JarlshofAbout Jarlshof
Jarlshof is a nationally important archaeological site at the southern tip of Shetland Mainland, Scotland, containing a long sequence of settlement remains from prehistoric times through the Norse period and into the medieval and early modern eras. The site is noted for the continuity and variety of its surviving structures.
Visitors can see traces of Bronze Age and Iron Age dwellings, distinctive Norse longhouse remains and later medieval and post-medieval buildings exposed on the headland. Interpreted pathways and onsite information panels guide visitors through the principal structural groups and explain the sequence of occupation.
Archaeological excavations have revealed continuous or repeated occupation spanning prehistoric domestic settlement, fortified Iron Age structures, Norse domestic architecture and later farmsteads, illustrating changing patterns of life over millennia. The site takes its modern name from later Norse or Scots usage referring to an “earl’s house.”
Jarlshof sits on a rocky promontory near Sumburgh Head at the southern end of Mainland Shetland, about 30-35 km (around 20-22 miles) south of Lerwick and adjacent to Sumburgh Airport and lighthouse.
- Multi-period sequence: The site preserves multi-period remains from the Neolithic/Bronze Age through Norse settlement and later historic occupation, making it one of the most archaeologically layered places in Shetland.
- Access and nearby landmarks: Managed as an accessible archaeological site with information panels, it lies near Sumburgh Head and Sumburgh Lighthouse, providing strong coastal views.
What to See#
- Prehistoric layers: Bronze Age and Iron Age structural remains that demonstrate early settlement and prehistoric domestic architecture on the site.
- Norse and medieval structures: Norse longhouse remains and later medieval and post-medieval farm structures illustrating continuous occupation through the Norse period into historic times.
Best Time to Visit Jarlshof
Best in summer for accessibility and longer daylight; spring and autumn offer quieter visits but unpredictable weather.
Weather & Climate near Jarlshof
Jarlshof's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1117 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 121 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 97 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 108 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 67 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 49 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 7° | 54 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 55 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 71 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 105 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 5° | 122 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 137 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 131 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
How to Get to Jarlshof
Jarlshof is near Sumburgh in southern Shetland, accessible by road from Lerwick (roughly a 40-50 minute drive). Local signage from the A970 guides visitors to the reserve.
Tips for Visiting Jarlshof
- Wear sturdy shoes - the site's paths are uneven and exposed to North Sea weather.
- Visit the on-site information panels which concisely explain the multi-period sequence (Neolithic to Norse).
- Combine with a drive along the South Mainland for other Shetland antiquities and dramatic coastal views.