Leaving Baltasound and entering Haroldswick, you won’t miss the replica Viking Longhouse and Skidbladner Ship that sits at the bottom of the hill.

VISIT #1: THE VIKING LONGHOUSE 

Although it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular design, this excavation will provide you with an indication of what an original longhouse would have looked like. The build is based on real discoveries at Hamar on Unst and is inspired by other elements from differing excavations.

The craftsmen behind the build used traditional Viking building techniques. The longhouse will remain as a legacy of the Viking Unst Project and will be used to stage events and Viking activity days, or weekends. Living history demonstrations often take place during the summer months – pull up in the small carpark and learn the Viking history of Unst from the experts.

VISIT #2: THE SKIDBLADNER

Literally next to the Viking Longhouse replica, you will meet The Skidbladner.  The Skidbladner is a full size replica of the Gokstad ship, found in a Viking burial mound in norway in 1880, and is built using the same materials in the clinker fashion.  The original ship is thought to have been built during the reign of Harald Fairhar, who is said to have landed in Unst, and after whom the bay of Haroldswick is named.  This type of Viking ship was suitable for a variety of purposes including trade, warfare and general travel.

 The ship is an impressive sight and has proved a popular visitor attraction. Don’t forget to stop off here on your journey to Unst and board the Viking ship. Learn what it felt like to be a Viking in these mighty boats.