SHETLAND TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS TO DO

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Shetland (or the Shetland Islands) is an archipelago in the North Sea. It is the northernmost region of the United Kingdom and it is part of Scotland.

Shetland is known for its magnificent scenery, rich wildlife, cultural heritage, archaeological sites and outdoor activities.

The remote location and low population density make Shetland an excellent destination for those seeking peace and quiet.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to the Shetland islands by showing you the top attractions and best things to do in Shetland as well as the best activities & places to visit including a detailed map, photos and itinerary.

Shetland comprises many small islands, but only 16 are inhabited. The largest island, Mainland, is home to the capital, Lerwick. Yell and Unst are the other two biggest islands.

Shetland has a rich cultural heritage, a mix of Scottish and Norse influences, evident in local festivals like Up Helly Aa.

The islands’ economy traditionally relies on fishing, agriculture, and oil.

The islands feature dramatic cliffs, white beaches, rolling hills, and remote coastal villages. The landscape is perfect for hiking, scenic drives and photography,

Shetland is a great place to encounter wildlife. You can see Shetland ponies, puffins, seals, otters, and a variety of other seabirds. The waters around Shetland are also home to whales and dolphins.

Some popular places to visit include Hermanness Nature Reserve, St Ninian’s Isle, Eshaness Cliffs and Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve.

The islands have many historical and archaeological sites, including prehistoric settlements, standing stones, and brochs (ancient stone towers). Notable sites include Jarlshof and Mousa Broch.

Shetland is ideal for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

There are few tourists on the islands (mainly in summer) and not many tourist amenities outside the capital Lerwick.

Shetland is a popular stopover for cruise ships during the summer months.

The best time to visit the Shetland Islands is generally from late May to early September. During this period, the weather is milder, days are longer, and a variety of events and activities are available.

However, the weather on the islands can be very unpredictable and you need to be prepared for rain and strong winds any time of the year. Visitors to Shetland should pack accordingly, with layers, waterproofs, and windproof clothing.

For me, June and July are the best months to visit the islands as it is warmer with less rain and with the longest daylight hours. It is also the best time for birdwatching, as puffins, gannets, and other seabirds are nesting.

Visiting outside these peak times can provide a quieter experience, although the weather can be less favourable and daylight hours are significantly shorter in winter. However, if you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, winter visits (from November to February) can be rewarding, despite the colder temperatures and shorter days.

Shetland is a small archipelago but with an extended coastline, so I would recommend a minimum stay of 5 days, if you would like to explore Mainland, Unst, Yell and some of the smaller islands, like Mousa & Bressay.

You will need more than a week if you also want to explore the rest of the islands, like Fair Isle, Whalsay and Fetlar.

You can have a look at the suggested itinerary here.

The most popular place to stay in Shetland is the capital Lerwick, with several hotels and guesthouses offering convenient access to amenities and attractions.

Other villages such as Scalloway, Brae, and Sandwick also offer a few hotels and guesthouses but limited options for food and shopping.

For me, Lerwick is the best place to stay with most tourist amenities and restaurants, and also well located to explore the rest of the islands,especially if you don’t have your own transport.

Accommodation options (especially hotels) are in short supply on the islands and quite expensive. Booking in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, is advisable to get the best prices.

Best hotels in Shetland

• The Lerwick Hotel: Decent hotel with nice bay views,10 minutes walk from the town centre.
• Scalloway Hotel: This historic hotel in the village of Scalloway offers cosy rooms, a restaurant serving Shetland dishes, and a bar with a selection of local whiskies.
• The Busta House Hotel: Set in a historic 16th-century mansion near Brae, this hotel offers elegant rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and beautiful gardens overlooking Busta Voe.
• The Sumburgh Hotel: Located near Sumburgh Airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
• The Brae Hotel: A wonderful hotel in Brae. Friendly staff and good breakfast.
• The Grand Hotel: Located in Lerwick town centre, in a historic building and offers decent rooms.
• The Shetland Hotel: Good hotel near the ferry terminal in Lerwick, but a bit dated.
• The Queens Hotel: Situated on Lerwick’s waterfront, this historic hotel is dated and in need of restoration.
• Glen B&B: Glen B&B, located in Hamnavoe overlooking the harbour, offers affordable rooms and a great breakfast.
• Burrastow House: Self-catering accommodation located on the remote west side of Shetland

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole of Shetland. You can find the hotels on this map.

By Plane

Sumburgh Airport (LSI), located at the southern tip of Shetland’s Mainland, is the main airport serving the islands. Direct flights to Sumburgh Airport are available from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Kirkwall (Orkney). The only airline serving Sumburgh Airport is the Scottish airline Loganair.

Tingwall Airport, located near Lerwick, offers limited flights to and from Fair Isle and some other smaller islands.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located at the most southern point of the mainland, about 25ml south of Lerwick. Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive. The journey to Lerwick by car takes about 35min.

Taxis are also available at Sumburgh Airport, taxis can be booked in advance or hired on arrival at the airport.

An hourly bus to Lerwick (Service 6 – South Mainland) operates directly opposite the main terminal front – view the timetable 

By Ferry

NorthLink Ferries operates overnight ferry services between Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland and Lerwick. The overnight journey takes approximately 12-14 hours.

The ferry has options for cabins (the most expensive option), reclining seats (a cheaper alternative) or simple seats/sofas that you can sleep for free if not occupied. Another option is to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. The ferry has a restaurant that serves dinner and breakfast and also a bar for drinks.

The ferry also travels via Kirkwall in Orkney several times throughout the week. For information on timetables and bookings visit NorthLink Ferries website.

By Car

I would recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore Shetland, as it gives you the freedom to go to more remote areas and stop wherever you like to appreciate the views.

Car rental for a day is usually £70 in the peak summer season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season (July/August), there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive.

Most of the car rental offices are located at the airport or Lerwick.

One good local car rental company is Bolts and you can book directly with them.

Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

Shetland has well-maintained roads, making it easy to navigate by car. However, some rural roads may be narrow and winding, especially in remote areas.

By Taxi

Taxis are available in Shetland and can be booked in advance or hailed at designated taxi ranks, but they are considerably expensive. Taxi fares in Shetland are regulated, with rates based on distance travelled.

The taxi rank in Lerwick is located on Victoria Pier, opposite the Market Cross, and there is usually a queue of taxis waiting here throughout the day.

By Bus

The Shetland Islands Council operates a comprehensive bus network that connects various towns and villages across the islands. Bus routes cover most of Shetland’s main roads, providing access to popular attractions and amenities.

Bus services within Shetland are provided by Zetland Transport Partnership and operated by a number of different operators. Visit the Shetland Travel website or ZetTrans for bus timetables and other transport information.

By Ferry

There is an inter-island ferry service connecting Mainland with the rest of the Shetland islands. The services are fast and frequent, and you can travel to all of them as a foot passenger or with your own vehicle.

The ferries are usually small and during high season it is advisable to book in advance,especially if you are visiting the islands of Unst and Yell.

For all the latest inter-island ferry timetables and booking information visit the Shetland Islands Council website or the Shetland Travel website.

By Plane

There is also an inter-island flight service operated by Airtask Group that makes it easy to go ‘island-hopping’ to some of Shetland’s more remote locations.

Flights depart from Tingwall airport flying direct to Fair Isle, Foula and Papa Stour.

The best place to go for a meal is Lerwick, as it has the most choices. Be aware that most restaurants stop serving food quite early in the evening (8pm). Scalloway is another option.

Below you can find a list of some of the best restaurants in Shetland.

Best restaurants in Shetland

• The Scalloway Hotel Restaurant: Located in the seaside village of Scalloway, this restaurant offers dishes on fresh seafood and local produce, like pan-seared scallops, Shetland salmon, and traditional Shetland reestit mutton.
• The Dowry: Located in Lerwick, the Dowry Restaurant offers classic Shetland dishes ith a modern twist.
• Da Haaf Restaurant: Located in Scalloway
• Fjara Cafe Bar: Overlooking Lerwick Harbour, Fjara Café Bar offers dishes like fish and chips, seafood platters, and homemade soups, with views of the sea.
• The New Harbour Cafe
• Braewick Cafe and Caravan Park
• Frankie’s Fish & Chips: Frankie’s Fish & Chips is a family-owned restaurant and takeaway in Brae known for serving some of the best fish and chips in Shetland.

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map.

Local Cuisine

• Shetland Reestit Mutton Soup: A traditional soup made with reestit mutton (salted and hung lamb), potatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots or turnips.
• Shetland Seafood: Shetland is famous for its fresh seafood, including Atlantic salmon, mussels, scallops, and crab. Try dishes like Shetland seafood chowder, pan-seared scallops, or a platter of fresh shellfish.
• Shetland Bannocks: These traditional flatbreads are made with flour, baking powder, salt, and water, then cooked on a griddle. They’re often served with butter or jam.
• Shetland Reestit Bannocks: Similar to regular bannocks but made with reestit mutton.
• Shetland Lamb: Shetland lamb is known for its tenderness and flavour.
• Beremeal Bread: Made from beremeal, a type of barley grown in Shetland, this dense and nutty bread is a local speciality. It’s often served with soup or smoked fish.
• Shetland Butteries: Also known as “rowies,” these flaky, buttery pastries are a local favourite for breakfast or as a snack.
• Tea Biscuits: These traditional biscuits are very popular on their home island of Unst.
• Shetland Gin
• Shetland Beer
• Shetland Mead: This is an ancient fermented beverage made from honey.

1. Enjoy one of the scenic drives

It is worth renting a car and exploring Shetland at your own pace, as it offers some stunning drives with great views of the beautiful landscape and coastline.

2. Explore unique prehistoric sites

• Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement: Explore the remains of an ancient settlement spanning over 4,000 years, from the Bronze Age to the Viking era.
• Mousa Broch: Visit one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland, located on the island of Mousa, and climb to the top for panoramic views.

3. Explore the capital Lerwick

• Wander through Lerwick’s charming streets, lined with grey stone buildings, shops and cafes.
• Visit Fort Charlotte and enjoy a walk along the harbour.
• Learn about Shetland at the Shetland Museum and Archives
• Clickimin Broch: Visit this well-preserved Iron Age broch located near Lerwick, with exhibits on its history and archaeological significance.

4. Visit the seaside village of Scalloway

• Visit Scalloway Castle, once the seat of the Stewart earls of Orkney, and learn about its role in Shetland’s medieval history.
• Shetland Bus Memorial: Pay homage to the Shetland Bus operation, which honours those who served during World War II.
• Enjoy a walk along the harbour

5. Shetland Museum

Learn about Shetland’s history, heritage, and culture at this award-winning museum in Lerwick, featuring interactive exhibits and displays.

6. St Ninian’s Isle

Explore the Tombolo beach connecting the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle, known for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters.

7. Eshaness Cliffs

Enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery of Eshaness cliffs with a long walk along the coast.

Visit the Eshaness Lighthouse overlooking the rugged cliffs and sea stacks of Eshaness.

8. Sumburgh Head

Visit this headland at the southern tip of Shetland, home to a historic lighthouse, seabird colonies, and a visitor centre with exhibits on local wildlife and maritime history.

Explore the nature reserve surrounding Sumburgh Head, home to puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and other seabirds.

9. Noss National Nature Reserve

Take a boat trip to the island of Noss, a designated nature reserve renowned for its seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

10. Hermaness National Nature Reserve

Explore the cliffs of Hermaness on the island of Unst, home to one of the largest gannet colonies in the world, as well as Arctic skuas, puffins, and other seabirds.

11. Shetland Ponies

Meet the iconic Shetland ponies, which roam freely in pastures across the islands, and visit the Shetland Pony Experience to learn more about the breed.

12. Unst

Explore the northernmost island of Unst, known for its rugged coastline, Viking heritage, and historic sites like Muness Castle and Belmont House and of course Hermaness National Nature Reserve.

13. Yell

Visit the island of Yell, famous for its wild landscapes, sandy beaches, and the Old Haa Museum, housed in a restored 17th-century laird’s house, with exhibits on local life, fishing, and crafting.

14. Fair Isle

• Discover the rich birdlife of Fair Isle at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory (temporarily closed) with opportunities for birdwatching.
• Visit the Fair Isle South Lighthouse, located on the southern tip of the island, with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline.

15. Bressay

• Bressay Heritage Centre: Learn about the history and culture of Bressay at the heritage center, housed in a restored 18th-century building, with exhibits on local life, maritime history, and archaeology.
• Bressay Lighthouse: Enjoy panoramic views of Lerwick and the surrounding islands from the Bressay Lighthouse, located on the island’s east coast.

17. Tingwall Loch

Enjoy birdwatching and nature walks around Tingwall Loch, a freshwater loch known for its birdlife.

18. Ronas Hill

Hike to the summit of Ronas Hill, the highest point in Shetland, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and coastal scenery.

• Lerwick: Lerwick is the capital and largest town in Shetland, situated on the east coast of Mainland Shetland. Explore the charming streets lined with grey stone buildings, shops, cafes, and historic landmarks like Fort Charlotte and the Shetland Museum.
• Scalloway: Scalloway is a historic fishing village located on the west coast of Mainland Shetland. Explore the scenic harbour, visit Scalloway Castle, and learn about the village’s history as the former capital of Shetland.
• Brae: Brae is a coastal village located on the northwest coast of Mainland Shetland. Enjoy scenic views of Busta Voe, explore the local shops and amenities, and visit nearby attractions like the Tangwick Haa Museum.
• Walls: Walls is a coastal village located on the west coast of Mainland Shetland.
• Sandwick: Sandwick is a coastal village located on the southeast coast of Mainland Shetland, where you can enjoy walks along the sandy beach.
• Voe: Voe is a coastal village located on the north coast of Mainland Shetland. Explore the scenic harbour.
• Sandness: Sandness is a remote village located on the west coast of Mainland Shetland. You can enjoy walks along the small beach.
• Aith: Aith is a village located on the west coast of Mainland Shetland.

Shetland has some truly beautiful white sandy beaches. The most popular are St Ninnian’s Isle tombolo beach, Meal Beach and Minn Beach in Burra, Scousburgh Sands (or Spiggie Beach) in South Mainland, and Breckon Sands in Yell

Here is a list of the best beaches to visit in Shetland:

1. St Ninian’s Isle Tombolo Beach: St Ninian’s Isle is famous for its stunning Tombolo beach, a narrow strip of white sand connecting the mainland to the island.
2. Minn Beach: A stunning white sandy beach in West Burra, a short walk from the car park above that provides great views.
3. Meal Beach, Burra: Another beautiful beach in West Burra with soft white sand and turquoise waters. There is a car park, which has toilets available. A path on the opposite side of the road leads down to the beach.
4. Scousburgh Sands (Spiggie Beach): A popular white sandy beach, situated in South Mainland, There is a car park down a rough track and then a short walk between the dunes to the beach. It is ideal for spotting wildlife. The Loch of Spiggie is behind the beach on the other side road.
5. Breckon Sands (Yell)): The most beautiful white sandy beach in Yell. You can park by the farm and walk down to the beach (5min walk).
6. West Voe Beach (Mainland): Situated next to the airport, West Voe Beach is a long sandy beach with turquoise waters and cliffs towering above. It’s a good spot for birdwatching.
7. Skaw Beach: Located on the west coast of Unst, this small sandy beach is the most northerly beach in the British Isles.
8. Burrafirth Beach: A stunning sandy beach close to Hermaness Nature Reserve in Unst.
9. Rerwick Beach: A popular sandy beach for seals. Great to look at from the road.
10. West Sandwick Beach (Yell): Located on the north coast of Yell, it is a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters and scenic views across Yell Sound.
11. Easting Beach: A small remote sandy beach in Unst.
12. Grutness Beach (Mainland): Situated near Sumburgh on the southern tip of Mainland Shetland, Grutness Beach is a sandy beach with views of Sumburgh Head.
13. Levenwick Beach (Mainland): Located on the south coast of Mainland Shetland, Levenwick Beach is a picturesque sandy beach with clear waters and views of nearby islands.

You can click on the map below for the location of the best places to visit, best restaurants & hotels, as well as the best viewpoints and photo spots.

To save the map, make sure you are logged in to your Google account, then click on the star to the right of the title. To locate the map go to your Google Maps app (or Account), click on ‘Saved’ (or ‘Your Places’), and select ‘Maps’.

It is worth staying in Shetland for a week if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 7 days on the islands. I have taken Lerwick as a base & overnight stay for the duration of your trip; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of Shetland.

Day 1: Lerwick

• Arrival at Lerwick, either by the morning ferry or by plane.
• Explore Lerwick Town Centre, including Fort Charlotte, the Shetland Museum and Archives, and local shops and cafes.
• Visit the Broch of Clickimin and take a stroll along the waterfront.
• Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Lerwick.

Day 2: South Mainland Exploration

• Explore St Ninian’s isle and enjoy a stroll along the white sands of tombolo beach.
• A quick stop at Spiggie Beach
• Visit Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, exploring the extensive archaeological site.
• Drive to Sumburgh Head and explore the nature reserve, lighthouse, and seabird colonies.
• Return to Lerwick for dinner.

Day 3: Burra and Mussa Broch

• Drive south to take the ferry to the island of Mousa to visit the famous Broch
• Drive around the beautiful Burra islands.
• Optional: Visit the Shetland Pony Experience.
• Enjoy the view of Minn Beach and take a short walk.
• Visit the Hamnavoe coastal village with an optional walk to the lighthouse.

Day 4: North Mainland Exploration

• Drive north to Eshaness and explore the dramatic coastal scenery, including cliffs, sea stacks, and natural arches.
• Enjoy the views from Braewick Café and Caravan Park.
• Optional: Hike Ronas Hill or Lang Ayre
• Visit Brae and Bust Voe
• Return to Lerwick and dine at a restaurant.

Day 5: Yell & Unst

• Take a morning ferry to Yell, and drive through the beautiful landscape with a few photo stops.
• Go straight towards the ferry to Unst.
• Visit Hermaness National Nature Reserve and take the long walk to see the sea stacks and bird colonies.
• Visit Skaw Beach and the Viking Unst project on the way back.
• A quick detour to see Muness Castle before the ferry back to Yell.
• Visit Breckon Sands and then drive back for the last ferry to the Mainland

Day 6: Scalloway & West Mainland

• Enjoy a scenic drive with some great views near Whiteness and Weasdale.
• Explore the west mainland, visiting places such as Sandness and Walls.
• Enjoy a drive viaTingwall Loch
• See the Scalloway Castle and take a walk along the seafront
• Evening meal in Scalloway or Lerwick

Day 7: Noss Nature Reserve and Departure

• Morning boat excursion to the Noss Nature Reserve to enjoy the bird sea colonies.
• Last chance to purchase souvenirs and gifts in Lerwick.
• Depart from Lerwick and travel to the airport or with the afternoon ferry to Aberdeen

You can check the best photographs from Shetland here.

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations on Shetland where you can enjoy great views.

1. Viewpoint over Whiteness
2. Ronas Hill
3. Eshaness Cliffs
4. St Ninian’s Isle Viewpoint
5. Sumburgh Head
6. Mousa Viewpoint
7. View of Muckle Flugga
8. Scord of Weisdale Viewpoint
9. Busta Voe Viewpoint
10. Burra Viewpoint
11. Culswick Broch
12. Scenic Road
13. Mavis Grind
14. Braewick Cafe and Caravan Park
15. Burrafirth Beach Viewpoint
16. Scenic Road-Viewpoint

You can check these viewpoint locations and the best photo spots on the island in the following map.

Shetland is a great place for outdour activities.

Water Activities

• Sea Kayaking: Explore Shetland’s coastline by sea kayak, with opportunities to paddle through sea caves, around sea stacks, and along sheltered bays. You can join a guided kayak trip. More information can be found here.
• Fishing: You can try sea fishing, loch fishing, or fly fishing in Shetland’s waters, known for their abundance of fish species, especially trout.
• Sailing and Yachting: Sail Shetland’s coastal waters and explore its islands by yacht or sailboat.
• Scuba Diving: You can discover Shetland’s underwater world by scuba diving, with opportunities to explore shipwrecks, kelp forests, and marine life in the clear waters of the North Sea.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular way to explore Shetland, offering the opportunity to enjoy the islands’ scenic beauty at a leisurely pace. Cyclists can rent bicycles from bike hire shops in Lerwick, with electric, road and mountain bikes available.

It is also possible to take your own bike to Shetland. NorthLink Ferries can take bikes from Aberdeen to Shetland, free of charge. It is also possible to transport bikes on Loganair flights from all major Scottish airports.

Hiking

Shetland offers numerous hiking trails and coastal paths, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Some of the best hikes in Shetland include:

• Eshaness Cliffs Walk: This is an easy walk in Eshaness in Mainland Shetland with beautiful views towards the sea cliffs. Distance: Approximately 6 miles (round trip).
• Hermaness Nature Reserve: This is one of the most popular hikes on the island of Unst. It’s a 3h roundtrip to the cliffs of Hermaness, home to one of the largest gannet colonies in the world, as well as puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds.
• St Ninian’s Isle Tombolo Walk: Distance: Approximately 5 miles (round trip). This is an easy walk across the Tombolo beach connecting the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle, with nice views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
• Ronas Hill: Hike to the summit of Ronas Hill, the highest point in Shetland, for panoramic views of the surrounding islands, lochs, and coastline. Approximately 3 miles (round trip)

More information about the various hikes in Shetland can be found here.

Wildlife watching

• Birdwatching: Shetland is a paradise for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot different types of seabirds, like puffins, gannets, fulmars, oystercatchers, guillemots, great skuas and more, especially on islands like Noss, Unst and Fair Isle.
• Seal Watching: You can see seals basking on rocky shores or swimming in coastal waters, particularly around Yell, Unst, and Bressay.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: There is a high chance of seeing orcas, minke whales, and dolphins
• Otters: You can spot otters in many coastal areas around the islands.

Some of the best wildlife tours in Shetland include:

• Shetland Seabird Tours – The Noss Boat: Daily wildlife tours around Noss National Nature Reserve & Bressay to enjoy thousands of breeding seabirds, close seal encounters, and sometimes even whales. Tour departs from Lerwick at 9.45am 12.45pm & 3.45pm from April to October (2h, £60)
• Noss Boat Tours: Similar to the one above, they provide daily wildlife tours from Lerwick to Noss Nature Reserve to get close to seals and the seabird colonies on the cliffs.

Festivals

Shetland Hop on Hop off Bus Tour

Lerwick’s summer hop-on-hop-off tour operates every Sunday from April to September. Buses depart from Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal, Viking Bus Station & Lerwick Esplanade four times per day at 0900, 1130, 1330 & 1600. The full tour takes 95 minutes and you can get on and off the bus as often as you like, or do the whole loop in one go. The main attractions on the route are: Clickimin Broch, Sound Beach, Scalloway Meal Beach, Hamnavoe, Tingwall Loch, Shetland Textile Museum and Shetland Museum

That’s the cheapest option if you don’t have your own transport and you are not in a big group to go for the expensive private sightseeing tours.

Private Sightseeing Tour

If you don’t have your own transport the following tours are a good option to see more of the island:

• Half-Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland: This is a private guided tour to Shetland’s scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick the tour includes a visit to the island’s former capital, Scalloway, and the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding with a visit to Sumburgh Head. (4.5hr, from £625 per group (up to 6))
• Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick: A private guided tour to Shetland’s dramatic North Mainland. The tour includes a visit to the Tangwick Haa Museum, a visit to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs and the pretty village of Hillswick. (4hr, from £625 per group (up to 6))

4 Days Shetland Tour Experience

This is a 4-day tour that starts from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Dundee and includes a return ferry to Shetland from Aberdeen with a cabin, 3-night stay accommodation on the islands, breakfast, lunch & dinner and 2-day private coach tours. From £664 per person. A good option if you don’t want to go to Shetland independently.

More information about tours in Shetland can be found here.

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Shetland 🙂

In Shetland, you can find a variety of shops, markets, and artisan studios where you can purchase locally made items and souvenirs. The best place to shop is Commercial Street in Lerwick with various souvenir shops.

Some unique things to buy in Shetland include:

• Shetland Wool Products: Shetland is famous for its high-quality wool, you can buy items such as knitwear, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves as well as the traditional Fair Isle knitwear, characterized by its patterns and colourful designs.
• Handmade Crafts and Artwork: You can buy handmade items such as pottery, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, and textiles.
• Shetland Music and Books: You can purchase CDs, vinyl records, or digital downloads featuring traditional Shetland music, folk songs, and fiddle tunes. You can also find books about Shetland’s history, culture, folklore, and natural environment.
• Shetland Sheepskin Rugs: These soft rugs are made from the wool of Shetland sheep.
• Viking Souvenirs

Other useful websites for more information about Shetland:

• Shetland: The official website of Shetland
• VisitScotland: Visit the VisitScotland website for comprehensive information on Shetland’s attractions, accommodations, activities, events, and travel tips.

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit to Shetland:

• The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands: This comprehensive guide also includes information about Shetland.
• The Shetland Guide Book: Great guidebook with fabulous photography and lots of information.

• Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners. Also, this site offers a list of accommodation options in Shetland that you contact directly.
• Ferries: You can check ferry timetables between the islands on this site. NorthLink Ferries is the site to book your ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick.
• Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport: You can use this website to check bus timetables on the island. Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours: Viator provides the most comprehensive list of tours and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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