17 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Shetland Islands - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Shetland Islands

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Broch of Mousa

A remarkably well preserved tower dating all the way back to the Iron Age.

Lerwick, Scotland

Up Helly Aa

During this Shetland Islands celebration, hundreds of torch-carrying "guizers" lead a procession to burn a viking longboat.

Sumburgh Head, Scotland

Jarlshof

This picturesque archeological site looks like it was pulled straight from a fantasy novel.

Baltasound, Scotland

Bobby's Bus Shelter

This Shetland Islands bus shelter may be small, but it squeezes in a couch, a desk, some art, and even an old telly.

Fetlar, Scotland

The Hjaltadans Stone Circle

On a remote island, legend has it that a fiddler and his wife were turned to stone.

Out Skerries, Scotland

Schoolhouse Cinema

A remote island holds what claims to be Scotland's smallest cinema.

Lerwick, Scotland

The Dutchman's Leap

Legend has it that a Dutch fisherman lost control of his Shetland pony and tumbled from this cliff.

Haroldswick, Scotland

The Viking Unst Project and Skidbladner

Recreations of a Norse longhouse and boat on Shetland's northernmost inhabited island.

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Atlas Obscura Trips

Poetry and Music in the Scottish Lowlands

See the lowlands through the eyes of one of Scotland’s most celebrated poets, exploring old port towns and ancient fortresses, sipping single malt whisky, and wandering the breathtaking landscapes that inspired the beloved bard.

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Sheonagh wants to go to The Gloup Disaster Memorial

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Stories About Shetland Islands

Unstfest celebrates puffins, among other features of Unst.

A Remote Shetland Island Could Become a Spaceport

Unst's isolation is an asset for satellite launches. And it has a radar station.

by Sarah Laskow

November 15, 2017

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