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Europe

Lerwick/Shetland, United Kingdom

Venture to the remote, windswept Shetland Islands, where Scottish and Norse cultures intertwine. Easy to love, even easier to explore.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

39-55F (4-13C)

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1)

Overview

Youve arrived at the northernmost point of the UK, an archipelago closer to Norway than to Edinburgh. This is Shetland, a land of raw, treeless beauty, dramatic seascapes, and a powerful Viking heritage. The main town of Lerwick is a small, resilient port built from grey, local stone. But the real attraction is the islands wild, untamed nature. This is your chance to see the famous, tiny, and adorable Shetland ponies. You can also explore the dramatic, bird-filled cliffs of Sumburgh Head or visit Jarlshof, an incredible archaeological site with 4,000 years of continuous settlement.

Top Sights

  • Shetland Museum and Archives
This fantastic, modern museum on the Lerwick waterfront is the perfect introduction to the islands. It details Shetlands. unique culture, from its Norse heritage to its textile and maritime history.
  • Lerwick Town Centre & Commercial Street
The main street of the hardy, grey-stone capital. This narrow, flagstone-paved street winds along the harbor. offering a charming, authentic collection of local, woolen-goods shops and cafes.
  • Shetland Ponies
You cant leave without seeing the islands most famous, tiny, and hardy residents. You can often find them grazing. in fields along the main roads, especially in the Central and West Mainland.
  • Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve
This is the dramatic, cliff-top nature reserve at the very southern tip of Shetland. It's the most accessible place to see. thousands of seabirds, including the adorable puffins (in season), and visit the historic lighthouse.
  • Clickimin Broch
A fantastic, well-preserved, 2,000-year-old Iron Age "broch" (a drystone, hollow-walled tower). It's located on a small islet in a. loch, right on the edge of Lerwick, making it an easy and impressive visit.
  • Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
This is one of the most incredible archaeological sites in all of Britain. You can walk through 4,000 years of history. from Neolithic houses and a Bronze Age smithy to an Iron Age broch, Norse.

Neighborhoods

Lerwick (Town Centre)

Local eats and photo spots

Scalloway (Nearby)

Local eats and photo spots

South End (Lerwick)

Local eats and photo spots

North End (Lerwick)

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Seabird Watching & Lighthouse Keeping Tour

Indulge in heritage and wildlife with this tour of Jarlshof's range of historical structures and the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse's view of the coast.
View Details

Explore Mousa Island

Spend the day exploring Mousa Island, an uninhabited slice of natural paradise.
View Details

Explore Shetland by E-Bike

Hop on your e-bike and get ready to take in the stunning landscapes of Shetland and its surrounding area.
View Details

Hike St. Ninian’s Isle

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of St. Ninian's Isle with a walk along the beautiful shell sand tombolo that connects to the mainland.
View Details
Explore all Lerwick/Shetland Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Seabird Watching & Lighthouse Keeping Tour

Indulge in heritage and wildlife with this tour of Jarlshof's range of historical structures and the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse's view of the coast.
View Details

Explore Mousa Island

Spend the day exploring Mousa Island, an uninhabited slice of natural paradise.
View Details

Explore Shetland by E-Bike

Hop on your e-bike and get ready to take in the stunning landscapes of Shetland and its surrounding area.
View Details

Hike St. Ninian’s Isle

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of St. Ninian's Isle with a walk along the beautiful shell sand tombolo that connects to the mainland.
View Details
Explore all Lerwick/Shetland Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

39-55F (4-13C)

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1)

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