Jarlshof
An archaeological site spanning four thousand years, with Bronze Age houses, Iron Age wheelhouses and Viking longhouses stacked on top of one another.
Jarlshof sits at the southern tip of the Mainland of Shetland. A storm stripped away the sand dunes here in the late 19th century, revealing the site, which is now one of Britain's most important archaeological sites. Remains from every period lie layered on the same spot, from Neolithic houses dating to around 2500 BC, Bronze Age villages, Iron Age stone towers and 'wheelhouses', to Viking longhouses, medieval farmsteads and a 16th-century laird's residence. You can follow the walking trail through them in order. Admission is about £9, and an audio guide is included in summer. The site is only about 1 km from Sumburgh Airport and can be visited alongside Sumburgh Head.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:30 (Apr–Sep)
Nearby sights
- Old Scatness
- Sumburgh Head
- Shetland Croft House Museum
- St Ninian's Isle
- Broch of Mousa
- Scalloway Castle & Museum
- Broch of Clickimin
- Up Helly Aa