The Atlas Obscura Guide To Shetland Islands

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Shetland Islands, Scotland

Updated December 13, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Shetland Islands

Lerwick, Scotland

Up Helly Aa

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

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Broch of Mousa

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

Sumburgh, Scotland

Jarlshof

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

Hoswick’s cake shelter (Emma’s Cake Corner).

Bixter, Scotland

Shetland Cake Fridges and Honesty Boxes

Across the islands, baked goods, sauces, and much more are for sale 24/7.

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.

See All 18 Things To Do in Shetland Islands

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Shetland Islands

Bixter, Scotland

Shetland Cake Fridges and Honesty Boxes

Across the islands, baked goods, sauces, and much more are for sale 24/7.

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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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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Shetland Islands

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Shetland Islands, Scotland

Unusual Attractions in Shetland Islands

Lerwick, Scotland

Up Helly Aa

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Broch of Mousa

Sumburgh, Scotland

Jarlshof

Bixter, Scotland

Shetland Cake Fridges and Honesty Boxes

Baltasound, Scotland

Bobby's Bus Shelter

Fetlar, Scotland

The Hjaltadans Stone Circle

Out Skerries, Scotland

Schoolhouse Cinema

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Shetland Islands

Bixter, Scotland

Shetland Cake Fridges and Honesty Boxes

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Shetland Islands, Scotland

Shetland Islands Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Shetland Islands Activity

Stories About Shetland Islands

A Remote Shetland Island Could Become a Spaceport

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Shetland Islands

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Shetland Islands, Scotland

Unusual Attractions in Shetland Islands

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Shetland Islands

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Shetland Islands, Scotland

Shetland Islands Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Shetland Islands Activity

Stories About Shetland Islands

A Remote Shetland Island Could Become a Spaceport

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