Special UHA 2023 Events and Extended Opening Times

Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives during Up Helly Aa week - discover our world renowned collections, explore our Viking past and book a place on our Origins of Up Helly Aa Tour. On Up Helly Aa day you can view the Junior Jarl Squad's Gallery at Hay's Dock and have a chance to see the 2023 Jarl Squad up close during their afternoon visit to the Shetland Museum.

Shetland Museum and Archives Extended Opening Times:

Monday 30th January - 10am to 5pm
Tuesday 31st January - 10am to 5pm
Wednesday 1st Feb - 10am to 5pm
Thursday 2nd Feb - 10am to 4pm (normal opening resumes)

Origins of Up Helly Aa Tours - £7 per person (max 15 people per tour)
The origins of Up Helly Aa might come as a surprise to those who don’t know where it all began - it isn’t just about Vikings! Come along for a tour of our museum galleries to learn more about the event - the tours running on Monday and Tuesday will include information about the 2023 schedule while the Wednesday talks will more predominantly focus on the origins.

  • Monday 30th January - 11am and 2pm
  • Tuesday 31st January - 11am
  • Wednesday 1st February - 11am and 2pm

Length: 45 mins approx.
Booking is essential - book your UHA tour here.

* Up Helly Aa Day - Tuesday 31st January - at the Shetland Museum *

Jarl Squad Visit - Get the chance to see the 2023 Jarl Squad up close as they visit Shetland Museum - they will also perform their song act along with their squad musicians.

Time: 3:30pm (Please arrive from 3pm)
Foyer for ticket holders only - FREE, book now
You will be unable to view the jarl squad perform if you do not have a ticket. The main museum galleries remain open and you can continue to visit there.

The Junior Up Helly Aa Galley will be positioned outside the museum at Hay’s Dock from 11.45am to 2.45pm

The Shetland Museum's café / restaurant - Hay’s Dock by the Dowry - will be open throughout the week. Check their facebook and instagram for opening times.


The Shetland Amenity Trust are also extending opening hours at two further visitor attractions during Up Helly Aa week:

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse & Unken Kaffee will be open from Wednesday 1st February to Friday 3rd February, from 10am - 5pm

Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village will be open for tours on Wednesday 1st February. Tours are available at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Booking advised.

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