Sumburgh Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque Mainland, Shetland region of Scotland, the charming village of Sumburgh offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and fascinating cultural experiences. Situated on the southern tip of Shetland, this idyllic village is a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the stunning scenery that Sumburgh has to offer. The iconic Sumburgh Head, a towering cliff that overlooks the North Sea, provides a captivating backdrop for breathtaking walks and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can spot various seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, nesting along the dramatic cliffs. The nearby Sumburgh Airport boasts picturesque views of the coastline and is a popular spot for plane enthusiasts to witness the arrival and departure of aircraft.

For history buffs, Sumburgh offers a glimpse into the region's fascinating past. The Sumburgh Lighthouse, built in 1821, is a historic landmark that once guided ships through treacherous waters. Today, it stands as a testament to the maritime heritage of the area and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about its intriguing history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Cultural enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Sumburgh as well. The nearby Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement showcases the remnants of a complex archaeological site, spanning over 4,000 years of history. From Bronze Age dwellings to Viking longhouses, visitors can delve into the lives of the early inhabitants of Shetland and gain a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.

Sumburgh also offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. With its rugged coastline and pristine beaches, the village is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Whether it's surfing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a leisurely swim, the crystal-clear waters offer endless opportunities for aquatic adventures.

After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind and indulge in the local cuisine at one of Sumburgh's charming eateries. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Scottish dishes, the village's restaurants offer a taste of the region's culinary delights, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Shetland.

Alternative names: Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 59°52'10"N, 1°17'40"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Sumburgh Top Attractions

Sumburgh Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sumburgh offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head, Old Scatness, Ness of Burgi fort. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins • Historical place • Museum
Jarlshof
Jarlshof is the best known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland, Scotland. It lies in Sumburgh, Mainland, Shetland and has been described as "one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles".
Nature and wildlife • Park • Lighthouse
Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the Mainland of Shetland.
Historical place • Museum • Archaeological museum
Old Scatness
Old Scatness is an archeological site on the Ness of Burgi, near the village of Scatness, parish of Dunrossness in the south end of Mainland, Shetland, near Sumburgh Airport and consists of medieval, Viking, Pictish, and Iron Age remains.

Archaeological site
Ness of Burgi fort
The Ness of Burgi fort is an iron-age promontory fort in the Old Scatness archaeological site on the Ness of Burgi, a narrow finger of land reaching south from the Scat Ness in the far south of the island of Mainland, Shetland in Scotland.
59°52'0"N • 1°17'45"W
West Voe of Sumburgh
The West Voe of Sumburgh, is the most southerly bay on the Shetland Mainland, located between Sumburgh Head, and the point of Scat Ness.
59°53'4"N • 1°17'40"W
Pool of Virkie
The Pool of Virkie is a tidal lagoon in the parish of Dunrossness, south Mainland, Shetland.
Neighbourhood
Virkie
Virkie is the most southerly district of Shetland, other than Fair Isle and is best defined as the area south of the Ward Hill in Dunrossness, also locally referred to as "below da hill", or "da laich Ness".

Day trips

Sumburgh – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sumburgh, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Shetland Museum and Archives (Lerwick), Shetland Library (Lerwick), Fort Charlotte (Lerwick).

21 milesN
Specialty museum, History museum, Maritime museum
Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick
The New Shetland Museum and Archives at Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, was officially opened on 31 May 2007 by Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay.
20 milesN
Library
Shetland Library, Lerwick
Shetland Library is a Scottish public library service, with its main branch based in Lerwick and membership open to both residents of and visitors to the islands.
20 milesN
Forts and castles
Fort Charlotte, Lerwick
Fort Charlotte in the centre of Lerwick, Shetland, is an artillery fort, roughly five sided, with bastions on each of three landward corners, and half-bastions on the corners of the seaward face.
44 milesN
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Esha Ness Lighthouse, Hillswick
Eshaness Lighthouse is situated on the Northmavine peninsula in the north-west of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It sometimes rendered as Esha Ness Lighthouse.
18 milesN
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Bressay Lighthouse, Bressay
Bressay Lighthouse is still an active lighthouse in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, 4 kilometres south-east of Lerwick. It is located on the island of Bressay at Kirkabister Ness overlooking Bressay Sound.