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Shetland Islands

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Shetland Islands

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

Updated December 13, 2021

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Unusual Attractions in Shetland Islands

Up Helly Aa

Lerwick, Scotland

Up Helly Aa

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

A misty day at Mousa Broch

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Broch of Mousa

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

Jarlshof

Sumburgh, Scotland

Jarlshof

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

2016's theme: puffins!

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.

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.

Fetlar, Scotland

The Hjaltadans Stone Circle

On a remote island, legend has it that a fiddler and his wife were turned to stone.

Schoolhouse Cinema, one of the smallest cinemas in Scotland.

Out Skerries, Scotland

Schoolhouse Cinema

A remote island holds what claims to be Scotland's smallest cinema.

The Viking Unst Project and Skidbladner

Haroldswick, Scotland

The Viking Unst Project and Skidbladner

Recreations of a Norse longhouse and boat on Shetland's northernmost inhabited island.

See All 18 Things To Do in Shetland Islands

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Shetland Islands

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.

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NEW - Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

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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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