Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Scotland

At the end of the 19th century, storms ripped open the low cliffs at Jarlshof, near the southern tip of Shetland and revealed an extraordinary settlement site representing 4,000 years of human history. Formal archaeological excavation which began in 1925 found a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, Bronze-Age village, Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse longhouse, medieval farmstead, and 16th-century laird’s house.

The first people to reach Shetland probably landed not far from Jarlshof some 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. The Bronze Age settlers left evidence of several small oval houses with thick stone walls and various artefacts including a decorated bone object. The Iron Age ruins include several different types of structure including a broch and a defensive wall around the site. The Pictish period provides various works of art including a painted pebble and a symbol stone. The Viking-age ruins make up the largest such site visible anywhere in Britain and include a longhouse; excavations provided numerous tools and a detailed insight into life in Shetland at this time. The most visible structures on the site are the walls of the Scottish period fortified manor house, which inspired the name "Jarlshof" that first appears in an 1821 novel by Walter Scott.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Daily: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £5.50
Child £3.30
Concession £4.40

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Disabled Facilities

Almost all of the site is accessible with a little care and patience.

There are cobbled paths on the site but the grass verges can be used in dry weather.

The path to the broch and wheelhouse area is too narrow for wheelchairs but access is possible for more mobile visitors. Seating is available within the grounds.

The interpretation centre houses a hands-on display of local materials traditionally used on site including stone and slate.

A sound loop is available at cash till area.

Arrangements have been made for visitors to Jarlshof to have access to toilets in the nearby Sumburgh Hotel

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More Information

Telephone: 01950 460 112

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