Mainland

Scenic Shetland island featuring a number of small villages, farms & archaeological sites.

When is your trip?

–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Mainland Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Mainland? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top destinations in Mainland

1. Lerwick

Top attractions in Mainland

1. Shetland Museum & Archives

4.7

(899)

Museum

Art gallery

Museum exploring the social, industrial and geological history of the Shetlands.

Slide 1 of 14

Superbly displayed local history museum in an attractive waterside location. Good access and facilities, friendly and helpful staff. Note as of October 2021, cafe closed, but should reopen when circumstances return to normal post-Covid.

Kevin Boak — Google review

Fascinating museum with so much to see and do. Helpful, friendly staff. Well worth a visit.

Helen Blackburn — Google review

Went for lunch in the restaurant run by The Dowry. Had a table booked - this is necessary due to the popularity of the eatery. We were served quite quickly considering how busy it was by friendly helpful staff. The menu is excellent - not extensive (just one side of an A4 sheet) but the dishes on offer were varied and interesting. All four of us had different choices and every dish was excellent. Prices are very reasonable - we will definitely be going back there.

Dave Diamond — Google review

Brilliant museum.Our guide was very knowledgeable. Best museum I been to in a very long time.

Jennie Rake — Google review

Really amazing wee museum and the staff were so friendly! We only had a short time to visit, so we asked what we should be sure to see and the woman at the front desk took us for a quick tour of the high points. The exhibits are arranged very thoughtfully and lead you through Shetland's history with lots to explore about different aspects of daily life, culture, and history. Wish we'd had more time!

Hannah Randolph — Google review

Nice musmem lots of interesting information about the shetlands, free to enter and helpful staff

James Jackson — Google review

This is a lovely museum that has so much varied history on the Shetlands. The staff were friendly on reception and also in the cafe, where they do really nice food. Well worth an hour or two here.

Danny Cherry — Google review

Excellent museum. As well as a very good overview of the history of the Shetland Islands, there was a lovely exhibition of photos of fisher women. The museum shop stocks a fascinating selection of very interesting books too.

Marianne Heredge — Google review

Amazing museum that is so well thought out and you travel through the life and times of Shetland. Nice wee cafe, but be prepared for a limited gluten free choice. Soup was amazing though!

Islean Gibson — Google review

Went along here as I had an hour or two to spare. Great place to visit for the history of the island, which it has plenty. From the beginning to the current day oil industry. There is also information on where to go and what to visit as you enter. Free entry and a donation if you wish. Small gift shop also within. The museum is split over two floors

Scott Walmsley — Google review

It was a little rainy and cold in town so we decided to visit the Shetland Museum. Completely agree with other reviewers on the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. The exhibitions were fascinating. Since arriving in Shetand my interest in the islands has increased and this museum helped explain some of the history. The cafe/ restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Once again great staff and a nice view out over the water. I would put this on a Lerwick visitor To Do list. Carparking available in adjacent carpark.

Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus — Google review

Well worth a visit and so much to see. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. The museum is free with an option to make a donation.

neil hedley — Google review

What a brilliant wee museum, we could have spent a lot longer here, but had to get back to the ship

Carol Topper — Google review

Very detailed informations, lots of interesting historical, cultural and natural facts. Must see if you want to know Shetlands better. Great gift shop with more to read and handy facilities including toilets and a coffee shop. The staff is very friendly. Oh, and the entry is free!

Marta Borowiec — Google review

2. Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

4.8

(635)

Sights & Landmarks

Historical landmark

Archaeological site with 4000+ years of human settlement remains from Neolithic to medieval times.

Slide 1 of 18

Great sight if you're into history. I recommend just taking the bus from lerwick. Leaves every hour from the bus station. The visitors center wasn't open but the paths and signage were more than enough. Bring a warm coat. Rain coat. Sunglasses. Scarf. Gloves and comfortable walking shoes. The weather can turn quick.

michael lynch — Google review

A delightful, fascinating, multi-era archeological site. It’s a beautiful site at the tip of the island and covers Neolithic to Middle Ages on one spot. The recorded tour takes you through each time period and covers in-depth what life was like at that time. It was also very accessible by local bus.

Lilo Zsolnay — Google review

Wonderful site with very adequate information panels .... great to walk where the ancients did and see the sophistication of their dwellings. Free entry. No staff apparent. Som sections of the broch are inaccessible at present for restoration.

Mary Freer — Google review

Such a well kept site and an excellent audio guide and visitor center. You learn so much and it is amazing to think how far back and how many different peoples used this one site. Worth a visit!

Jarod Glover — Google review

Absolutely amazing. The history of our civilization in one place dating back 4500 years. Very informative and enthusiastic staff. Simply wonderful. A must visit when on The Shetland Islands. Our westie Sarsie was so at home here.

Joe Lennon — Google review

A fascinating walk through 4000 years of history. You can wander around the site at your own pace. The audio guide provides excellent information. Less than £8 per person, well worth a visit.

Bill Grant — Google review

Jarlshof is a place remembering the Bronze and Iron Ages, the times of the rule of the Picts, Vikings and, finally, the British. One of Walter Scott's (author of "Rob Roy") novels titled "The Pirate" takes place here. Interestingly, the well-preserved buildings were exposed by a storm only at the end of the 19th century. The place is stunning, and it teaches modern people humility when they look at how complex, durable buildings were built by people thousands of years ago.

Kama Winnik — Google review

Beautiful location. Packed with history. Well preserved.

Ike Ibekwe — Google review

Brilliant historic site, made even richer by an audio guide included in the ticket price. Very friendly and helpful lady at reception. A most worthwhile experience on a beautifully sunny day

Barbara Blackshaw — Google review

Unique and extraordinary site, 4000 years of history stunningly presented by a beautiful coastal location.

Cathy Gilman — Google review

Amazing history! Beautiful views! Great place to walk around.

Diane Johnstone — Google review

Excellent guide that explained the ruins, and the people who made this their home starting 5000 years ago. Bronze age relics and encampments, then iron age, and eventually the Norse and Vikings. Evidence of cedar driftwood from North America used in some of the construction. Hotel and cafe nearby.

Mike Mihalik — Google review

It was surreal to experience a settlement that was first inhabited 4000 years ago. Very unique history that is well worth it if you're visiting Shetland. Being able to stand in the stone and hear and feel how well these ancient runes blocked the cold sea air and wind was incredible. Plus, it's only $7 for entry. Picked up a book on the Shetland bus and a Shetland pony tea towel in the gift shop. They had other local goods, too. Man working Tuesday 10/3 was very knowledgeable, too, thanks!

Carlie P — Google review

Loved visiting this amazing place. Incredible how well preserved it was. The only mistake we made was not doing a tour. We would have learned a lot more with a guide.

Kyle Hendsbee — Google review

I went in winter with no entrance fee. I had the place to myself but there were enough notice boards giving information. Amazing, given how old it is.

Carole Webb — Google review

Chose to visit on a wet and windy day, but that didn't spoil our visit. Informative visitor centre and friendly staff.

Kevin Kitching — Google review

A very wonderful neolithic village, plus a later Viking settlement and a later ruin of a 'castle'. Well preserved, with lots of interesting buildings, including an unusual wheel house. You can imagine people going about their everyday life. Gives a good contact with the past. We had a wonderful guide, Sarah.

Elizabeth Webber — Google review

So friendly and informative. Very interesting. We enjoyed this so much more than expected! Kids loved it! Such a beautiful place! Highly recommended. ❤️

Maggie Dale — Google review

3. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve

4.8

(731)

Nature & Parks

Nature preserve

Slide 1 of 13

Fantastic. Narrow single road approach with substantial passing places (these are NOT for parking in!). Added hazard of free roaming sheep. So travel slowly and have time to appreciate the views . Spectacular ... makes you feel on the edge of the world . A haven for seabirds . This is the time of year for puffins but they are off to their feeding grounds early . Lots of fulmars.

Mary Freer — Google review

What a joy to visit, many thanks indeed to the owners and staff for making this such an interesting and educational lighthouse to visit.

Roger Unwin — Google review

Great place to see coastal birds, such as puffins, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, Arctic skuas, etc.. No cetaceans were seen on this visit but orca visit here too.

Angus Carpenter — Google review

A great place for bird watching. Luckily whilst I was there the puffins were ashore and on the cliff top just a few feet away. Interesting to visit the lighthouse and see the equipment used to power the fog horn. Quite a steep walk up the path from the public car park, but there are a couple of disabled parking spaces at the top for those with mobility issues.

Mark Green — Google review

The scenery is amazing up close to the top of the lighthouse. There was a naturist on site and she said that the puffins are busy feeding their youngs and she pointed out a few spots to keep an eye on. Long behold, one of the puffins emerged from its burrow, stand for a few seconds and flow off.

Annie Mak — Google review

Fantastic views, interesting history. During holiday season the lighthouse complex is open to visitors. Bird colonies on cliffs.

Kevin Boak — Google review

Brilliant place to visit. Lots of amazing exhibits. Marine centre is fascinating and cafe is awesome for gluten free cakes.

Islean Gibson — Google review

Windy place but also a great view, you can spot the Orca’s if you are lucky. Undergoing some renovation at the minute. Parking at the bottom and some part way up. A solid road to walk up. Views out to sea, in land and of the airport

Scott Walmsley — Google review

Well worth a visit. Excellent explanation of the history of the lighthouse, supported by informative displays. Great views all round when weather is settled and visibility good. A must if visiting Shetland.

Ian McNeill — Google review

Short, steep climb from the car park. Great visibility of a cliff which - at the right time of the year - is crowded with breeding seabirds. Including puffins! The cafe is small but the service and quality of food is excellent. The visitors centre has interesting displays that include a (working) model of the fog horn.

Jo Ford — Google review

Sumburgh Head is a fantastic place for photographing birds especially Puffins. We have been a number of times and it never fails to impress. There are excellent views on Shetland South Mainland. It is a good uphill walk from the car park to the Lighthouse, there is a cafe unfortunately it had runout of most things when we went in June.

Arthur Jordan — Google review

We went on a Wednesday, so the visitor center was closed. However, even on days when the center is closed, there is plenty to see to make a visit worthwhile. Park in the lot at the bottom of the hill and walk up to the lighthouse. There are outdoor plaques to tell you about the lighthouse and history. The views are amazing and there are lots and lots of seabirds to see. Enjoy!

Jarod Glover — Google review

Wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs and lungs!! Crisp salt water and it's a short walk to the Stacks!! And watching all the cliff birds was mesmerizing! On the walk to the stacks wear excellent hiking boots and watch for all the Rabbit holes! But perfect!!!

Cherie Smith — Google review

4. Broch of Clickimin

4.6

(160)

Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Excavated remains of a circular Iron-Age fortification & an earlier Bronze Age farmstead.

Slide 1 of 15

I'd never heard of this type of fortified building before so being able to look around one that was quite so intact was a delight

Samantha Kelly — Google review

Very tidy site within the environs of Lerwick ... apart from some thoughtless recently discarded litter. Well labelled.

Mary Freer — Google review

Interesting place, we found the walk to Broch of Climinin along the coast breathtaking with many great sights on the way.

Gary Parry — Google review

A fun stop to explore with adequate signage at the site. We spend a few minutes at these sites to stretch our legs and observe the surrounding views. Worth a quick pit stop if you are in the area.

Betta Rautio — Google review

Very interesting, Bizarre that there’s nowhere really to park,

John Baynham — Google review

I highly recommend visiting. The broch is just at the edge of Lerwick and easy to walk to from the port. It's free to visit and had very few tourists. It is particularly interesting as so few broch's are so well preserved while being so accessible.

Lilo Zsolnay — Google review

Good example of it's type, close to Lerwick town centre. Really well preserved

Neil Roberts — Google review

Visited in a midnight but didn't actually get in. Heard a weird, creepy sound of the wind blowing through the broch when standing in front of it. That sound vanishes quickly once we step back a little. Always be respectful to these ancient heritages.

John Ho — Google review

Great example of a broch, though not necessarily the most authentic. Mousa Broch gives the best idea, but this is more accessible and has some of the atmosphere.

Peter McColl — Google review

Easy to access and a stunning bit of water surrounding it. Much a ruin, but a pleasant view if you go to the top. A small section to almost crawl through, but can stay stood up, then a circular grass section to navigate to the top, but with little difficulty.

Scott Walmsley — Google review

Really cool historic site and within walking distance of Lerwick - well worth a visit.

Hannah Randolph — Google review

Amazing place and very well kept.

Demon72 — Google review

Beautiful site, its magnificent to see such a site from thousands years back still exist in good condition

SQ Basx — Google review

An impressive Broch just on the outskirts of Lerwick. With information boards and being able to look around both inside and out, you'll get a good idea how well made these were providing shelter from the sometimes harsh weather.

ade0410 — Google review

Amazing broch with lots of interesting view points and paces to explore.

Islean Gibson — Google review

5. Scalloway Museum

4.6

(333)

Museum

Specialty Museums

Exhibits about the covert missions between Shetland & Norway, prehistoric settlement & more.

Slide 1 of 10

Absolutely packed with an abundance of history especially war stories from the brave men/women from Shetland. Excellent facilities, lovely staff and very welcoming! Best wee museum I've ever visited :) and right next to the beautiful Scalloway Castle!

Carol Johnson — Google review

Great exhibition on the Shetland Bus operation during WW2, thoroughly enjoyed the stories, found it engaging and immersive. Otherwise mostly general info on Shetlands fishing history. Surprisingly informative museum for such a quiet town, well done.

Jonny — Google review

What a joy. This little museum has a gem around every corner. For a small town Scalloway punches above its weight in terms of history. From the Stone Age to the Shetland Bus of WWII, this museum is packed with relevant and treasured artifacts. The staff are delightful and knowledgeable about the town and rightly proud of it's extraordinary past.

Anne Macmillan — Google review

Very friendly. Fascinating to see how much history there is for such a small place. Pre historic to mid 1900s.With the castle next door this is well worth a visit.

Wendy Freeman — Google review

I've been wanting to come here for a long time now. Totally worth the visit. VERY excellent exhibit on the Shetland Bus, and also a nice exhibit on Fair Isle/knitting/sweaters. Friendly staff, and a nice gift shop with good choices to support their exhibits. Plus nice knitwear from locals. Great place!!

Mark Craig — Google review

This is such a good museum and well worth the £3 admission fee. The staff on reception were very friendly. I learned so much about the Shetland Islands in the space of 1 to 2 hours. Really liked the aeroplane that was built in someone's shed! Plus all the Shetland Bus history. Nearby is the monument of remembrance for the Shetland Bus. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in this remote location.

Danny Cherry — Google review

A lovely museum with friendly, welcoming staff and lots to see and do. Really interesting and educational.

Helen Blackburn — Google review

I'm not one for going to museums but decided to visit this one as the life on the Shetland Islands has been so varied. I quite enjoyed it. And learned more about the Shetland Bus, which was a huge achievement during World War 2.

Ian Child — Google review

Such a great little museum, mostly run by volunteers, the work accomplished and the level of professionalism is astonishing. Billy who runs it was kind enough to open it during the closed season and we had the entire place to ourselves. He also has some fascinating stories from WW2 and we felt like it was both informative and touching. We learned a lot and can't recommend it enough. It also seemed very kid friendly!

Zoe MB — Google review

Clean, airy, very informative, good drinks machine,oh,and they prefer card payments

george sleight — Google review

6. VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre

4.6

(114)

Tourist information center

Visitor Centers

Slide 1 of 13

We went here on our first morning in Lerwick for some guidance on how to plan our trip. The lady behind the counter with dark hair and glasses (possibly Welsh/ Scottish accent) was extremely helpful at telling us where was popular, asked how much walking we planned to do, and booked our inter island ferries for us, and basically helped us design our entire trip. There are also nice souvenirs and plenty of maps/ guides for your time in Shetland. Just wanted to say thanks as I am a terrible planner and would have been lost without this visit. Also to the lady mentioned above - I think I saw you at Muckle Roe today in a red car but wasn’t sure so sorry for not saying hello! If it was you - we were there thanks to your recommendation which did not disappoint and was one of our highlights. Thank you and hopefully see you on our next visit!!

Joshua James — Google review

Really helpful and friendly staff, answered all our questions and gave us some helpful tips. Also a good book selection. I bought one for my stepdad for Christmas about lighthouses.

Alice Hills — Google review

Very helpfull friendly staff. Loads of info, make it the first stop when you get of the ferry.

David Wilson — Google review

Super helpful and well informed staff. Great first stop after arriving in the isles.

Johanna Seibert — Google review

Hamburg? Yes, deep relationship with Hamburg in Germany. Very nice old town!

Krischaan — Google review

Very busy tourist information point. You should really have more staff and/or maybe a separate 'quick' queue for visitors that are only buying souvenirs from the shop instead of asking for advice or trying to book some tours.

Antanas Brazenas — Google review

Really helpful and very friendly! Came to Shetland with no plans and these guys told us everything we needed to know

Jacob Batt — Google review

Really lovely staff, they helped us figure out some good things to do on Shetland that were accessible by bus. Lots of maps and souvenirs!

Hannah Randolph — Google review

We went in to find out a little information on Shetland and when the ferries go. We walked out with a full handwritten guide on a map, itinerary planned for our time here, and even our ferries booked. The young lady (Eilidh) who helped us was wonderful! Best service we have had our entire holiday.

Tommy de Jong — Google review

Lerwick is a discovery to me a wonderful quaint town. Only it is quite difficult to get to for me I would love to visit for longer and possibly take in the music festival in August(I think).

T & J — Google review

Never been somewhere so informative, helpful and friendly, staff are amazing. Lovely gifts and goodies to buy too

Katherine Griffin — Google review

Very helpful young woman on the desk was very knowledgeable, provided lots of information and created a positive and friendly impression of Shetland on our first day here. A great welcome to the islands.

Simon PC — Google review

Great volume of information available, really friendly and helpful staff, we didn't know where to begin before we visited the centre for help! Thank you, we've had an amazing time, we've ticked all our boxes 😀

Kirsty Padden-Barr — Google review

Other notable attractions

Scalloway Castle

Sights & Landmarks

Castles

Remains of the castle of an infamous earl, with a tower built around 1599.

The Shetland Crofthouse Museum

Museum

Historical place museum

Fort Charlotte

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Mareel - Music, Cinema and Education Venue

Arts organization

Sights & Landmarks

St Ninians Isle

Island

Nature & Parks

Connected to the mainland by a swath of sand, this quaint island features an archaeological site.

Lerwick Town Hall

City Hall

Sights & Landmarks

Tangwick Haa Museum

Museum

Specialty Museums

Shetland Textile Museum

Museum

Specialty Museums

Bonhoga Gallery

Art gallery

Sights & Landmarks

Quendale Water Mill

Mill

Museums

Best-of categories in Mainland

Mainland throughout the year

Ready to plan your trip to Mainland?

Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.

Plan on the go with our free travel app

With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.

Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Plan on the go with our free travel app

With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.

Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Mainland

Mainland Trip Planner

Mainland Trip Planner

Top destinations in Mainland

Top attractions in Mainland

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

All related maps of Mainland

Mainland throughout the year

Add places from guides with 1 click

Collaborate with friends in real time

Import flight and hotel reservations

Expense tracking and splitting

Checklists for anything

Get personalized suggestions