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Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement (HS)

Virkie, Mainland

This extraordinarily important site spanning 3000 years is a complex of ancient settlements within a very small area. The oldest is a Bronze Age village of oval stone huts. Above this there are an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, and higher still an entire Viking settlement. The most recent settlement dates from the early 1600s.This building – the Old House of Sumburgh – was christened Jarlshof by Sir Walter Scott in his novel ‘The Pirate'. A visitor centre has displays on Iron Age life and the history of the site. Shop.

Opening Times

April – September - daily 9.30am - 6.30pm.

1st October - 31st March - 9.30am to dusk (will vary day on day) tickets available from the Sumburgh Hotel