Lerwick and Mainland are the two popular islands that tourists frequent in the Shetland Islands. Some of the other islands do have archeological remains that are interesting and well worth a visit. The oldest settlements here date back to the Stone Age; following that are Bronze Age huts (made of stone, and of an interesting oval shape), Iron Age settlements, wheelhouses, and an entire Viking settlement, remains of all of which are to be seen. 

Situated in the capital, Lerwick, the Shetland Museum is easily the most impressive museum in the islands. It has a very good collection of artefacts and antiques, some of them dating back to the 8th century. Included in the list of items on display are Pictish silver ornaments and utensils, and exhibits relating to maritime history. The museum itself is housed in an old and interesting building, with carved Celtic knotwork panels on either side of the front door. Also a part of the museum is a room containing old Shetland books, and a hall for temporary exhibitions by local artists.

One of the most imposing buildings in Lerwick, the town hall was designed by the architect Alexander Ross, in 1884. Constructed of local sandstone from Bressay and Orkney, the edifice is today the premises of the Chief Executive of Shetland Islands Council. There are two main reasons why you should have a look at this building: it has lovely stained glass windows, and the view from the tower is excellent. 

Lerwick has other sights worth a visit; there are old and beautiful churches, like the St Magnus Episcopal Church, with its lovely stained glass panes; the old Kirk of St Columba’s; and the Roman Catholic church of St Margaret’s. Fort Charlotte, and the area around the harbour of Lerwick, with its historic houses (including smuggler’s tunnels and a house with a boat as a roof!) are great fun to wander around

Located in the Northmavine area, in Eshaness, the Tangwick Haa Museum is open only during the peak tourist season, from May 1 to September 30, but manages to attract a fair crowd even in that short duration. The building which houses the museum dates back to the 1600s, but underwent extensive renovations recently, with the museum itself being opened only in the 1980s. Among the items on display are photographs, household items, and artefacts from the Northmavine area, illustrating the life of the local populace. Other than this, there are temporary exhibitions, all relevant to local history and culture; and there’s a re-created parlour (called `the laird’s room’) which is worth a peek.

The largest and deepest loch in the Shetlands, Girlsta Loch is on Mainland, and is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Within the lake is an island with a legend attached to it- it’s believed to be the grave of Geirhilda, who is said to have died here in 870 AD, while travelling with her father to Iceland. The lake, which lies north of Lerwick, is a beautiful one, and full of fish- particularly brown trout and Arctic char (the latter got stranded inland during the last Ice Age, and have evolved in the time since then into slender fish, quite distinct from their marine cousins). Worth a visit if you’re keen on nature, or like fishing.

 One of the most amazing pre-historic sites in all of Britain, Jarlshof is definitely worth a visit, and is an absolute must if history interests you. 

A spectacular 3-acre archaeological site, Jarlshof lies at a distance of approximately 35 km from Lerwick, and can be reached by bus or car.Jarlshof is an excellent example of `strata’- one settlement on top of the other, over a period of around 30 centuries.  And as if that isn’t all, there are also the ruins of a medieval farmhouse and a 16th century hall. In addition, there is a visitor centre which explains the history of the area and has an exhibition on life during the Iron Age.

Jarlshof is open to visitors only during spring, summer and autumn; it closes during the winter months.