Guide to Shetland
Our Shetland Travel Guide allows you to delve into the island’s most elusive and exciting secrets, from the Northern Light displays to the scenic coastline walks.
The Shetland Islands surely are the place for the drama. “Nature” wrote one visitor, “appears in her wildest dress” in these, Britain’s most northerly islands, and it is indeed the wildness and grandeur of the Shetland landscapes and seascapes which inevitably become the visitors most enduring memory.
There are more than 100 islands here, each forged by the roaring surging waves of the North Atlantic. Everywhere one goes, there are dramatic cliffs, perfect deserted contemplative beaches, huge vistas across awe-inspiring voes and inlets, and above, the evocative cry of seabirds. Sunrises and sunsets in Shetland are spectacular.
10 things to do in Unst
Unst in Shetland is the most northerly part of the UK. It is also is a geologist’s dream, an archaeological treasure trove, a birding paradise, and it has incredible landscapes, rare plants and beautiful beaches to boot.
Read more7 amazing Shetland wildlife experiences
The best thing about a trip to Shetland is the sense that you have moved away from a land of people to a land of birds, seals, vast landscapes and broad horizons. Read some suggestions so you can experience nature first hand!
Read moreTen further hidden gems of Shetland
There are many great places to see in Shetland and it's a shame that not all of them are as well known as St Ninian's Isle and Jarlshof. We've compiled a list, an insider's guide, to some less familiar but still brilliant places to see in Shetland.
Read moreShetland Reel – an interview with Debbie Strang
Shetland Distillery Company have been crafting Shetland Reel Gin since 2014 on the island of Unst in Shetland. The small team from the most northerly distillery in the UK take great pride in creating a top product!
Read more15 fascinating facts about Scalloway
Scalloway is a picturesque village situated about six miles from Lerwick, on Shetland’s west mainland. The thriving village has a population of about 1,200 and has a fascinating story. Read 15 amazing facts about Scalloway here!
Read moreShetland Quiz
During the COVID-19 pandemic, quizzes have been a great way to pass the time with family and friends. We hope you enjoy trying this selection of quiz questions about the Shetland islands - how much do you know about the Northern Isles?
Read moreShetland’s 11 top Instagram spots
Laurie Goodlad has spent the past three years snapping the beautiful Shetland Islands for Instagram. Here she lists eleven of her favourite, most dramatic, picturesque, inspiring and fun spots for awesome Instagram shots.
Read moreUp Helly Aa through the years
2021 and 2022 are significant years for Up Helly Aa, marking two of the few times that Shetland's famous fire festival has been postponed. We have taken this opportunity to look back at the other years that were significant for Up Helly Aa.
Read moreMackenzie’s Farm Shop and Café
If you are in the South Mainland of Shetland, then a stop at award-winning Mackenzie’s Farm Shop & Café in Cunningsburgh is a must! We spoke to owner Hazel Mackenzie and asked her what makes Shetland produce so special.
Read moreThe future is bright for Shetland textiles
Shetland has something that makes it stand out amongst other destinations - a rich textile heritage with distinctive knitwear patterns. In the last century this knitting tradition started to decline but the future of Shetland’s textile industry is looking bright again.
Read moreA visit to Quendale Water Mill
A couple of summers ago we visited Quendale Water Mill and had a super time exploring the mill and surrounding area in Shetland's south mainland. We'd advise a visit when the mill opens in the summer and have some interesting facts for you to enjoy!
Read moreTen fascinating facts about Hillswick in Shetland
Hillswick in the north of Shetland contains a wealth of history and wildlife, and some spectacular coastal scenery. Read on to find out some fascinating facts about the Ness of Hillswick, St Magnus Bay and the village of Hillswick!
Read more5,000-year-old crofts in Shetland
In Shetland, pollen studies show subtle changes around 5,000 BC which indicate humans have been working the land since that time. Read a guide about ancient farmsteads to spot dwellings, fields, and boundary dykes in the hills.
Read more12 Fascinating Facts about Mousa
Getting to the uninhabited island of Mousa in Shetland is quite an adventure. We'd recommend a trip to see the enigmatic and nearly complete shape of Mousa broch. Find out some facts about Mousa you may not know!
Read moreA Guide to Fort Charlotte in Shetland
Nestled in the heart of Lerwick is Fort Charlotte and though it is now surrounded by streets and houses, this was once an imposing seaward defence. Fort Charlotte in Lerwick, Shetland, is the only surviving monument in Scotland linked to the Anglo-Dutch Wars.
Read moreOn the volcanic trail at Eshaness
The rugged cliffs at Eshaness are unrivalled in terms of sheer breath-taking beauty, geology and archaeology. This guide will walk you through the must-see places at Eshaness in Shetland.
Read moreCheese Nibbles (4 ingredients!)
My Grandad gave me this super-easy recipe for Cheese Nibbles using Shetland butter and Orkney Cheese. These savoury treats can be served in a buffet, alongside a bowl of soup or with a cup of tea. They only require four simple store cupboard ingredients!
Read moreShetland Honesty Boxes
When exploring Shetland you may spot honesty boxes, left unattended and stocked with fresh eggs, home-grown produce or delicious home-bakes. To buy, simply leave cash behind. View a list of amazing Shetland honesty boxes.
Read moreViking Places in Shetland
Between 875AD and 1469 Shetland was part of Scandinavia and was ruled by Norse earls. Though now part of Scotland, there are several places we would recommend visiting in Shetland to see the influence of the Vikings!
Read moreShetland Instagram accounts to follow
We know that Shetland visitors want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible, and what better way than to follow some of the best Shetland Instagram accounts!
Read moreA trip to Hoswick Visitor Centre
Hoswick Visitor Centre is located in Shetland’s South Mainland and has a cafe serving delicious hot and cold food, an amazing gift shop and local displays about history, weaving and fishing. Find out more about Hoswick Visitor Centre and the surrounding area!
Read moreTempting Hoswick tiffin
A highlight of a trip to Shetland is the Hoswick Visitor Centre, and here you can try some of their famous, mouth-watering Tiffin. Rosemary Inkster who manages the busy Visitor Centre, kindly agreed to share the tempting and moreish recipe for the sweet tray bake!
Read moreTen fascinating facts about Puffins
The Shetland and Orkney islands are places where you can spot comical, colourful puffins in the summer. This bird is called a Tammy Norrie in the Northern Isles. We hope you will enjoy these 10 facts about puffins!
Read moreShetland’s Standing Stones
Shetland has many isolated standing stones dotted around the landscape. Were they ancient markers of important places or a way for fishing vessels to find their way home? Nearly all have entertaining folk tales - find out more about Shetland's standing stones.
Read moreA recipe for delicious easy oatcakes
Oatcakes are a traditional Scottish biscuit made from simple ingredients you'll easily find in your cupboard. This super easy and incredibly tasty recipe was given to me by my Grandad and makes for a delicious treat for the larder.
Read more15 Fascinating Facts about Lerwick
Shetland's main town, Lerwick has a colourful and interesting past. It only became the capital of Shetland in the 1830s and began life as a ramshackle settlement built to trade with Dutch fishermen. There are many sea-salted stories to tell about Lerwick...
Read moreShetland words to know
The dialect of Shetland and Orkney has been influenced by the islands’ Scandinavian past and Norn was the language used most commonly. Today, Scots is spoken in Shetland and Orkney, but there are a smattering of words heavily influenced by Norn. Do you know what Blyde, Braaly and Sirpin mean?
Read moreTen fascinating facts about Shetland Ponies
Shetland Ponies are the smallest of pony breed in the UK and can be seen in Shetland grazing on rough moorland in all weathers. It is this practice that has led the breed to be so hardy and unique. Find out ten fascinating facts about Shetland Ponies here...
Read moreA guide to Shetland’s rural fire festivals
Lerwick Up Helly Aa takes place on the last Tuesday of January. However if you cannot attend you'll be pleased to learn that there are other community fire festivals which are super to see. Read on to discover what happens during Shetland's rural fire festivals...
Read moreUp Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is a Viking themed fire festival which takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January. The day involves a series of marches and visitations and in the evening is the most famous part – the torch-lit procession and Galley burning. Find out more and view a webcast of the event here!
Read moreUnearthing your ancestors with the Shetland Family History Society
For those interested in finding their Shetland ancestors, then the Shetland Family History Society hold a wealth of information about Shetland family names from the past.
Read moreShetland Geology – an interview with Rory Tallack
Shetland has a dramatic landscape and the amazing geology of the islands has earned it the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Rory Tallack works for Shetland Amenity Trust as the Geopark Manager and told us more.
Read moreA warm welcome at the Old Haa Museum
Visiting the Old Haa Museum in Yell is like stepping back in time, and you can easily spend a few hours browsing the local artefacts, which paint a vivid picture of life in Shetland in the past.
Read moreCelebrating the isles with Shetland Jewellery
Shetland Jewellery create beautiful and unique jewellery in their workshop in Weisdale. NorthLink Ferries had a lovely time chatting to workshop manager Sophie Whitehead who told us more about what inspires the talented team who work there.
Read moreFascinating facts about Muckle Flugga Lighthouse
Muckle Flugga is Britain’s most northerly lighthouse which stands precariously on a series of sharp rocks jutting out of the sea. Read on for an insight into the tough lives of the men who kept the light shining!
Read moreIsland in Focus – Out Skerries
The Out Skerries are located 24 miles east of Shetland's capital, Lerwick. They are made up of three small islands (Bruray, Housay and Grunay) and several skerries. Find out more about the sites, history, birds and wildlife of Out Skerries.
Read moreShetland Fudge Company: Delicious treats from the islands
The Shetland Fudge Company has a huge range of confectionery including fudge, truffles, tablet, Puffin Poo, preserves and gourmet mallow made entirely by hand. We caught up with the owners to find out more!
Read moreHillswick Wildlife Sanctuary in Shetland
Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary cares for sick, injured and abandoned seals, otters and cetaceans with a focus on releasing them back into the wild. We spoke to Jan Bevington to find out how it all started.
Read moreIsland in Focus – Fetlar
Fetlar is known for the ancient dyke that divides the island and called The Garden of Shetland because it is carpeted with wild flowers in Summer. Fetlar is also known for the Red Necked Phalarope that call the island their home.
Read moreOrca watching in Shetland with Hugh Harrop
Hugh Harrop set up Shetland Wildlife in 1993 as a wildlife and photography holiday business. Since then Hugh's customers have had some unforgettable experiences with Shetland’s wildlife, including orca!
Read moreHufsie Cake Recipe
Hufsie cake is a delicious light spiced fruit cake which originates from the Shetland island of Whalsay. Rachel A Davis, blogger and photographer from www.vagabondbaker.com kindly shared her recipe with NorthLink Ferries!
Read more30 birds to see in Shetland
Did you know that over 1 million seabirds arrive and nest on Shetland's cliffs? The croft land, lochs and sandy beaches of Shetland are also very attractive to a variety of birds. Read our beginner's guide to 30 birds to see in Shetland.
Read moreStormy Petrels in Mousa Broch
Laurie Goodlad, a tour guide from 'Shetland with Laurie' took the midnight trip to Mousa to see Storm Petrels return to their nests within the walls of the Iron Age building, Mousa Broch. Read on if you love bucket-list experiences!
Read moreA walk to the Stones of Stofast
Laurie Goodlad, a tour guide from 'Shetland with Laurie' walked to the Stones of Stofast in Lunna Ness on the east side of Shetland. This walk takes you across a scenic hillside to massive house-sized boulders.
Read more25 stunning pictures of Shetland
Visiting Shetland is a real treat for photographers; make sure you don't forget your camera when visiting! We hope you enjoy our 25 stunning pictures of Shetland's dramatic landscape, birds, ponies, Vikings, ancient monuments, cliffs and beaches!
Read moreThe Place Names of Shetland
Shetland and Orkney have been populated for over 6000 years, and the languages spoken there have changed many times. However Old Norse has had the greatest influence on modern place names. Find out what the island and house names of Shetland mean!
Read moreMirrie Dancers Chocolates – an interview with Dave Williams
Shetlander Dave Williams turned his love for chocolate into a thriving business. Find out how Dave's small chocolatey idea led to a big career change!
Read moreFive reasons why Shetland is great!
NorthLink Ferries asked P6 and P7 pupils to tell us five reasons why they think the Shetland Islands are a great place to visit. This article, written by Ailee Burgess, aged 11, is a brilliant insider’s guide to Shetland!
Read moreHow to take photos of Shetland Fire Festivals
Shetland Fire Festivals can be difficult to take good photos of. They take place during the winter on dark nights and feature lots of movement, as Jarl Squads march quickly with bright flaming torches. However we have some camera tips that may help you!
Read moreHow to take photos of the Northern Lights
Visitors to Shetland in autumn and winter will hope to see the Northern Lights. If you’d like to take good photos of these curtains of green and red light swaying and shifting in the night sky, you may find that it is easier than you might think!
Read moreGreat walks with your dog in Shetland
With dramatic scenery in spades, miles of heathery moorland and lovely sandy beaches, the Shetland Islands are a fantastic place to take your dog. We asked Sara from the Lerwick Terminal about her dog Dougal's favourite walks.
Read moreWhere in Shetland do you find…
Looking for ponies, puffins, otters, orcas, geology or Vikings in Shetland? We've written a handy guide to the Shetland islands which should answer your questions and point you in the right direction!
Read moreReestit Mutton Soup Recipe
Reestit Mutton is a traditional Shetland way of preserving mutton with salt and this delicious soup is the most common way you'll encounter it during a Shetland visit. It could very likely be called Shetland’s national dish!
Read moreHow to cross Up Helly Aa from your bucket list!
For many people, visiting Shetland to see the Viking fire festival Up Helly Aa is firmly on their bucket list. It’s a spectacular event which culminates with the burning of a Viking galley and it is easier to see than you might think!
Read moreTen things to do in Shetland without spending a penny!
With amazing landscapes to see and free activities to keep the family entertained, Shetland can be a place where you can go on amazing adventures without needing to spend a penny!
Read moreFood from the Shetland Islands that you must try!
Throughout history Shetlanders have relied on the sea to fill their larder. The heathery landscape is also ideal for sheep farming. When visiting Shetland, try to sample some of the unique food here.
Read moreGreat places to go in Yell
We were lucky enough to spend a bit of time on Yell in Shetland in summer. This is an island with dramatic views, a lovely coastline, lots of moorland, many single track roads, some amazing sights of interest and unbeatable welcomes.
Read moreOur trip to Unst, the UK’s Most Northerly Island!
Unst is the most northerly inhabited island in the UK and there are amazing castles, Viking houses, a replica longship, standing stones, rare plants, lovely beaches, dramatic cliffs and even colourful bus shelters to visit!
Read moreAn extra ten hidden gems of Shetland
We've been told that our previous guides to the hidden highlights of Shetland have been helpful for frequent visitors looking for something different to do! So here's another guide, with ten more brilliant, but less well known places to go in Shetland.
Read moreHaaf fishing in Shetland
Shetlanders have always had a close relationship with the sea as a source of food, transport, and trade. From 1750, Shetlanders began Haaf fishing, which involved spending 2 to 3 days at sea in big, open wooden boats, sailing 40 miles out to fishing grounds!
Read moreOur day on Mousa
On the uninhabited island of Mousa you'll see an amazing Iron Age broch, which is nearly completely intact. We took a ferry over to the island and had a brilliant family day out, seeing birds, seals and archaeological treasures!
Read moreA super day out at Tangwick Haa Museum
If you are visiting the amazing cliffs at Eshaness, make sure you stop at the Tangwick Haa Museum. On our visit we received a warm welcome and thoroughly enjoyed learning about what life was like for folk who lived in the area in the past.
Read moreFascinating facts about Jarlshof you may not know!
If you only visit one archaeological site in Shetland, then it has to be Jarlshof. Located on the south tip of Shetland, this site was occupied for 4,000 years and contains buildings from many different time periods.
Read moreTwelve essential historical places to visit in Shetland
Shetland has a fascinating history and unique heritage. The stone-built buildings of the past remain standing and Islanders embrace their Viking heritage. Read our list of 12 historic Shetland places to visit!
Read moreA walk to Culswick Broch in Shetland
The first time I visited Culswick Broch was in January and it was wonderful. I made my way to the westside of Shetland, and walked to the broch, which stands on a hillside, with a loch (and causeway to cross) on one side, and the Atlantic on the other.
Read more12 essential Shetland books
There is a wealth of fabulous books written about the heritage, history, landscape, wildlife and folk of Shetland. We've compiled a list of 12 books that will make fine holiday-reading and help you gain more insight during a holiday to Shetland.
Read moreMy visit to the Ness of Burgi
The Ness of Burgi is an Iron Age blockhouse located on a precarious thin stretch of headland at the very south end of Shetland - there's even a chain handrail to get you safely across to this dramatic historical site!
Read moreClickimin Broch – a hidden treasure in the heart of Lerwick
Clickimin Broch is a must stop on any visit to Lerwick - a treasure to be found and explored. Children will love hiding and climbing around Clickimin Broch and there are some amazing facts to learn about the Iron Age building.
Read moreTen more hidden gems of Shetland
Previously we have written about some of the great places to visit in Shetland that don’t make the front cover of the tourist brochure! Read on for ten more suggestions for brilliant places to visit that are a bit more unusual and less well known!
Read moreOtters in Shetland – an interview with Brydon Thomason
Shetland has the highest density of otters in Europe because they like the coastal environment and long hours of summer daylight. Brydon Thomason offered some advice on how to spot otters in Shetland!
Read moreAll about the Simmer Dim Motorcycle Rally
In Shetland midsummer means the Simmer Dim Motorcycle rally! One of the rally’s organisers, Leona Williamson, tells us why the Simmer Dim Rally is one of the friendliest motorcycle rallies around!
Read moreMaking Burra Bears – an interview with Wendy Inkster
One of Shetland's loveliest exports is the Burra Bear. These are beautiful hand-crafted teddy bears, typically seen wearing Fair Isle designs! These are created by Wendy Inkster from her workshop in East Burra.
Read moreShetland Museum – an Interview with Ian Tait
Shetland Museum and Archives is located on Lerwick’s waterfront and hosts artefacts relating to Shetland life and culture. Ian Tait, Curator of Collections at the Shetland Museum and Archives, told us about all about the building and treasures inside!
Read moreAll about Shetland Ponies – an interview with Irvine Burgess
For many people, mention the word Shetland and they think of ponies! These lovely animals can be found throughout the islands, and the quality of the breed is maintained by pony breeders such as Irvine Burgess.
Read moreThings to do on a sunny day in Shetland
When we published 'Things to do on a rainy day in Shetland' a few folk protested that it never rains in Shetland! With summer fast approaching we've written a companion piece - a list of great things to do in Shetland when the sun has got his hat on!
Read moreThe Story of the White Wife of Otterswick
On the Shetland island of Yell, at the Ness of Queyon, near Otterswick is a solemn sight - a white statue of a lady looking out across the bay, with a Bible held to her chest. Read on to find out the story of the White Wife and the sinking of the Bohus.
Read moreSea Kayaking around Shetland – an interview with Angus Nicol
Angus and Wendy Nicol offer brilliant Sea Kayak tours around the beautiful Shetland coastline. We were intrigued to hear from Angus about what seeing Shetland from this new angle was like.
Read moreFantastic places to Camp and Caravan in Shetland
Shetland is a brilliant place to explore, and taking a caravan, motorhome or tent is a super way to see the best of the islands. We’ve produced a guide to the many caravan, motorhome and camping sites in Shetland!
Read moreBeing the Guizer Jarl – an interview with Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson was the Guizer Jarl for Up Helly Aa 2015. This meant that he was the leader of the Jarl Squad; the vikings at Lerwick's annual fire festival. Neil kindly offered some insight into the experience!
Read moreThe Junior Inter-County competition between Shetland and Orkney
Shetland and Orkney are naturally drawn to one another in terms of friendships and rivalries. Nowhere is this more evident than in the annual Junior Inter-county sports competition!
Read moreGreat Museums to visit in Shetland
There are a many super museums to visit in Shetland, but we particularly recommend visiting the Shetland Museum, Scalloway Museum, Tangwick Haa Museum and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor’s Centre.
Read moreThe Essence of Shetland
If we were asked to explain what makes Shetland special it would be hard to name just one thing! There are many different facets that make up the essence of Shetland. To explain, we've compiled a list of reasons why Shetland is a great place to visit!
Read moreBritain’s Best Chippie!
Frankie’s Fish and Chip Shop in Brae is not only Britain's most northerly chippie – it’s also the best! Voted No.1 Fish & Chip Shop in the UK in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2015, Frankie's is a family run takeaway. Owner Valerie Johnson told us more...
Read moreA Visitor’s Guide to Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is a spectacular fire festival that takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January. The event culminates with flaming torches thrown into a Viking Galley! Read our visitor’s guide to the day so that you don’t miss a thing!
Read moreAll about Scalloway Museum – an interview with Wilma Irvine
Scalloway is home to Scalloway Castle and the inspiring Shetland Bus story. Scalloway also has a brilliant museum, and Wilma Irvine, Secretary of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society, told us more.
Read moreThings to do on a rainy day in Shetland
Most visitors to Shetland will fall in love with the amazing scenery found here. However, what do you do when it's a rainy day in Shetland? We've compiled a list of things to do and places to go to make the most of your time in Shetland without getting soggy!
Read moreA trip to see the Gannets of Noss
I've always been keen to visit Noss National Nature Reserve in Shetland. On a trip to Shetland we took a boat tour and got closer to 150,000 seabirds, including 22,000 gannets, than we could have ever imagined!
Read moreTen hidden gems of Shetland
When people come to visit Shetland they usually visit St Ninian's Isle, Jarlshof and Scalloway Castle. We have ten hidden gems of Shetland for you to visit - places that don't make the front cover of the tourist brochure!
Read moreWhy Shetland is a great holiday destination for children
In Shetland there’s a rich musical heritage, amazing scenery, superb wildlife and even Vikings! Shetland is a great place to take children and here are a few reasons why!
Read moreInterview with Ann Cleeves
We were delighted to be able to ask author Ann Cleeves about her Shetland mystery novels, Detective Jimmy Perez, 24 Islands in 24 Hours and the forthcoming Shetland novel 'Thin Air', which will be released in September!
Read moreOnly have one day in Shetland?
We'd always recommend visiting Shetland for a few days to get a full flavour of the isles. However, if one day in Shetland is all you have, here's what we'd recommend you do with it!
Read moreIsland in Focus – Foula
We think that Foula is a lovely island - dramatic and remote (lying 20 miles to the west of the Shetland Mainland) Find out how remoteness has affected the nature and traditions of the island!
Read moreAll about Up Helly Aa
In January, one of the darkest months of winter in Shetland, fires are lit to celebrate the islands heritage. Up Helly Aa is the biggest event in Shetland, and is one of the most compelling reasons to visit. Find out the history of the event and what happens on the day here!
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