Old and new collide here, with Sumburgh airport right by this picturesque, instructive archaeological site. Various periods of occupation from 2500 BC to AD 1500 can be seen; the complete change upon the Vikings' arrival is obvious: their rectangular longhouses present a marked contrast to the preceding brochs, roundhouses and wheelhouses. Atop the site is 16th-century Old House, named ‘Jarlshof’ in a novel by Sir Walter Scott. There’s an informative audio tour included with admission.
Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
Jarlshof
Shetland
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.57 MILES
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1.16 MILES
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18.57 MILES
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0.88 MILES
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23.99 MILES
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Nearby Shetland attractions
0.88 MILES
This dig brings Shetland’s prehistory vividly to life; it’s a must-see for archaeology buffs, but fun for kids, too. Clued-up guides in Iron Age clothes…
2. Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre
1.16 MILES
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2.76 MILES
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3.17 MILES
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5.51 MILES
This gloriously white sandy beach is backed by dunes and is Shetland's finest strand. Near it, Spiggie loch is an important bird reserve and also draws…
7.35 MILES
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Near Sandwick, Hoswick Visitor Centre has a great collection of old wirelesses (including the daddy of them all – the Murphy type). There are displays on…
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- placement: superzone
- path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
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