About Jarlshof
Journey through 4,000 years of history at this remarkable Shetland archaeological site, where ancient settlements span from prehistoric times to Viking era and beyond.
What's nearby
- Sumburgh Hotel next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
A massive slice of history from about 6000bc but don't tell Orkney about that. So, yatdy yardy 1500 years this 5000 years that... The true star of the show is Bobby, he even looks Viking! Truthfully, he added a lot to our stay but the area has so much to see and learn- I really do feel I understand Shetland and the Norse more. Thank you- amazing 🤩
· via Google
Really interesting place to visit, located near a hotel for parking. The staff were friendly and knowledgable about the sites history. You are given a pre recorded tour and can listen as walking round. It is a fair price to visit and there is also fields close by with animals.
· via Google
The audio guides are so helpful and interesting, it’s fascinating to see Neolithic structures like this and understand that the very stones you’re looking at are the same ones that someone else thousands of years ago looked at, too, and called it home :)
· via Google
There has been human inhabitation of this site for almost 5000 years. Many different settlements occupied this site. There is a visitor centre where you can see some of the great discoveries made here. Uncovered by a series of storms. This prehistoric site was unknown when the Laird‘s house was built here in the 1600s. Adjacent to the site is a hotel with a fine restaurant with parking for the site. A large amount of the site was eroded with the rising seas. There is only half of the mid Iron Age round tower called a Broch that stood 2000 years ago.
· via Google
Visitors say this historic site features well-preserved ruins spanning multiple eras, from Neolithic to Viking and Scottish times, with many different structures to explore. They also highlight the excellent, informative audio guide included with the ticket, which enhances the self-directed tour. Guests mention the staff are friendly and helpful, and the site offers good value for the entry price.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Sumburgh, Shetland, ZE3 9JN Get directions
- Category
- Sightseeing & Attractions
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (933 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Shetland Isles