Shetland: A Visitor’s Guide
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Shetland is an archipelago of about 100 islands, with 15 inhabited. It is located in the North Sea between Scotland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. With a population of approximately 23,000 people, Shetland covers a land area of around 1,468 square kilometers (567 square miles).
The islands stretch roughly 100 miles (160 km) from north to south. No point is more than 5 km (3 miles) from the sea, creating a landscape of dramatic coastlines, rolling moorlands, and treeless horizons shaped by strong winds.
Key Destinations
Lerwick
Lerwick is Shetland’s capital and largest town. It features:
- A charming harbor front
- Historic sandstone buildings along Commercial Street
- The Shetland Museum and Archives
- Fort Charlotte
Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head is the southernmost point of mainland Shetland. Visitors can enjoy:
- A historic lighthouse
- Spectacular cliff views
- One of Britain’s most accessible puffin colonies (April-August)
Jarlshof
Jarlshof is an extraordinary archaeological site revealing 4,000 years of human settlement. It includes:
- Neolithic dwellings
- Viking longhouses
- Medieval farmsteads
Eshaness
Eshaness features a dramatic northwestern coastline with:
- Towering cliffs
- Sea stacks
- Blowholes
- A lighthouse with spectacular geology
Unst
Unst is Britain’s northernmost inhabited island. It is home to:
- The Hermaness Nature Reserve
- The famous Unst Bus Shelter (the world’s most famous bus stop)
- Numerous Viking archaeological sites
What Shetland Is Famous For
Shetland is renowned for its Viking heritage, celebrated during the spectacular Up Helly Aa fire festival each January. It is also known for:
- Distinctive Shetland ponies
- Colorful Fair Isle knitting patterns
- High-quality wool
- Exceptional seafood
- A world-class traditional music scene
The islands boast remarkable wildlife, including:
- Puffins
- Otters
- Orcas
- Over a million breeding seabirds
Shetland has a unique cultural identity that blends Scottish and Norse influences.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Shetland depends on your interests:
Summer (May-August)
- Most popular season
- 19+ hours of daylight around the summer solstice (“simmer dim”)
- Mild temperatures (10-15°C/50-59°F)
- Optimal wildlife viewing, especially for seabirds
- Most festivals occur during this period
Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-October)
- Fewer tourists
- Opportunities to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) during clear nights
Winter (November-February)
- Short daylight hours (as little as 6 hours in December)
- Challenging weather with strong winds
- Temperatures averaging 1-7°C (34-45°F)
- Best time to experience Up Helly Aa (January)
- Increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights
Shetland Scotland Blog Posts
Selected posts title
Is Shetland Expensive? It Depends What It Is!
I am lucky enough to have been to Shetland 27 times now. Each visit has deepened my love for this special place. My Tours with American Guests I have taken small groups of American guests on tours to Shetland. Through these tours, I have learned so much about the area and its culture. Is Shetland… Read More »Is Shetland Expensive? It Depends What It Is!
Is Shetland Safe?- After 26 Visits I Say It Is
If you are thinking of visiting Shetland and wondering if it’s safe then let me tell you straight away, Shetland is very safe. Is Shetland Safe? Crime Statistics The most recent crime figures are for 2022. They show a total 809 crimes for the year, for the whole population of Shetland which is 23,000 people.… Read More »Is Shetland Safe?- After 26 Visits I Say It Is
Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)
I’m not a great traveller which is why I nearly said no to visiting Shetland when I was first offered the chance to take tours there. It may be a surprise to read that despite being a Tour Manager, and therefore paid to travel I am not a great traveller. I get travel sick, on… Read More »Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)
Is Shetland Worth Visiting? Yes It’s Amazing and Here’s Why
Wondering ‘Is Shetland worth visiting’? Shetland is a place that gets under your skin. You will find yourself dreaming of this magical place when you leave. My guests tell me that once they get home. I can’t wait to get back and see the huge skies and seas, and marvel at the wildlife which is… Read More »Is Shetland Worth Visiting? Yes It’s Amazing and Here’s Why
Lerwick Hotel Video Review & Helpful Things to Know
Looking for a hotel in Lerwick? Well, the Lerwick Hotel is a good option. It’s located on the coast looking out across to Bressay. There is a restaurant and bar in the hotel, with a nice coastal walk also. Read on to get all the info you need to decide if this is the right… Read More »Lerwick Hotel Video Review & Helpful Things to Know
Planning to Visit Shetland? Here’s All You Need to Know
Shetland is an amazing place to visit. It is very different from the rest of Scotland. In fact, every time I take a group there, I welcome them to Shetland which I describe as “not like Scotland.” What Makes Shetland Unique? Shetland has its own very distinct: Things to See and Enjoy There is a… Read More »Planning to Visit Shetland? Here’s All You Need to Know
6 Shetland Hotels Reviewed – Find Your Ideal Stay Easily
Looking to travel to Shetland? Want to know about Shetland Hotels? Here is my guide to 6 hotels that I have stayed in when visiting Shetland – each of them are quite different from each other. Shetland accommodation is always in demand so book early and certainly don’t travel without flights booked. Read on to… Read More »6 Shetland Hotels Reviewed – Find Your Ideal Stay Easily
10 Reasons You Should Stay At Busta House Hotel in Shetland
I am lucky enough to have stayed at the lovely Busta House Hotel a number of times when taking tour groups to Shetland. It’s my favourite hotel on Shetland, and one of my favourite hotels anywhere. Here are 10 reasons you should stay at the Busta House Hotel too. Busta House Hotel 1. Busta House… Read More »10 Reasons You Should Stay At Busta House Hotel in Shetland
Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland
Planning on visiting Shetland? It’s a fantastic place to visit, with its own unique character. There is something about Shetland – whether that’s the people, the scenery, the wildlife, or the weather. It gets under your skin. You should – It’s an amazing place to visit and unlike anywhere else. Read on for my list… Read More »Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland
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