Aithsting and Sandsting
Bressay and Noss
Shetland > Lerwick
When you take either the MV Hjaltland or MV Hrossey to 
Shetland, you will arrive in Lerwick, Shetland's capital, as the day breaks.
Lerwick is a busy natural harbour on the east side of Shetland, a town that developed along the waterfront with merchants building 'lodberries' in the late 17th and 
early 18th century. Today it is still a busy cosmopolitan town with plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions to enjoy.
In January, Lerwick is host to the world's largest fire festival, Up Helly Aa, a celebration of Shetlanders' Viking roots. After a procession of 'guizers' dressed as Vikings, the highlight of Up Helly Aa sees a full-scale Viking longship being set in flames as the guizers throw their flaming torches into the ship.
Even if you do not visit Lerwick in January, there is still plenty to enjoy - Shetland’s traditions in music, especially fiddle playing, are known worldwide and sessions are regularly held in the local pubs.
Sites of interest include:
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Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal - Where the NorthLink Ferries ships MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey arrive and depart. Tickets can be bought here and tourist information is also available. -
The New Shetland Museum - The newly opened Shetland Museum tells the many stories of Shetland life and its cultural achievements.
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Fort Charlotte - was built under the orders of Charles II during the Second Anglo-Dutch Wars in 1665. It held off a Dutch fleet in 1667 which thought it was far more heavily manned
and gunned than it actually was. -
The Lodberries - the oldest houses in Lerwick, from a time where houses, stores and piers were clustered together along the waterfront.
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Bressay Ferry - the ferry to Bressay, 'the Leira' leaves opposite Fort Charlotte up to 20 times a day. The crossing takes 7 minutes and cannot be booked - the policy is 'turn up and go.'
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Shetland Library - a full and busy library which contains books of Shetland interest and many more, and is also host to many events - from readings to award ceremonies to public performances.
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Clickimin Broch - a Bronze Age broch sited on the Loch of Clickimin. This was once joined to the shore only by a tidal causeway which gave it an excellent defensive position. -
Gilbertson Park - a playing field used for football games and a games hall (which is also used as a hall for Up Helly-Aa.)
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Clickimin Camping and Caravan Site - located next to Clickimin Loch and Broch, clickimin Camping and Caravan site has plenty of facilities to offer the visitor and is within easy reach of the town.
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Clickimin Leisure Centre and Pool - a leisure complex with a fitness suite, sauna and solarium, multi-use studio, shooting gallery, bowls hall football, hockey and rugby pitches and an all-weather athletics track. There is also a swimming pool and leisure pools with flumes!
Travel from Aberdeen or Kirkwall to Lerwick with NorthLink Ferries. On arrival at 7.00am in the morning, as soon as you leave the boat, you will be in Lerwick.
• After the ship docks in Lerwick, you can park your car outside Holmsgarth terminal and return to the ship so that you can get a hearty breakfast before exploring Lerwick.
• The Up Helly Aa fire festival takes place on the last Tuesday in January. A long night which starts with the burning of a Viking galley, Up Helly Aa is an experience like no other. Book your boat journey and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment!
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking 
with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
