The A-Z of Shetland Islands: Where To Go, Top Hotels, And Practical Tips Included

You’re treading narrow, cobbled lanes, with the infinite sea painting the view turquoise on one side. Ferries, seabirds, and lush green slopes of Bressay Island are in the frame. On the other side, quaint shops retailing purebred wool, felted jewellery, and goat milk soaps await. That’s Lerwick, Shetland Islands’ capital (and its only town) for you: Viking heritage, maritime history, and lots to shop.

Shetland Islands love juxtaposing contrasts. If Lerwick is commercial and quaint, Scalloway is known for its colourful harbour streets and WWII heritage. Just about 56.7 miles away, the landscape at Unst (UK’s most northerly inhabited island) changes: desert-like plateaus, glacial hills, and coastal inlets abound. A must-visit for every Scotland vacation, the Shetland Islands boast contrasts, almost-treeless landscapes, and centuries-old culture you’d want to immerse in.

Where are the Shetland Islands?

Located 210 km north of the Scottish mainland, the Shetland Islands are a group of 100 islands, only 16 of which are inhabited. The subarctic archipelago, stretching across the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, is located on the border separating Scotland and Scandinavia. It’s the northernmost point in the British Isles.

Just about 210 km north of the Scottish mainland and 340 km from Aberdeen, the Shetland sky beckons tourists with world-famous shorelines like the Breckon Beach, ancient settlements that are over 4,000 years old, and the Northern Lights.

Are the Shetland Islands worth visiting?

A vacation in the Shetland Islands is absolutely worth it for history enthusiasts and those with a penchant for the outdoors. The rich Viking heritage is joined by striking Northern Landscapes and unique wildlife, including puffins, gannets, seals, otters, and orcas. A detour from signature Scotland experiences like historic castles and whisky distillery tours, Shetland Island offers a peek into the world-famous Fair Isle knitting traditions, 4,000 years of history at Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, and Unst’s Viking longhouses.

What is the best time to visit the Shetland Islands?

For long days, clearer skies, and lush coastal scenery, consider May and June i.e. late spring. It's perfect for those looking to venture out on foot – trekking and exploring wildlife. Tourists can also enjoy more sightseeing avenues, thanks to the longer days. 

By July and August, which is summer in the Shetland Islands, crowds start picking up, and some of the country’s biggest festivals announce their arrival (often accompanied by higher accommodation and travel rates). In September, the days shorten, and Scottish skies reveal dramatic sights. The crowds and temperatures both decrease.

Shetland Islands are a year-round escape; the winter makes way for its clear skies for stargazing, the sea’s dramatic display, moody cliffs, and Europe’s largest fire festival ‘Up Helly Aa’ which takes place in Lerwick in January.

Also, check out our guide to exploring Scotland in winter: what to see, where to stay, and what to eat included.

How to get to the Shetland Islands?

The fastest way to reach the Shetland Islands is by flying to Lerwick via the Sumburgh Airport (LSI), which is commonly used for commercial flights, and Tingwall Airport (LWK), an alternative for local and inter-island flights. If views take precedence over ‘time’ in your itinerary, count on the overnight ferry between Aberdeen and Lerwick – the year-round route is operated by NorthLink ferries. The 216 mile sea crossing – the longest international ferry route in the UK – is covered over 12 to 16 hours, onboard the vessels MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland.

The ferry sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick, and back, are overnight crossings. They depart at tea time and reach Aberdeen and Lerwick at 7 am and 7:30 am respectively. For this route, travellers can book reclining seats, sleeping pods, or cabins; they can bring their vehicles onboard as well. While the 2026 fares for adults (16 years and above) range between GBP 29 (low season) to GBP 44.50 (peak season), the projected 2027 fares for adults are GBP 29.50 (low season) to GBP 46 (peak season). Check the complete list of ferry fares here.

Once you reach the Shetland Islands, consider renting a car if you don’t have a vehicle of your own. The taxis, though they exist, are slightly tougher to book late in the evening. For travelling between the islands like Yell, Unst and Fetlar, rely on ferries.

Best places and experiences in Shetland Islands

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement (Sumburgh)

This prehistoric archaeological site in Sumburgh houses remains dating from 2500 BC up to the 17th century AD. The multilayered complex is a must-visit for history and culture geeks, where they can walk through different levels of ‘architectural periods’, stacked on top of each other. There’s a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and a laird’s house from the 1500s. 

Broch of Mousa (Mousa Island)

History enthusiasts should also bookmark the Broch of Mousa, the tallest and most well-preserved broch in all of Scotland. At 13 m tall, the broch is said to be constructed around 300 BC. The broch looks over Mousa Sound, a narrow stretch of water separating the island from the South Mainland of Shetland. Tourists can reach it via a boat ride from Sandwick, Shetland.

Esha Ness (Northmavine)

This windswept peninsula on the west coast of Northmavine, a part of Shetland Islands’ mainland, was shaped by an active volcano around 360 to 390 million years ago. Over time, Atlantic wave action sculpted sheer cliffs, sea stacks, natural arches, blowholes, and deep geos. And between 1925 and 1929, the 12 m high Esha Ness Lighthouse was constructed.

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve (Sumburgh)

Built in 1821, the ‘up and running’ Sumburgh Head Lighthouse frames the sea’s lapping waves, moody skies and seabirds. Beyond the tower, the on-site visitor centre brings Shetland Islands’ maritime heritage to life via self-guided exhibits. The surrounding headland is occupied by a nature reserve, which stands out for seabird viewing during the nesting season (late spring into summer). 

Also, check out our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Unst

Wildlife enthusiasts ought to make a stop at Unst’s Hermaness National Nature Reserve, which frames views of the historic lighthouse of Muckle Flugga and Out Stack, and harbours over 1,00,000 seabirds in the summer. The reserve, sitting on Britain’s northernmost edge, is fairly accessible (a short boardwalk stroll from the carpark), and takes about four hours to explore.

Shetland Museum & Archives (Lerwick)

Dive into Norse heritage, archaeology, and Scotland’s most extensive photo archive at Shetland Museum & Archives. Don’t miss the Crofthouse Museum, a traditional 19th-century thatched crofthouse, where box beds, peat fire, and charming gardens await. There are dedicated activities for children, including a scavenger hunt, activity sheets, themed games and dressing-up events.

Note: The Crofthouse Museum is closed for the 2026 season. It will reopen on Tuesday May 4, 2027.

St Ninian’s Isle

This small tied island in Shetland is widely known for having the largest active sand tombolo in the United Kingdom. Stretching across a 500 m natural sandy causeway, the tombolo connects the island to Bigton on the South Mainland. On the isle, enjoy the 6 km circular walking loop, covering the Bigton car park, tombolo and striking, rugged cliffs. Other experiences include the Redwood-lined sauna at St Ninian’s Beach, the ruins of the 12th century St Ninian’s Chapel, and spotting wildlife like fulmars, kittiwakes and seals.

Where to stay in Shetland Islands

For convenience, nightlife and easy public transport access, consider booking a hotel or guest house in Lerwick. Our recommendations include The Lerwick Hotel (expect comfortable ensuite rooms, an old lounge bar, Scottish fare, and views of Breiwick Bay), The Grand Hotel (this 19th century Victorian-style hotel features well-appointed rooms and a restaurant with harbour views; however, there’s no elevator), the Alder Lodge Guesthouse (a family-run establishment featuring charming lawns and solid stone architecture), and The Shetland Hotel (befitting for both business and leisure travellers, with 64 rooms and a waterfront bar & grill).

Beyond Lerwick, check out the sea-facing Scalloway Hotel in Scalloway, with 23 cosy en-suite rooms decked with local Shetland elements like Jamieson’s Mill Shetland tweed, Paparwark furniture, and mattresses with Shetland fleece. The Busta House hotel, located in Central Shetland’s Busta, is built inside a 16th century homestead, and delights with traditional Scottish cuisine, rolling gardens, and a lounge bar. The Sumburgh Hotel, occupying an 1860s stone manor, is also worth considering. Guests can expect sweeping sea and country views, a mix of traditional and modern rooms (which are accessible by stairs only), and bike rentals.

Events and festivals in Shetland

Up Helly Aa (Lerwick)

Attending Europe’s largest fire festival, Up Helly Aa, is among the best things to do in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Come January, the town’s streets light up with the torchlights and enthusiasm of thousands of guizers, who form the Viking Squad, and are led by the Guizer Jarl. The scintillating procession ends with the burning of a replica longship. 

For more information, visit Up Helly Aa’s official website.

Shetland Folk Festival (multiple locations)

Best known as the UK’s most northerly folk festival, Shetland Folk Festival is an annual spring festival that brings together local artists and international musicians to Lerwick, along with concerts at other venues in Mid Yell, Bigton, Sullom, Aith, and Burravoe. The 45th Shetland Folk Festival is scheduled for April 29 - May 2, 2027.

For more information, visit Shetland Folk Festival’s website.

Shetland Wool Week (multiple venues)

This seven-day festival raises a toast to Britain’s most northerly native sheep and the craft producers. Visitors can immerse in exhibitions, open studio tours and master classes with master knitters – both local and international! If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience or a souvenir that spells ‘unique’, this is it. 

For more information, visit Shetland Wool Week’s official website.

Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival (Lerwick)

Tap your feet to traditional Scottish melodies at the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival. Typically stretching across a weekend, the festival features concerts, suppers and dance performances, culminating with a finale dance at Lerwick’s Clickimin Leisure Complex. The latter captures the town’s imagination with over 1,000 dancers moving to the beat of 12 bands.

For more information, visit Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival’s official website.

Shetland Classic Motor Show

Taking place once every two years (next one slated for 2028), the Shetland Classic Motor Show turns the town into a seaside pit lane flanked by vintage cars, military vehicles and motorcycles.

For more information, visit Shetland Classic Motor Show’s official website.

Practical tips for visiting the Shetland Islands

• Make sure to book your accommodation, flights and ferries well in advance.
• Avoid curating an itinerary with back-to-back activities, and keep a little wiggle room for unforeseen weather patterns like strong winds, rainfall and fog.
• In light of sporadic rainfall, keep a list of indoor experiences handy in case rain puts your outdoor plans on hold.
• Regardless of the season, bring hiking boots and sturdy walking shoes for rocky walking terrains and damp trails.
• If you’re travelling to Scotland in winter, we recommend packing layers of thermals instead of relying on a single thick jacket. Bring underlayers, woolens, fleece sweaters, and warm insulated jackets. Windproof and waterproof jackets are a must.
• Planning to hike or camp in remote areas? Mobile coverage can be patchy. We recommend downloading offline maps as well as all booking confirmations beforehand.

Planning to add Shetland Islands to your Scotland itinerary? Reach out to our in-house destination experts at SEVN for travel recommendations, where to stay, the best bites, and more!

Before you go

What is special about the Shetland Islands?

While Scotland is primarily known for its Highland adventures, historic castles and whisky distillery tours, the Shetland Islands offer a different experience. Tourists can dive into Viking heritage and time-honoured Fair Isle knitting traditions, and encounter unique wildlife like otters, seals, seabirds, and orcas at nature reserves.

What is the currency used in the Shetland Islands?

British Pound Sterling (£/GBP) is the official currency used in the Shetland Islands. As of October 26, 2026, 1 £/GBP = 127.20 INR.

Are there puffins on the Shetland Islands?

Yes, puffins, locally called Tammie Nories, can be spotted easily in the Shetland Islands during the summer breeding season.

What are some must-do things on the Shetland Islands?

Some of the best things to do in the Shetland Islands include experiencing the annual Up Helly Aa celebrations in Lerwick, witnessing 4,000 years of human history at Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, and taking a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Mousa.