Unst tourist information

At the very tip of Britain lies the lonely isle of Unst, the most northerly inhabited place in the country and one with a truly beautiful coastline, including some of the most dramatic seacliffs in the Shetlands.

In the north of the Island, looking out to hundreds of miles of open ocean, are high and exposed rocky cliffs home to thousands of breeding seabirds at the National Nature Reserve at Hermaness. On this stretch of coastline is also the wonderfully named Muckle Flugga lighthouse, set on its own rocky island. Giving a wonderful contrast are the lovely sandy beaches, such as at Norwick.

Unst has been inhabited for many thousands of years, and historic sites are scattered across the island, including Britain's most northerly castle at Muness. The Viking Unst project undertakes excavations of the Norse period and also reconstructions and other events.

Today the largest settlements are the fishing harbours of Baltasound and Harold's Wick which have a close-knit and friendly community. Here there is a heritage centre and the Boat Haven, and museum dedicated to the traditional boats of Shetland. Saxa Vord has a popular restaurant and is also home to the local Vallhalla Brewery and Foord's Chocolate factory.

Unst is also one of the best places to meet the Shetland ponies, small and hardy with thick coats to weather the harsh winters, they roam freely over the hills.