Explore Geopark Shetland

As you start exploring Geopark Shetland, there is no better place to begin your journey than the Shetland Museum and Archives.

The award-winning museum tells Shetland's story from its geological beginnings to the present day, with excellent exhibits covering many aspects of Shetland’s heritage and culture. This includes displays highlighting the important part geology played in this story – from Shetland's earliest rocks, half the age of the Earth itself, through to the arrival of the oil industry in the 20th century, and the emergence of a clean energy industry in the 21st century.

The Museum and Archives also introduces the network of heritage and cultural sites throughout the isles and can help you decide which sites to visit for your particular area of interest.

One you are ready to venture further afield and experience the islands' spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and heritage there are many walks and guides to help you discover the magnificence of Geopark Shetland.

Museum displays

Geopark Shetland has worked with communities and schools to develop displays highlighting local geology within Shetland’s museums and heritage centres.

Geowalls

Local stonemasons and geologists have worked with Geopark Shetland to create a series of walls displaying cross-sections of Shetland’s geology.

The dramatic coastline of Eshaness in the North Mainland is one of the most-visited parts of Shetland, with good reason. This self-guide trail explores the volcanic landscape of Eshaness.

The Eshaness peninsula is formed from the remains of a large volcano that was active between 400 and 350 million years ago. Now one of the highest-energy coastlines in the world, the sea has exploited cracks in the volcanic bedrock to carve out the dramatic array of stacks, geos and blowholes you can see today. The trails include a number of walks and site visits. They are supported by on-site interpretation at several locations.

The trail pack is available from the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick or can be downloaded below:

Geoart exhibits and panels

Geoart and information panels are used to tell Geopark Shetland’s geological story. You can find these panels at locations all around Shetland explaining more about the geological heritage of the islands.

Scotland's UNESCO Trail

Scotland is the first country in the world to bring together 13 UNESCO sites into one trail - including Geopark Shetland. Are you ready to discover the wonders within?

Explore the Shetland part of the trail on the VisitScotland website with suggested sites to visit, places to stay and tours to enjoy.

The dramatic coastline of Eshaness in the North Mainland is one of the most-visited parts of Shetland, with good reason. This self-guide trail explores the volcanic landscape of Eshaness.

The Eshaness peninsula is formed from the remains of a large volcano that was active between 400 and 350 million years ago. Now one of the highest-energy coastlines in the world, the sea has exploited cracks in the volcanic bedrock to carve out the dramatic array of stacks, geos and blowholes you can see today. The trails include a number of walks and site visits. They are supported by on-site interpretation at several locations.

The trail pack is available from the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick or can be downloaded below: