Jarlshof & Scenic Mainland Drive
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Port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Shetland is a mosaic of more than a hundred islands inhabited by approximately 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife.
Travel one hour south of Lerwick to visit Jarlshof. In the winter of 1896, a violent storm uncovered this remarkable archaeological site, revealing remains from New Stone Age (Neolithic), Bronze and Iron Age settlements. Rectangular stone houses from an ancient Viking community can also be seen here. Explore with your guide the remains of these village settlements, sprawled over a low green promontory by the sea.
Continue the short distance to the small, historic village of Hoswick and a 45-minute stop at the Visitor Center. Here, you'll gain an understanding of the history and culture of Shetland through interpretive displays. Those interested in a little shopping can purchase original Shetland garments in Shetland wool from the knitwear shop.
As you travel, you'll also see the small agricultural areas where sheep farming is important. Distinctive black and brown Shetland sheep graze in pastures enclosed by neat dry-stone walls, and small crofting communities nestle on narrow peninsulas, never far from the sea. Peat is now rarely used in Shetland to heat homes, but you will see the areas where peat is cut as you continue across the moorland on the 45-minute return drive to Lerwick.