Eshaness Lighthouse
Geopark Shetland
Ancient geology, archaeological treasures, Viking heritage and wildlife tell a story spanning billions of years.
At a glance
- Yacimientos arqueológicos:
Jarlshof, Mousa Broch, Clickimin Broch
- Fauna:
gannets, puffins, otters, seals, dolphins, orcas
- Ciudades y pueblos:
Bressay and Noss, Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Lerwick, Papa Stour, The Out Skerries, Unst, Whalsay, Yell
What to expect
Geopark Shetland is like no other geopark. Spanning the entire Shetland archipelago, this largely treeless, windswept landscape has been three billion years in the making and home to human communities for thousands of years. Remnants of an ancient ocean floor sit alongside coastlines shaped by geological forces, prehistoric settlements, Viking heritage and a landscape teeming with wildlife and seabirds. Whether you are standing beside rocks formed millions of years ago, watching seabirds nest on towering sea stacks or uncovering traces of the Bronze Age, Shetland’s landscapes tell a remarkable story of people, place and time.
La Reserva Natural Nacional de Hermaness, Shetland
© Nature Scot / Lorne Gill
La réplica de un barco vikingo, Unst
© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles
La playa de Sands of Meal, Islas Shetland
© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles
La playa de Braewick y las Red Cliffs, Shetland
Un grupo de orcas en la costa de las islas Shetland
© Brydon Thomason
Gulberwick, Shetland
© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles
Highlights in Geopark Shetland
Experience Geopark Shetland with a visit to its dramatic landscapes, prehistoric archaeology, Viking heritage and walking trails. Discover ancient geology and spot the islands’ rich wildlife along the way.
Archaeology
Shetland’s archaeology spans thousands of years. Visit Jarlshof, where ancient dwellings and Viking remains reveal 4,000 years of history, then step inside Mousa Broch or Clickimin Broch, and imagine island life centuries ago.
Step back in time in Geopark Shetland
Clickimin Broch
© Promote Shetland / Promote Shetland
Wildlife
Wildlife thrives on Shetland, from the seabird colonies of Hermaness, Noss and Sumburgh Head to the surrounding seas. Watch gannets dive, spot puffins and otters, or search for seals, dolphins and orcas.
Discover the rich flora and fauna of the Geopark Shetland
Un frailecillo en la Reserva Natural Nacional de Hermaness, Shetland
© Nature Scot / Lorne Gill
Walking
With over 1,500 miles of coastline, Shetland is a walker’s paradise. Follow the Volcano Trail explore the towering cliffs of Eshaness or walk to Sumburgh Head to see seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Find your next walking route on Shetland
Minn Beach on the island of West Burra
© Promote Shetland / Promote Shetland
Shetland by area
This archipelago is ancient and historic, with many areas and corners of the islands unique in their own way. Explore the places and islands listed below and find the perfect place to stay, visit and experience Shetland for yourself.
Bressay and Noss
Bressay lies east of Lerwick and is just a short ferry trip, while Noss is off the east coast of Bressay and is a paradise for nesting birds.
Fair Isle
An island that lies midway between Orkney and Shetland, famous for its knits.
Fetlar
Fetlar lies just south of Unst, east of Yell and is known as the ‘Garden of Shetland’.
Foula
One of the most remote inhabited islands in the British Isles.
More places in Shetland
Lerwick – the main town and port, found on Mainland.
Papa Stour – a small, rugged island off the west coast of Mainland Shetland and popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Out Skerries – three tiny islands just off Whalsay and Shetland’s most easterly outpost.
Unst – Britain’s most northerly inhabited island.
Whalsay – a strong fishing heritage and located half-an-hour by ferry from the east coast of Mainland Shetland.
Yell – the largest of the Northern Isles.
Lerwick, Shetland
El festival del fuego Up Helly Aa, Lerwick
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
El Fjarå Café Bar, Lerwick
© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles
Jarl Squad March with their replica Viking galley
Plan your trip
Getting to the geopark
Bus y autocar
You can travel by train, Citylink coach or Ember bus to Aberdeen. From there you can catch the ferry over to Shetland.
Bus services within Shetland are provided by Zetland Transport Partnership and operated by a number of different operators.
Check out bus timetables and other transport information from ZetTrans
Ferry
Avión
Accessibility
Check for accessibility information with local providers when booking your stay. The charities AccessAble and Euan’s Guide provide more information to help you plan your accessible holiday or day out.
Nearby regions to visit
Find out more about Shetland and other Scottish regions you can visit nearby the geopark to extend your trip.
The Scottish Highlands
Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.
Orkney
These astonishing islands shelter Scotland’s ancient past, from standing stones to entire early settlements carved into the coastline.
Inverness
Discover Inverness, our capital of the Highlands, with scenic riverside walks, historic sights and a warm local atmosphere.