Attractions and Places To See around Unst - Top 19

Unst is a haven for nature lovers, offering diverse landscapes. You can visit the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, known for its dramatic coastal scenery, cliffs, and sea stacks, home to over 100,000 seabirds. Another unique spot is the Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve, a geologically distinct, moon-like landscape formed from serpentine rock, where rare plants thrive. The island also boasts numerous pristine beaches, such as Skaw Beach (the UK's most northerly) and Lund Beach, each showcasing varied geological formations.

The best place for seabird and puffin viewing is the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. During the summer, it's home to vast colonies of gannets, puffins, guillemots, and great skuas. There's a specific Puffin Viewing Point at Hermaness NNR where you can observe these birds. The View of Hermaness Cliffs and Sea Stacks also offers spectacular sights of nesting birds.

Unst is rich in history. You can explore Muness Castle, the most northerly castle in the British Isles, built in 1598. The island also has a significant Viking heritage, with over 60 known longhouse sites. You can see excavated longhouse remains at sites like Belmont and Hamar, and visit a replica Viking longship and reconstructed longhouse in Haroldswick.

Unst offers a variety of walking and hiking trails, many showcasing its stunning natural beauty. Popular options include the moderate Muckle Flugga Trail and the Uyeasound to Muness Trail. For a shorter walk, consider the easy View of Hermaness Head – Gannets' Rock Cliffs loop. You can find more details and routes for hiking around Unst on the Hiking around Unst guide page.

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore Unst. There are several routes available, ranging in difficulty. For example, you can try the difficult Unst Bus Shelter – Norwick Beach loop from Uyeasound or the moderate Sand Water – Loch of Garth loop from Cullivoe. More cycling routes and information can be found on the Cycling around Unst guide page.

Absolutely. Unst offers several family-friendly attractions. Children often enjoy the quirky Bobby's Bus Shelter, which is frequently decorated thematically. Exploring the replica Viking longship and reconstructed longhouse in Haroldswick provides an engaging history lesson. The island's many beaches, like Lund Beach, are also great for family outings and exploring rock pools.

The summer months (June to August) are generally considered the best time to visit Unst, especially for wildlife viewing. This is when the seabird colonies at Hermaness are at their most active, and the weather is typically milder, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors. However, the island's dramatic landscapes and historical sites can be appreciated year-round.

Unst is one of Europe's richest Viking heritage sites. You can explore excavated longhouse remains at various locations like Belmont, Hamar, and Underhoull. In Haroldswick, there's a replica Viking longship, Skidbladner, and a reconstructed Viking longhouse, offering a tangible connection to the island's Norse past. The Unst Heritage Centre also provides insights into the island's history, including its Viking era.

Unst is often called a 'geologist's paradise' due to its incredibly diverse geological makeup. Its landscape ranges from spectacular cliffs and sea stacks to unique serpentine rock formations, particularly evident at the Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve. Parts of Unst were once at the bottom of the ocean and formed part of the Earth's mantle, making it a fascinating place to observe geological history.

Beyond its natural beauty and history, Unst has several unique cultural and quirky spots. The famous Bobby's Bus Shelter is a local institution, often decorated thematically. You can also visit the Unst Heritage Centre and the Unst Boat Haven in Haroldswick to learn about local history and maritime traditions. For adults, the Shetland Reel Distillery, Britain's most northerly distillery, offers guided tasting tours of its gin and whisky production.

Visitors to Unst consistently praise its dramatic natural beauty, especially the spectacular cliffs and abundant seabird colonies at Hermaness National Nature Reserve. The historical significance of sites like Muness Castle and the island's rich Viking heritage also leave a lasting impression. Many appreciate the tranquility and the unique, remote feel of the UK's most northerly inhabited island.