Visit Shetland, Scotland

Wind-swept and wave-lashed, Shetland is home to untamed landscapes, prolific wildlife, and a rich Viking heritage. The archipelago is made up of over 100 islands forged in the midnight blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, only a handful of which are inhabited. Located about 170 km (100 miles) off the coast of mainland Scotland, Shetland is the most northerly place in the UK. Yet despite their remoteness, these islands are surprisingly accessible by plane and ferry. And you’ll find plenty to discover once you’re here.

Shetland’s heather-coated hills, salt-sprayed sandy beaches, and sheer volcanic cliffs are criss-crossed by a network of hiking trails that take you deep into this rolling landscape. Alternatively, you might trace the islands’ 5000-year history by visiting the remains of Neolithic settlements and Viking longhouses. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet the local wildlife, from orange-beaked puffins to diminutive yet hardy Shetland ponies.

The striking, raw beauty, and tangible Viking heritage of these islands make them a fascinating place to visit. The sheer scale of the summer seabird colonies on the cliffs is amazing, and I love having random encounters with grazing Shetland ponies while out hiking.

Scotland specialist Melissa

Things to see and do in Shetland

Storied landscapes

Pale curves of deserted, golden sand beaches fringed with long tufts of marram grass. Undulating fields of green dotted with the stony ruins of traditional croft houses. Precipitous cliffs and towering rock formations carved by crashing ocean waves. Shetland is a tapestry of wild scenery just waiting to be explored.

You could walk along the lava-forged coastline of Eshaness, or kayak through sheltered inlets and sea caves — potentially attracting the attention of a curious seal or two. And between mid-October and mid-March, after dark you might be lucky enough to witness the ethereal glow of the northern lights, known on the islands as the Mirrie Dancers.

Islands alive with wildlife

Shetland’s land and seascapes aren’t just captivating to look at — they’re also teeming with wildlife. The islands see over a million seabirds arrive to nest every summer, from gannets and kittiwakes to puffins and petrels. You can get a close-up look at these rowdy colonies on a small-boat tour or by strolling the nearby trails. Other residents you’re likely to encounter as you explore are tiny, stocky Shetland ponies, their long manes blowing in the breeze as they graze on the hills.

Shetland’s waters are also home to a diverse array of marine life. Between May and August, you might spy orcas and dolphins breaching the ocean’s inky surface. And, closer to the shore, the islands boast the highest density of otters in Europe.

Norse heritage

Thanks to its proximity to Norway, Shetland’s cultural heritage is awash with Scandinavian elements. You can see this Nordic influence in the architecture, hear it in the place names and local dialect, and experience it at the annual Up Helly Aa fire festivals between January and March. To learn more about the imprint the Vikings left on these isles, head north to the island of Unst. Here, you’ll find excavated and recreated longhouses, and the replica Viking longship Skidbladner.

However, Shetland’s history far predates the Vikings. You can get a glimpse into the islands’ ancient past at the excavated Jarlshof settlement in Sumburgh, where a Bronze-Age smithy sits beside grass-roofed, circular stone wheelhouses from the Iron Age.

Local crafts and produce

There’s a strong sense of community in Shetland, and pride in local produce and traditions. An entire week in September is dedicated to Shetland wool, and you’ll find distinctively pattered knitwear and lace crafted from it all over the archipelago. The islands also have a vibrant fiddling scene, with an annual fiddle festival and pubs in the main town of Lerwick frequently hosting live music nights.

Thanks to its fractal coastline and location in the rich waters of the Atlantic, Shetland is renowned for the quality of its seafood. From fish to lobster, crab, scallops, and mussels, you can sample plenty of locally sourced dishes during your stay.

Best time to visit Shetland

We recommend visiting Shetland between June and August, when the days are long and the weather is pleasant. Not only are these months the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, they’re also when you have the chance to see puffins on the grassy clifftops at Sumburgh Head and spot sleek black-and-white orcas slipping through the coastal waters.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

Several Viking fire festivals take place between January and March to brighten the cold, dark months, and you also have a chance of spotting the northern lights during winter. Other notable events include the Shetland Folk Festival in April, sheepdog trials in August, and Wool Week in September.