The Shetland Mainland is by far the largest of this island group, with a long and fjord-like coastline of bays, inlets, headlands and smaller nearby islands, which make for some breathtaking seascapes.
To the south is a long finger of land pointing down to Sumburgh Head, with spectacular cliffs home to a historic lighthouse and thousands of breeding seabirds, best viewed from the RSPB nature reserve. This area also has the finest archaeological remains on the islands.
Jarlshof was exposed by a storm 100 years ago, just like Skara Brae on Orkney, and is an incredible collection of ancient buildings daring from the Bronze Age to the 17th century. Mousa Broch is accessible by boat, and is a wonderfully preserved Iron Age tower.
The charming harbour of Lerwick is Shetlands largest town, built on the prosperity brought by the herring fishing trade and more recently North Sea oil from the oil terminal in Sullom Voe. This bustling and characterful place has some fine stone buildings overlooking the water, old-fashioned shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants and a good local museum.
On the opposite coast is the attractive historic port of Scalloway, once the capital of the islands, and dominated by its atmospheric ruined 17th century castle.
North of Lerwick the island is less populated and has some wonderful scenery.
The west is characterised by rolling hills and moors, inlets and lochs and some fantastic sandy beaches. To the north is a more rugged landscape of cliffs, caves, arches and rocky sea-stacks.
Whatever you prefer, the island has fantastic opportunities for getting out and enjoying the countryside - walking, sailing, fishing, mountain-biking, golfing and more.
Shetland Museum and Archives Hays Dock, Lerwick, Shetland Mainland ZE1 0WP
Award-winning museum complex. Shetland Museum and Archives information
Noss and Bressay Cruises Victoria Pier Slipway, Lerwick, Bressay ZE2 9ER
Boat trips around the spectacular coastline of the islands of Noss and Bressay. Noss and Bressay Cruises information
Up Helly Aa Galley Shed, Lerwick, Shetland Mainland
World-famous Viking fire festival. Up Helly Aa information
Mousa Broch Mousa, Sandwick, Shetland Mainland
Best preserved Iron Age defensive tower. Mousa Broch information
Scalloway Castle Scalloway, Shetland Mainland
Imposing ruined castle dominating this small town. Scalloway Castle information
Fort Charlotte Lerwick, Shetland Mainland
18th century fort protecting Lerwick harbour. Fort Charlotte information
The Croft House Museum Boddam, Dunrossness, Shetland Mainland
Life in a thatched 19th century crofters cottage. The Croft House Museum information
Quendale Water Mill Dunrossness, Shetland Mainland ZE2 9JD
Restored mill and crofting museum. Quendale Water Mill information
Hoswick Visitor Centre Sandwick, Shetland Mainland ZE2 9HL
Local history centre and cafe. Hoswick Visitor Centre information
Bod of Gremista and Shetland Textile Museum Gremista, Lerwick, Shetland Mainland
Historic fishing booth hosting textile heritage exhibitions. Bod of Gremista and Shetland Textile Museum information
Scalloway Museum Main Street, Scalloway, Shetland Mainland
Local history, including the Norwegean WWII resistance movement. Scalloway Museum information
Taingwick Haa Trust Eshaness, Northmavine, Shetland Mainland
Local history of Northmavine. Taingwick Haa Trust information
The Cabin Museum Laxo, Vidlin, Shetland Mainland
Wartime history of the islands. The Cabin Museum information
RSPB Sumburgh Head Sumburgh, Shetland Mainland
Wonderful dramatic cliffs overlooked by a lighthouse. RSPB Sumburgh Head information
Jarlshof Ancient Settlement Sumburgh, Shetland Mainland ZE3 9JN
Houses spanning 4,000 years of history on one site. Jarlshof Ancient Settlement information
The island has everything - enjoy the beaches as well as the small towns.
Towns Near Shetland Mainland To Visit - straight line distance:
Whalsay Tourist Information (9.42 miles) Bressay Tourist Information (12.84 miles) Yell Tourist Information (19.45 miles)