Places to visit
Begin at the Shetland Museum and Archives
Telling Shetland’s story, from its geological beginnings to the present day, the Shetland Museum and Archives is the place to start your journey in Shetland’s heritage and culture. The displays highlight the important part our geology has played in this story - from our earliest rocks, half the age of the earth itself, to the recent oil industry.
The Museum and Archives also introduces the network of heritage and cultural sites throughout the isles and can help you to decide which sites to visit for your particular area of interest.
Things to do
Take a guided trip with Shetland Geotours
Discover the varied and exciting geological features that Shetland has to offer with Shetland Geotours.
You will experience the beautiful and diverse geology, landscapes and archaeology of Shetland and have the chance to encounter some of our wonderful wildlife close up. A range of guided walks and tours are available.
All tours are open to anyone with an interest and no previous knowledge or qualifications are necessary. Study packs are provided for study tours and your experienced guide Allen Fraser will impart his extensive knowledge of all things Shetland.
Shetland Geotours has received 3 star rating from the Visit Scotland Quality Assurance Scheme.
Cruise around Bressay and Noss with Seabirds-and-Seals
Explore the spectacular wildlife and desert sandstones of Bressay and Noss with Seabirds-and-Seals.
Step on board the Dunter III and see 20,000 gannets, 25,000 guillemots and hundreds of kittiwakes puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, shags and skuas up close. Discover an ancient desert environment, find out what the climate was like 370 million years ago and see traces of volcanic gas explosions, giant storms and rapid sea level rise.
Weather permitting, you’ll sail close to the magnificent rock arch of The Giant’s Leg and, view plankton, starfish, crabs, sea urchins, soft corals and jellyfish with an underwater camera.
Your expert guide Dr Jonathan Wills can answer questions on the natural history, geology and folklore of Bressay and Noss.
Seabirds-and-Seals is rated as a 4 star Wildlife attraction by Visit Scotland.
Find out more about Shetland's geology
Discover Shetland Rocks!
Explore from the comfort of home with these interactive tours