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A mini guide to
South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Plan Mousa early in your trip
The Mousa Boat asks visitors not to leave the trip to their last day, as sailings depend on the weather.
Leave the car at the bottom
Sumburgh Head asks visitors not to drive to the top unless they need the accessible spaces; free parking is in the lower car park.
Check the tombolo
The St Ninian's Isle sand bar is above the sea in summer but can be covered at high tide in winter. Check the tide before you cross.
Watch for the runway crossing
The main road south crosses the Sumburgh Airport runway and closes briefly when aircraft land and take off.
Festivals
Shetland festivals in 2027
Dates are from each organiser's own website; check before you book.
Up Helly Aa
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Lerwick's fire festival: the Jarl Squad marches through the town by day, and in the evening a torchlit procession ends with the burning of the galley.
Shetland Folk Festival
Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027
The 45th Shetland Folk Festival, which calls itself the UK's most northerly folk festival.
Shetland Wool Week
Saturday 25 September to Sunday 3 October 2027
A week of events celebrating Shetland wool and knitting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa?
South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa is in Shetland Islands, Scotland. Prehistoric and Norse sites, the Mousa broch, puffin cliffs and the St Ninian's Isle tombolo. Nearby stops and stations include Sumburgh Airport, Lerwick to Sumburgh bus, Sandsayre pier, Sandwick.
How long do I need in South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa?
A full day by car, more if you add the Mousa crossing. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Nature Reserve, Mousa Broch. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Sumburgh Airport (Loganair flights); Lerwick to Sumburgh bus (Local bus); Sandsayre pier, Sandwick (Mousa Boat). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 3 places to eat and drink in and around South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Nature Reserve
Lighthouse first lit in 1821 at the southern tip of the Mainland, with a seasonal visitor centre and a nature reserve open all year.
Mousa Broch
Iron Age tower about 13 metres tall, thought to date from about 300 BC; Historic Environment Scotland calls it Scotland's tallest Iron Age tower.
St Ninian's Isle
Island joined to the Mainland by a 500-metre sand tombolo; a hoard of Pictish silver was found at its chapel site in 1958.
Shetland
More areas to explore
Scalloway & the West Mainland
Shetland's old capital, the Shetland Bus story, Tingwall's law site and Neolithic Stanydale
Open the mini guide →
Northmavine, Yell & Unst
Esha Ness cliffs, Ronas Hill, the islands of Yell and Unst, and Britain's most northerly sights
Open the mini guide →
Lerwick & Bressay
Shetland's harbour town: the museum, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch and the ferry to Bressay
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Levenwick: Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Nature Reserve: Nicholas Mutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Mousa Broch: Langus (talk), Public domain, source
- St Ninian's Isle: ThoWi, Public domain, source
- Scalloway & the West Mainland: Robert W Watt, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Northmavine, Yell & Unst: Unukorno, CC BY 4.0, source
- Lerwick & Bressay: Florent Abel, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Shetland