12 recommended Shetland experiences for 2026

From wild coastlines and ancient landmarks to community events and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the Shetland Islands are full of moments that stay with you long after you leave.

A Shetland hike we recommend you experience in 2026 is over to the Stones of Stofast on the Lunna peninsula. Sitting dramatically on a steep slope are enormous, house-sized boulders carried here by a glacier around 12,000 years ago.

If you are currently planning a Shetland adventure in 2026, there are many ways to experience the islands beyond the familiar highlights. We’ve listed twelve experiences below that capture the spirit of Shetland and that have inspired countless visitors – and perhaps will inspire you too.

1. Steam and sparkle at the Haar Sauna

For those seeking an invigorating wellness escape, the Haar Sauna offers a uniquely Shetland experience – stepping out from the heat of a wood-fired sauna straight into the cold, bracing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tucked among the sweeping sand dunes at St Ninian’s Beach near Bigton, two beautifully converted saunas sit sheltered by the landscape, their creation inspired by Nordic traditions. More recently, a third sauna and plunge pools have opened at the Old Brevick House in Lerwick providing a more accessible, yet equally revitalising experience for those who visit.

2. Stand atop the Stones of Stofast

A Shetland hike we recommend you experience in 2026 is over to the Stones of Stofast. You’ll find a layby with a signpost there on Lunna, where you can park and set off for a walk (around 1km long) to the other side of the peninsula.

Much of this hillside is boggy land and, even in summer, you may struggle to find a way across that is dry. But the destination more than compensates for the effort. Sitting dramatically on a steep slope are enormous, house-sized boulders carried here by a glacier around 12,000 years ago. Now broken into several pieces, these massive stones weigh 2,000 tonnes. From this vantage point, the land drops away sharply, creating a view that feels vast and almost otherworldly. If you’re feeling brave, you could climb to the top for an awesome photo!

3. Visit the twin of Mousa Broch

Mousa Broch is one of Shetland’s most celebrated ancient sites, admired for its height, preservation and age. To deepen that experience, it can be paired with a quieter walk to the Broch of Burraland, located on the mainland side of Mousa Sound.

Starting at Sandsayre Pier (where you catch the ferry over to the island of Mousa), the route follows a grassy coastal track northwards for around an hour. The island of Mousa remains in view throughout, separated only by the narrow stretch of water. You’ll know you’re close when you see an abandoned farming settlement before reaching a low headland that extends into the sea. Here lie the ruins of the broch.

Unlike Mousa, most of the Broch of Burraland’s walls have now fallen into the interior, but the scale of this circular building is still impressive. Standing beside it, with the sea on three sides, it’s hard not to wonder how closely connected the two brochs once were, and how life here might have unfolded all those years ago.

4. Take part in a community fire festival

Anyone planning a visit to Shetland will likely have heard of the world-famous Up Helly Aa fire festivals. These events are a true spectacle to witness, where torch-lit processions line the streets and a beautifully crafted galley is set alight.

While the Lerwick Up Helly Aa is the largest and most widely known, several smaller community fire festivals take place across the isles, each with its own character and charm. In particular, the celebration on Bressay (just a seven-minute ferry journey from Lerwick) stands out among others. Here, visitors don’t just watch the festivities – they may have the chance to join it.

On a first-come, first-served basis, and if enough torches are available, members of the public can carry a flaming torch alongside local guizers as they make their way toward the galley burning site. It’s a unique opportunity to take part in a long-standing Shetland tradition.

5. Take a wheelchair-accessible tour of Shetland

Exploring Shetland’s wild landscapes and historic sites should be something that everyone can enjoy, and seeking out a wheelchair-accessible tour can ensure your holiday is one to remember. With specialist guides such as Jaunt with Jacquie, visitors are led by someone who not only knows Shetland deeply, but who designs every route with accessibility in mind.

Jacquie’s thoughtful planning opens up coastlines, viewpoints and hidden corners of the isles that many assume would be out of reach. All-terrain wheelchairs can be hired for more challenging ground, allowing guests to feel the wind on the cliffs, hear the waves on quiet beaches and take in the same breathtaking views as any other traveller.

6. Sail as crew aboard The Swan

To get a true understanding of Shetland’s relationship with the sea, few experiences compare to sailing aboard The Swan. Built in Lerwick in 1900 and meticulously restored, this vessel was once one of the finest boats in the Scottish fishing fleet.

What makes sailing on this historic vessel so memorable is the ‘hands-on’ nature of the experience. Everyone who comes aboard joins the crew, regardless of previous sailing background. Under the command of an experienced team, everyone plays an active role in sailing and working the boat – adjusting sails, taking the helm, standing watch and sharing duties in the galley.

With several planned voyages taking place between April and September 2026 travelling all around the Shetland Islands and even further afield, sailing on The Swan offers not just a glimpse into Shetland’s maritime heritage but a chance to experience it first-hand.

7. Make friends with Shetland ponies

A visit to Shetland would be incomplete without meeting the islands’ most famous residents. At the Shetland Pony Experience in Burra, visitors can get up close to these small but sturdy (and very cute!) animals in a calm, friendly setting.

The experience begins indoors, where you can brush the ponies and lead them through simple exercises, before moving outdoors across open fields to a secluded beach. Here you’ll have the chance to get your photo taken. Along the way, guides share stories about the ponies’ history and their role in Shetland life. It’s a special experience that is enjoyed by all ages.

8. Quietly follow in the footsteps of otters

Shetland is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to see Eurasian otters in the wild. With the highest known density of these animals, sightings are more common here than in most places, however the thrill of spotting one never loses its magic.

For the best chance of an encounter, we recommend joining a small guided group with experienced otter-watching experts such as Otter Tracks in Shetland or Shetland Nature Tours. These guides not only explain otters’ habits and behaviours, but also take you to the coastal territories where they are frequently seen. Be sure to have your binoculars and camera at the ready!

9. Visit the Bigton Weekend Bakery

If you wish to feel part of Shetland life, spend a Saturday morning in the village of Bigton in the South Mainland. At its heart is the Hymhus – a former church now utilised as a community hub – and once a week it becomes home to the much-loved Bigton Weekend Bakery.

From 09:30 onwards, a steady stream of nearby residents and visitors make their way inside to find tables laid out with a variety of bread, pastries, focaccia and other homemade treats freshly made by local bakers. The selection changes slightly each week and everything is sold on a first-come, first-served basis meaning you never quite know what goodies you’ll come out with!

To avoid disappointment, we recommend arriving early and checking their Facebook page for updates.

10. Go orca spotting from shore

Seeing orcas in the wild is a true highlight and ‘bucket list’ experience for many visitors to Shetland, and the islands’ rugged coastline offers great opportunities for land-based sightings. Although orcas can now be seen year-round, they are more commonly spotted between May and August – often passing remarkably close to shore.

Local residents regularly share sightings through dedicated Facebook groups, helping others know where pods were last seen and which direction they were heading. Yet, part of the excitement lies in the unpredictability of these creatures. If you are near the coast, keep watch – you never know when a pod might glide past!

11. Immerse yourself in Shetland’s music scene

No matter what time of year you decide to visit, there is always a chance to enjoy live music in Shetland.

While larger events such as the Shetland Folk Festival and the newer Rising North and the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival draw performers and audiences from far beyond the isles, music is also a frequent companion in smaller, more informal settings. You may simply wander into a local pub to find fiddles, guitars and accordions already in full flow, with musicians playing simply for the joy of it.

We recommend keeping an eye on community noticeboards and local social media during your stay for awareness on upcoming planned performances.

12. See a birds-eye view of Shetland

For a breathtaking and unforgettable perspective of the islands, consider taking the only scenic flight in Shetland, operated by Airtask from Tingwall Airport.

With space for just seven passengers and a flight time of around 30 minutes, these flights are a memorable way to experience the landscape – perfect for visitors short on time who still want to see the scale and beauty of Shetland. The aircraft follows a planned route over shimmering lochs, sandy beaches and historic sites, revealing familiar places in an entirely new way.

For many, this flight becomes a memorable conclusion to their Shetland adventure – and often inspires plans for a return visit.

By Amy Leith
Born and raised in Aberdeen with an admiration for Orkney and Shetland, loves to travel and visit new places, enjoys cooking, always listening to music, spends a little too much time on TikTok.

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