Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

There has been human inhabitation of this site for almost 5000 years. Many different settlements occupied this site. There is a visitor centre where you can see some of the great discoveries made here. Uncovered by a series of storms. This prehistoric site was unknown when the Laird‘s house was built here in the 1600s. Adjacent to the site is a hotel with a fine restaurant with parking for the site. A large amount of the site was eroded with the rising seas. There is only half of the mid Iron Age round tower called a Broch that stood 2000 years ago.

The whole purpose of the days excursion was to visit Jarlshof. Reportedly unique in that a number of ruins from different eras exist on the same site, yet they were not built on top of each other (as is normal) nor did they steal stones from each other. From Roman Brochs to Viking Longhouses, Farms, Ancient huts/houses, a smithy, a partial Wheelhouse, and some sort of keep/lairds House, this site has many different things to wonder at. I loved the visit, although due to our tour composition picture taking was hard and hearing our guide even harder amongst our slow moving 'tourist herd'. Looking at the stone walls, it's hard to imagine what life would have been like (other than cold). I understand that there are better preserved ruins, castles and so on across Scotland and the UK, but this one had ones that spanned millennia. One of the best excursions yet.

This interesting archaeological site is located on the coast at Sumburgh Head. There you will find intriguing evidence of human occupation spanning the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Norse, Medieval and recent periods. Artefacts recovered from the site can be seen at the Lerwick Museum. The interpretation centre at Jarlshof has a nice selection of books. Well worth a visit. 👍👍👍

This is a world class site for anyone even vaguely interested in ancient history. Even those who are not should come for the location and may be have their interest picqued. The museum and gift shop are modern and stylish. It is comparable in scale and importance to Scara Brae but in addition has Pictish and medieval components.

Amazing place with friendly staff. I highly recommend using the audio guide as it explains the history of the site very well. Only downside is no toilets on site.

Really one of those wow moments. To see it so well preserved. Defo worth a visit. Can be a bit windy so an extra layer or two maybe a good idea.

Amazing place near a main Hotel and Sumburgh Airport (Shetlands main airport). All about 35 mins south of Lerwick by car. You receive a handset with recorded tour guide. The buildings are from different time periods up to medieval. I read that it is bigger than Orkney's neolithic site at Scarpa Flow. It's about 9 pound entry. Expect to be there 1 to 2 hrs.

This place is amazing. In addition to being a unique historical site, it's beautiful. The audio guided tour is excellent. The staff is very helpful. We took the #6 bus from Lerwick. It was a beautiful ride.