Shetland is a place of drama. “Nature”, wrote one visitor, “appears in her wildest dress” in these, Britain’s most northerly islands, and it is the wildness and grandeur of the Shetland landscapes and seascapes which inevitably become visitors’ most enduring memory.
There are more than 100 islands here, each forged by the waves of the North Atlantic. Everywhere one goes, there are dramatic cliffs, perfect deserted beaches, huge vistas across awe-inspiring voes and inlets, the isles beloved Shetland Ponies and above, the cry of seabirds.
Over 5,000 years of habitation is evident in the many archaeological sites found scattered across the islands.
Bucket list events
Get close to nature
Island Adventures
Shetland also has a packed event calendar which begins in January with Up Helly Aa, a fire festival honouring the isle’s strong Viking heritage, Shetland Folk Festival in April, and Shetland Wool Week in September. Shetland truly is an unforgettable destination to visit.
You’ll find a range of accommodation in Shetland, including self-catering cottages, cosy local hotels, welcoming bed and breakfasts, hostels and campsites. Join a guided tour or rent a car to explore the beaches, ancient brochs and Viking longhouses, lighthouses and ocean views. If you’re feeling hungry, Shetland has amazing food and drink on offer, including hand-crafted beers and spirits, fresh seafood, and delicious Shetland lamb.
Shetland is home to around 23,000 people, and stretches around 70 miles from the most northerly point in Unst to Sumburgh Head in the south. It boasts 1,697 miles of dramatic coastline, and offers drivers and cyclists over 1,000 miles of smooth and quiet roads to explore. Numbers aside, Shetland’s fabulous islands, areas, and sites of interest will almost certainly capture your heart!
NorthLink Ferries are proud to provide a lifeline ferry service to Shetland. Find out more about the scenic sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick and from Kirkwall to Lerwick.
Header image: The sand tombolo connecting St Ninian’s Isle to the mainland of Shetland photo © Copyright Billy Fox
