Did you know the Shetland Islands are closer to Norway than to Edinburgh? This remote Scottish archipelago of over 100 islands (only 16 inhabited) sits where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating one of Europe’s most unique destinations. With more than 1,600 miles of coastline—more than the entire UK mainland—Shetland offers a remarkable blend of dramatic landscapes, rich Viking heritage, and wildlife encounters that can’t be experienced anywhere else in Britain.
From the towering sea cliffs at Eshaness to the ancient stone structures at Jarlshof, Shetland rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and fascinating historical sites. Whether you’re hoping to spot puffins nesting along coastal cliffs, walk a Shetland pony along a pristine beach, or experience the islands’ vibrant Nordic-influenced culture, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best things to do in this extraordinary corner of Scotland.
Planning Your Trip to the Shetland Islands
Getting to Shetland
Reaching this northern archipelago requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. You have two main options:
By Ferry
The most popular route is the overnight NorthLink Ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, which takes approximately 12-14 hours. This comfortable journey allows you to arrive refreshed and ready to explore. The ferry has restaurants, bars, and comfortable cabins.
Pro tip: Book your cabin well in advance, especially during summer months and festival periods like Up Helly Aa (January). The ferry also makes stops in Orkney several times a week, allowing for island-hopping adventures.
By Air
Loganair operates daily flights to Sumburgh Airport (at the southern tip of Mainland Shetland) from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. Flight time from Aberdeen is just over an hour, making this the quickest option.
Note that flights can be affected by Shetland’s changeable weather, particularly in winter. Building flexibility into your travel plans is advisable.
When to Visit
Each season in Shetland offers a different experience:
| Season | Weather | Highlights | Considerations |
| Summer (June-August) | Mild, 12-15°C, long daylight hours | Wildlife watching, hiking, festivals, “simmer dim” (twilight nights) | Peak tourist season, book accommodations early |
| Spring (April-May) | Cool, 7-12°C, changeable | Wildflowers, bird migrations, fewer tourists | Some attractions may have limited hours |
| Autumn (September-October) | Cool, 8-13°C, increasingly windy | Beautiful light for photography, local events | Reduced ferry/flight schedules begin |
| Winter (November-March) | Cold, 3-7°C, strong winds possible | Up Helly Aa festival (January), Northern Lights | Limited daylight, some businesses closed |
Getting Around Shetland
Exploring Shetland’s scattered islands requires some planning:
Rental Car
The most flexible option for exploring Mainland Shetland and accessing ferry points to outer islands. Roads are generally quiet but narrow in places. Book well in advance, especially in summer.
Public Transport
Buses connect major settlements on Mainland, though services can be limited. The Shetland Travel Centre in Lerwick provides timetables and advice. For outer islands, coordinate bus times with ferry schedules.
Inter-island Ferries
Regular ferry services connect Mainland to inhabited islands like Yell, Unst, and Bressay. Some require advance booking, especially if traveling with a vehicle. Check the Shetland Islands Council website for schedules.
Bicycle
A wonderful way to experience Shetland’s landscapes at a slower pace. Bike rentals are available in Lerwick. Be prepared for hills and changeable weather conditions.
Ready to Start Planning?
Secure your transportation and accommodations early to ensure the best options for your Shetland adventure.
Top Attractions in the Shetland Islands
1. Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement
Often described as one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites, Jarlshof presents an unparalleled journey through 5,000 years of human history. Located near Sumburgh at Shetland’s southern tip, this extraordinary site features remains from the Neolithic era, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish period, Norse settlement, and medieval times, all in one location.
The site’s highlights include well-preserved stone houses, a Norse longhouse, and an Iron Age broch. Walking through Jarlshof feels like traveling through time, with each era building upon the remains of previous settlements. The visitor center provides excellent context through informative displays and audio guides.
Open year-round, though the visitor center operates seasonally (May-September). Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate this remarkable site.
2. Mousa Broch
Standing at over 13 meters tall, Mousa Broch is the best-preserved Iron Age tower in Scotland. This 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient engineering is located on the uninhabited island of Mousa, accessible only by boat from Sandwick (about 14 miles south of Lerwick).
What makes this prehistoric tower truly special is that visitors can still climb the original internal staircase to the top, offering spectacular views across the sound. The broch’s walls feature a unique “double-skinned” construction with galleries and chambers between the walls.
The Mousa Boat operates daily trips from May to September (weather permitting), giving visitors about 2.5 hours to explore the island. Special evening trips are also available to witness the remarkable spectacle of thousands of storm petrels returning to their nests within the broch walls at dusk—a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Book Island Tours & Activities
3. St. Ninian’s Isle and Tombolo
One of Shetland’s most photographed locations, St. Ninian’s Isle is connected to Mainland by a spectacular natural sand tombolo—a perfect strip of white sand with ocean on both sides. This 500-meter stretch creates a stunning natural walkway to the uninhabited island.
The island itself holds historical significance as the site where the famous “St. Ninian’s Treasure” was discovered in 1958—a collection of 28 pieces of ornate Pictish silver dating from around 800 AD. While the treasure is now housed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, you can visit the remains of the medieval chapel where it was found.
The walk across the tombolo and around the island offers breathtaking coastal scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities. In summer, you might spot Arctic terns fishing in the clear waters on either side of the sand strip.
4. Eshaness Cliffs
For sheer dramatic scenery, few places in Britain can match the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs in northwest Mainland. These towering volcanic cliffs were formed 400 million years ago and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Europe.
The circular walking route from Eshaness Lighthouse takes you past geological wonders including the Holes of Scraada (a collapsed sea cave), the Grind of Navir (a natural amphitheater carved by the sea), and numerous geos (narrow inlets). The power of the North Atlantic is on full display here, with waves crashing against the base of cliffs that rise up to 100 meters.
The area’s geological significance has contributed to Shetland’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Even on calm days, the scenery is spectacular, but witnessing the cliffs during stormy weather (from a safe distance) shows nature at its most powerful.
5. Lerwick Old Town
Shetland’s capital and main port deserves at least a day of exploration. Despite being relatively young by European standards (established in the 17th century), Lerwick’s winding streets and historic waterfront offer plenty of charm and character.
Start at the picturesque Commercial Street (“Da Street” to locals), with its collection of shops, cafés, and historic buildings. The Shetland Museum and Archives provides an excellent introduction to the islands’ natural and cultural history, while Fort Charlotte offers views over the harbor.
Don’t miss Lerwick’s historic lodberries—distinctive stone buildings with their foundations in the sea, once used by merchants for loading and unloading goods. The Lodberrie at 10 Commercial Street gained fame as the home of fictional detective Jimmy Perez in the TV series “Shetland.”
For a deeper understanding of Shetland’s textile heritage, visit the Shetland Textile Museum, which showcases the islands’ world-renowned knitting traditions, including Fair Isle patterns and fine lace.
Experience Shetland’s Cultural Heritage
From ancient archaeological sites to vibrant local traditions, Shetland offers unique cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Scotland.
Unforgettable Wildlife Experiences
Puffin Watching
The Shetland Islands offer some of the best opportunities in Britain to observe Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat. These charismatic seabirds, known locally as “tammie norries,” nest in burrows on coastal cliffs from late April to early August.
The best locations for puffin watching include:
- Sumburgh Head – The most accessible site, with puffins often just meters from the path
- Hermaness National Nature Reserve (Unst) – Home to thousands of seabirds including puffins
- The island of Noss – Viewable by boat tour from Lerwick
- Foula – One of the most remote islands with spectacular bird colonies
For the best experience, visit in June or July when adults are busy feeding chicks, making them more visible as they return with beaks full of sand eels. Bring binoculars, though at sites like Sumburgh Head, the birds are often close enough to photograph with a standard camera.
Marine Wildlife
Shetland’s waters support an incredible diversity of marine life. The islands are one of Europe’s best places to observe seals, with both common (harbor) seals and grey seals present year-round. Popular seal-watching locations include Lerwick harbor, Mousa Sound, and the beaches around St. Ninian’s Isle.
For cetacean enthusiasts, Shetland offers opportunities to spot:
- Harbor porpoises – The most frequently seen cetaceans around Shetland
- Orcas (killer whales) – Most commonly seen between May and August
- Minke whales – Regular summer visitors
- Risso’s dolphins and white-beaked dolphins – Occasionally spotted in summer
Boat tours from Lerwick provide the best chances for cetacean sightings, though lucky visitors might spot orcas from land at headlands like Sumburgh or Eshaness. The Shetland Orca Sightings Facebook group provides up-to-date information on recent sightings.
Otters are also present throughout Shetland, with the islands home to one of the highest densities of otters in Europe. Dawn and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities along sheltered coastlines.
Meet the Shetland Ponies
No visit to Shetland would be complete without encountering the islands’ most famous residents—the hardy and intelligent Shetland ponies. These small but strong animals have been bred on the islands for over 4,000 years and were historically used for agricultural work and in coal mines across Britain.
While you’ll likely spot ponies grazing freely across the islands, for a more personal experience, visit the Shetland Pony Experience in Burra. Here, you can meet, groom, and walk ponies along a beach—a wonderful activity for families and animal lovers alike.
Important note: While wild Shetland ponies may appear friendly, they should never be fed by hand. This can lead to behavioral problems and potential injuries to other visitors.
Unique Shetland Experiences
Island Hopping
With 16 inhabited islands, Shetland offers excellent opportunities for island hopping. Each island has its own distinct character and attractions:
Unst
Britain’s northernmost inhabited island features stunning coastal scenery, the Hermaness Nature Reserve, and Muckle Flugga lighthouse. Don’t miss the famous Unst Bus Shelter, decorated annually with different themes.
Unst is also home to the Shetland Reel Distillery, producing award-winning gin with local botanicals.
Yell
Known for its beautiful beaches, moorland landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The island is an excellent place to spot otters along its sheltered coastline.
Visit the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe to learn about local history, and take the short hike to the Windhouse, reputedly Shetland’s most haunted building.
Bressay
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Lerwick, Bressay offers peaceful countryside, coastal walks, and the Bressay Lighthouse. From here, you can also access the island of Noss, a national nature reserve with spectacular seabird colonies.
Coastal Adventures
Shetland’s dramatic coastline provides the perfect setting for adventure activities:
Sea Kayaking
Explore sea caves, arches, and secluded beaches from a unique perspective. Several operators offer guided kayaking trips suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The sheltered waters around Lerwick and St. Ninian’s Isle are ideal starting points.
Coasteering
For the more adventurous, coasteering combines swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping along Shetland’s rocky shoreline. Guided sessions provide all necessary equipment and safety instruction, allowing you to experience the coast in an exhilarating new way.
Textile Heritage
Shetland’s textile traditions are world-renowned, particularly its distinctive Fair Isle knitting patterns and incredibly fine lace work. Visitors interested in this living heritage can:
- Visit the Shetland Textile Museum in Lerwick to see historical and contemporary examples
- Explore the Shetland Wool Week (held annually in September/October)
- Follow the Shetland Craft Trail to meet local artisans in their studios
- Shop for authentic hand-knitted garments and yarns at Jamieson’s of Shetland or Jamieson & Smith in Lerwick
For those interested in learning traditional techniques, several local crafters offer workshops in Fair Isle knitting, spinning, and lace making throughout the year.
Create Your Shetland Adventure
From wildlife encounters to cultural experiences, make the most of your time in this extraordinary archipelago.
Practical Information for Visitors
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Shetland range from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering cottages and campsites. Most options are concentrated in Lerwick and Scalloway, though rural accommodations offer a more peaceful experience.
Hotels & B&Bs
Lerwick offers the widest selection, including the historic Busta House Hotel in Brae and the harbourside Shetland Hotel. For a more intimate experience, numerous guest houses and B&Bs provide comfortable accommodation with local knowledge.
Self-Catering
Traditional croft houses converted into holiday cottages provide an authentic Shetland experience. Many offer spectacular coastal locations and are ideal for families or longer stays. Book well in advance for summer months.
Camping & Caravanning
Several campsites across the islands welcome tents and campervans, including facilities at Clickimin in Lerwick and community-run sites in Unst, Yell, and Burra. Wild camping is permitted following Scotland’s access code.
Weather & What to Pack
Shetland’s weather is famously changeable, with the local saying that you can experience all four seasons in a single day. The islands enjoy long summer days (with almost 19 hours of daylight around midsummer) and correspondingly short winter days.
Essential items to pack include:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (regardless of season)
- Layers for warmth (even summer evenings can be cool)
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Hat, gloves, and scarf (especially outside summer)
- Sunscreen (the UV index can be high even on cloudy days)
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Camera to capture the spectacular landscapes
Average temperatures range from 3-7°C in winter to 10-15°C in summer. Wind is a constant presence, making it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Local Cuisine
Shetland’s food scene celebrates the islands’ exceptional seafood, lamb, and local produce:
- Seafood – Fresh fish, shellfish, and the islands’ distinctive cold-water mussels
- Shetland lamb – Renowned for its sweet flavor due to the sheep’s diet of heather and seaweed
- Reestit mutton – A traditional salt-cured meat, often used in soups
- Bannocks – Traditional oatcakes, served with cheese or seafood
- Local beer from Lerwick Brewery and gin from Shetland Reel Distillery
Recommended restaurants include The Scalloway Hotel (for seafood), Fjara Cafe Bar in Lerwick (for contemporary cuisine with local ingredients), and Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Brae (award-winning and sustainably sourced).
Festivals & Events
Timing your visit to coincide with one of Shetland’s distinctive festivals adds an extra dimension to your trip:
- Up Helly Aa (last Tuesday in January) – Europe’s largest fire festival celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage with torch-lit processions and the burning of a replica longship
- Shetland Folk Festival (May) – Attracts musicians from around the world for concerts across the islands
- Shetland Wool Week (September/October) – Celebrates the islands’ textile heritage with workshops, tours, and exhibitions
- Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival (October) – Showcases traditional music with concerts and dances
Throughout summer, various agricultural shows and community events offer insights into local life and traditions.
Essential Tips for Shetland Visitors
Planning Advice
- Book accommodation, car rentals, and ferry crossings well in advance, especially for summer visits
- Allow extra days in your itinerary as a buffer against weather-related disruptions
- Consider visiting outside peak season (July-August) for a more relaxed experience
- Download offline maps as mobile coverage can be patchy in remote areas
- Bring cash, as some smaller establishments and rural areas have limited card facilities
Cultural Insights
- Shetlanders identify strongly with their Norse heritage and may not consider themselves primarily Scottish
- The local dialect incorporates many Norse words and phrases
- Respect the islands’ natural environment by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
- Wave to passing drivers on single-track roads—it’s a local custom
- Be prepared for the famous Shetland hospitality—locals are typically friendly and helpful to visitors
Driving in Shetland
Many of Shetland’s roads are single-track with passing places. When you see an approaching vehicle, pull into a passing place on your left, or stop opposite one on your right to allow the other vehicle to pull in. Always acknowledge other drivers with a friendly wave.
How many days do I need to explore Shetland?
While you could see Mainland Shetland’s highlights in 3-4 days, a full week allows for a more comprehensive experience including visits to outer islands. Two weeks would be ideal for those wanting to explore thoroughly and at a relaxed pace.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Shetland?
Yes, Shetland’s northern location makes it one of the best places in the UK to see the Aurora Borealis (locally known as the “Mirrie Dancers”). The best time is between October and March when skies are darkest. Clear nights with strong solar activity provide the best chances.
Is it possible to visit Shetland without a car?
Yes, though it requires more planning. Lerwick is walkable, and public buses serve many parts of Mainland. Organized tours can reach major attractions, and some accommodations offer pickup services. However, a car provides the most flexibility for exploring remote areas.
Experience the Magic of Shetland
The Shetland Islands offer a truly unique travel experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From standing at the edge of towering sea cliffs to exploring 5,000 years of human history at Jarlshof, from watching puffins return to their nests to experiencing the islands’ vibrant music and craft traditions—Shetland rewards visitors with authentic experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
Whether you’re drawn by the call of nature, fascinated by Viking history, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Shetland’s remote beauty and warm hospitality will leave a lasting impression. As you plan your journey to Britain’s northernmost isles, remember that Shetland’s changeable weather and dramatic landscapes are part of its unique character—embrace the adventure, and you’ll discover why these remarkable islands capture the hearts of all who visit.
Ready to Discover Shetland?
Start planning your adventure to Scotland’s spectacular northern archipelago today.
