot marks the most northerly point of the famed National Cycle Route 1, a long-distance cycling route stretching from Dover to the Shetland Islands. It offers a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts seeking to complete one of the UK's longest and most scenic cycling adventures, surrounded by rugged northern landscapes and coastal views.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Hernaness National Nature Reserve
Hermaness National Nature Reserve, located on the northern tip of Unst in Shetland, is a wild and rugged sanctuary renowned for its dramatic cliffs, diverse seabird colonies, and sweeping coastal landscapes. This remote nature reserve offers spectacular views, abundant wildlife including puffins and gannets, and a profound sense of isolation at the edge of the world.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Mavis Grind
Mavis Grind is a strikingly narrow isthmus in Shetland, Scotland, linking the Northmavine peninsula with the rest of Mainland Shetland. This unique landform, approximately 100 meters wide, separates the Atlantic Ocean from the North Sea, offering a rare geographic spectacle where two mighty bodies of water lie just a stone's throw apart. Known for its Viking history and dramatic coastal scenery, Mavis Grind is a captivating natural landmark on the A970 road near Brae.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Nesting Phonebox
Nestled in Shetland’s scenic landscape, the Nesting Phonebox is a charming and unique bookshop housed within a classic red phone booth. This tiny literary haven offers a delightful surprise for book lovers and curious visitors alike, blending nostalgia with a passion for reading in a remote and tranquil setting. It’s an intimate cultural gem that invites exploration and discovery in the heart of Shetland’s ZE2 9PS area.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
The honesty box
The Honesty Box is a quaint farm shop located at Reafirth House in Mid Yell, Shetland. Operating on a unique self-service honesty system, it offers a delightful selection of fresh, locally sourced produce, homemade preserves, and artisanal treats. Nestled in a tranquil rural setting, this shop embodies the community spirit and agricultural heritage of the Shetland Islands, inviting visitors to experience authentic local flavors and the simplicity of island life.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Eshaness
Eshaness, located on the western tip of Northmavine on Mainland, Shetland, is a wild and windswept peninsula famed for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, powerful Atlantic storms, and the iconic Eshaness Lighthouse. Visitors can explore rugged coastal walks, ancient geological formations, sea caves, and storm beaches, all framed by breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands.
Price level $Time to spend 2–5 hrs
Hammers Ness - Gutcher Ferry
Brough Lodge, a striking 19th-century Gothic mansion on Fetlar in the Shetland Islands, sits near Hammers Ness and the Gutcher Ferry. This historic estate, built by the Nicolson family, blends Gothic Revival architecture with Classical and Moorish details, perched atop ancient Iron Age broch ruins. The lodge and its grounds offer a unique cultural and natural experience, with ambitious plans underway to restore it as a luxury retreat celebrating Shetland’s heritage.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Explore Shetland on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Shetland, mapped for you.
More about Shetland
Shetland travel guide
Discover Shetland’s windswept islands through Norse heritage, seabird cliffs, archaeological sites, coastal walks, local food and Lerwick culture.
Tell me more about ShetlandMore to explore in Shetland
Best landmarks in Shetland
Best shops in Shetland
Best bars in Shetland
Best restaurants in Shetland
Best nightclubs in Shetland
Best experiences in Shetland
Best hotels in ShetlandExplore more
Explore more of United Kingdom
Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.
Explore United Kingdom
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Shetland guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
