Attractions and Places To See in Shetland - Top 20

Shetland offers dramatic natural beauty. Don't miss the towering cliffs and sea stacks at View of Hermaness Cliffs and Sea Stacks, a National Nature Reserve. The unique St Ninian's Tombolo Beach, the largest active tombolo in the UK, is also a must-see. The Holes of Scraada showcase the power of the sea with a cliff tunnel leading to a beach. Other notable spots include Sumburgh Head, the Eshaness Coast with its rugged cliffs, and Ronas Hill, the highest point in Shetland offering extensive views.

Shetland is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Hermaness National Nature Reserve is home to vast colonies of seabirds, including puffins and gannets. Sumburgh Head is another excellent spot for seabird watching, particularly puffins, and offers opportunities to spot seals, otters, and even dolphins or whales in coastal waters. Noss National Nature Reserve also boasts spectacular cliffs teeming with nesting birds like gannets, guillemots, and fulmars.

Shetland is rich in ancient history. The prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the UK, showcasing over 4,000 years of human habitation. The Mousa Broch, an Iron Age round tower on the island of Mousa, is incredibly well-preserved and can be explored. Other significant sites include Old Scatness, an Iron Age broch and village, and Clickimin Broch in Lerwick.

Yes, Shetland features several historical castles and structures. Scalloway Castle, built in 1599, was once the capital of Shetland. Fort Charlotte in Lerwick is a 17th-century fort built to protect against attacks. On the island of Unst, you can find Muness Castle, the United Kingdom's most northerly castle, built in 1598. The Esha Ness Lighthouse and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse are also significant historical structures, offering dramatic views.

To delve into Shetland's rich Norse and Scottish heritage, visit the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick, which offers comprehensive displays. The Shetland Crofthouse Museum at Boddam provides insight into 19th-century crofting life. On Unst, the Haroldswick Viking Longhouse & Longship features reconstructed Viking longhouses and a replica longship, illustrating the Viking presence. The Up Helly Aa Exhibition in Lerwick showcases the spectacular fire festival.

Shetland offers a variety of hiking experiences. Popular routes include the circular walk around St Ninian's Isle, the coastal path from Ness of Hillswick to The Drongs, and the scenic route from Eshaness Lighthouse to the Broch. For more options, you can explore various trails in the Hiking in Shetland guide.

Yes, Shetland has several easy walks suitable for beginners. The St Ninian's Isle circular walk is considered easy, as is the route from Ness of Hillswick to The Drongs. Another accessible option is the Eshaness Lighthouse to Broch coastal route. For more detailed information on gentle trails, refer to the Easy hikes in Shetland guide.

Shetland provides diverse cycling opportunities, from moderate to difficult routes. You can cycle from Scalloway Castle to Lerwick Community Gardens, or enjoy a loop from Meal Beach with views of Scalloway. For a more challenging ride, try the Mavis Grind Isthmus to Sand Wick Beach loop. Discover more routes in the Cycling in Shetland guide.

Many of Shetland's natural and historical sites are suitable for families. Exploring the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof or the Mousa Broch can be an engaging educational experience. The sandy tombolo at St Ninian's Isle Beach is perfect for walks and beach activities. Wildlife spotting at Sumburgh Head or Hermaness National Nature Reserve is also a popular family activity. The Shetland Museum and Archives offers interactive displays for all ages.

The best time to visit Shetland for outdoor activities, especially hiking and wildlife watching, is generally during the late spring and summer months (May to August). During this period, the weather is milder, days are long (experiencing the 'Simmer Dim' or twilight hours), and seabirds are nesting, offering prime viewing opportunities. However, Shetland's weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for all conditions.

Many of Shetland's outdoor areas and walking routes are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock and ground-nesting birds. The walk around St Ninian's Isle is a popular choice. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly during lambing season or near bird colonies.

Shetland's geology is fascinating. The Holes of Scraada are a dramatic natural monument where a narrow opening descends to a beach through a cliff tunnel. St Ninian's Tombolo Beach is a stunning sandy causeway connecting an island to the mainland. Mavis Grind is a narrow isthmus where the Atlantic Ocean nearly meets the North Sea, a unique geological spot. The Eshaness Coast also features dramatic sea cliffs, caves, stacks, and arches carved by the ocean.

Lerwick, as the capital, offers a range of accommodation and dining options, with attractions like Clickimin Broch and Fort Charlotte nearby. Areas around major natural sites like Sumburgh Head and the Esha Ness Lighthouse often have holiday lets or smaller guesthouses. It's advisable to check local listings for specific cafes, pubs, and accommodation near your chosen attractions, as options can be limited in more remote areas.