Jarlshof Archaeological Site & Hoswick Village
Jarlshof Archaeological Site & Hoswick Village
Your journey begins in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, as you travel south by coach through the island’s rugged countryside toward the small coastal village of Hoswick. Along the way, you pass rural settlements and open landscapes characteristic of southern Shetland. Upon arrival in Hoswick, you will have time to explore the Hoswick Visitor Centre, where interpretive displays present the history, culture, and traditional crafts of the islands. A visit to the knitwear shop offers the opportunity to browse locally produced Shetland garments, reflecting the region’s long-standing textile traditions.
The journey continues southward toward Jarlshof, one of Shetland’s most significant archaeological sites. Discovered after a powerful storm in the winter of 1896–1897 exposed the remains, the site reveals an extraordinary sequence of settlements representing more than 5,000 years of human habitation. During a guided exploration, you will walk among the remains of late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and a 16th-century laird’s house. Each structure reflects a different chapter in the long and layered history of the islands.
After visiting Jarlshof, the tour continues with a short drive to Dunrossness for a brief comfort stop before beginning the return journey to Lerwick. As you travel back through the open landscapes of southern Shetland, your guide will share additional insights into the island’s communities and traditions. The route also offers the possibility of spotting the famous Shetland ponies, often seen grazing in fields along the roadside. The drive concludes with your return to Lerwick, completing a journey that combines archaeology, local culture, and the distinctive scenery of the Shetland Islands.
Notes: Walking distances may reach up to 1.6 km (1 mile), primarily at Jarlshof, while walking at Hoswick Visitor Centre is at the guest’s discretion during free time. Paths at Jarlshof include uneven surfaces, loose stones, and grassy areas, and terrain may be slippery when wet. As the archaeological site is largely outdoors and exposed, paths may also become wet or muddy after rain, which can affect footing. Warm and waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Not all paths at Jarlshof are accessible for wheelchairs, and wheelchair users must be accompanied by a companion responsible for providing assistance throughout the tour. The tour may operate in reverse order to prevent overcrowding at venues, and only one coach is permitted in the Jarlshof car park at any one time.
A minimum number of participants is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. Please book on the Seadream.com website, or onboard, early to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on board.
Port: Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland
Duration: 4.25 hours
Current Price: 249 USD
Voyages where this land adventure may be found: