Shetland Area Guide

Use our Shetland area guide to find out more about these dramatic isles and plan your trip to Shetland. Our guide is here to make travel to Shetland easy, highlighting the archaeological treasures and places of interest scattered across the isles.

Join NorthLink on a journey north to Shetland, islands of natural contrasts – rugged heather-clad hillsides to green coastal pastures, dramatic cliffscapes to gentle inlets or ‘voes’, pebble to white sand beaches, stark brightness to haunting darkness and peaceful sunsets to raging storms.

Header image: Weisdale sunset, Shetland landscapes photo © Copyright Charles Tait

Aithsting and Sandsting

Including must-see sites Vementry and Culswick Broch.

Bressay and Noss, Shetland

These dramatic Shetland islands lie east of Lerwick.

Delting, Nesting and Vidlin

Including Muckle Roe, Sullom Voe, Catfirth and Laxo.

Fair Isle

The most southerly Shetland island is full of character and is a birdwatcher's paradise!

Fetlar, Shetland

Fetlar has an abundance of wildlife and an ancient dyke which divides the island in two.

Foula, Shetland

Read about this unique island and its attractions; Gaada Stack, Sneug and Kame.

Lerwick, Shetland

Shetland's capital and the port for the ferry from Aberdeen.

Northmavine, Shetland

The most northerly part of Shetland's mainland.

Out Skerries, Shetland

A group of three rocky islands best explored by foot.

Papa Stour, Shetland

A small island to the west, known for striking cliff scenery.

Scalloway, Tingwall, Burra and Trondra

In the central mainland.

South Mainland, Shetland

Sumburgh Head, Jarlshof, St Ninian's Isle and Mousa broch.

Unst, Shetland

The northernmost inhabited Shetland island has a rich Viking heritage.

Walls and Sandness

Da Wastside is a landscape of hilly moorland and small lochs.

Weisdale and Whiteness

Includes Weisdale Mill, Kergord Woods and the Loch of Girlsta.

Whalsay, Shetland

'The Bonny Isle' is covered with wildflowers in summer.

Yell, Shetland

The second largest Shetland island, over two thirds of Yell's land is dominated by peat.

Jarlshof, Shetland

A multi-period settlement occupied for 4,000 years.

Kergord and the Shetland Bus

Kergord House was the HQ for a daring wartime operation.

Rerwick and Spiggie Beach

Beautiful landscape and beaches in the South Mainland.

Scalloway Castle, Shetland

A stunning castle with a brutal history, built in 1599.

Shetland Museum and Archives

A fascinating place.

Shetland Ponies

Unlike horses, hardy Shetland Ponies can remain outdoors during winter.

Sumburgh Head, Shetland

A 100m high cliff at Shetland's southern tip; ideal for puffins.

Tingwall, Shetland

The ancient heart of Shetland, the site of a meeting place.