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To put it simply, Shetland is the spot where Scotland and Scandinavia meet, and the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are easily accessible by air, with direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness every day, as well as connections to other airports in the United Kingdom and around the world. An 18-hole course, Shetland Golf Club is conveniently positioned a short drive from Lerwick for golfers of all skill levels. Wonderful vistas of the sea and nearby landscape are a highlight of the course. Boasting the second-most northern 18-hole course in Britain and affording fantastic views for golfers.

Find a B&B in Shetland that provides first-rate lodging and is conveniently located near the airport, the harbour, and a number of popular tourist destinations like the Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre and RSPB Reserve, and Westvoe Beach. The roads and public transit on Shetland are excellent, and the island is equipped with numerous recreational centres, swimming pools, and playgrounds for kids.

You may see the islands and their magnificent and varied fauna from a new perspective at sea by taking a boat out to the islands and to other, more remote beauty sites.

Shetland consists solely of the islands Formerly known as the County of Shetland or Zetland.

This archipelago of 100 islands only seventeen are inhabited laying some 60 miles north of Orkney and thus ll0 miles from the Scottish mainland, used to be regarded not merely as geographically the Ultima Thule of Britain (which it is) but as so remote so inaccessible, as to be unimportant in most maps and atlases it appears as an inset, and on some, of the British Isles, it does not appear at all. lt was thought of as an almost foreign place where the residents bred charming little ponies and knitted beautiful warm woollen garments. To go to Shetland was regarded as something of an adventure the ‘explorer’ might even be stranded there by bad weather. It is safe to say that the

Shetlanders did not mind this apparent neglect, maybe they even enjoyed it and were happy in their independence from ‘the mainland‘ for indeed they had their own Mainland and were largely self-contained.

Today however there are greatly increased air services from all the Scottish airports, connecting with ﬂight's from London and other places in England and it has been necessary to extend the Shetland airport at Sumburgh, and sea services to Lerwick and among the islands have been much improved by regular car-ferries. Recent explorations and developments in oil have ﬁnally shattered any remaining isolation that the Shetlanders enjoyed. for Shetland, even more than its southern neighbour Orkney, is now a key point in the scramble for that commodity. But it should be noted in passing that Shetland was fortunate in having in its then County Council people who foresaw the perils and pitfalls of sudden, vast oil developments and took steps to protect the area so if your looking for the best accommodation and hospitality on Shetland check out stay4you.

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Explore Shetland Guide

Shetland Geolocation Latitude 60.155582° N Longitude -1.1500366° E
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Lerwick, has been the capital of Shetland since taking over from Scalloway in 1708.
Scotland Accommodation

Shetland is a subarctic archipelago of Scotland that lies northeast of Scotland, they form part of the division between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east, about 105 miles from the Scottish mainland and 174 miles south east of the Faroe Islands and some 50 miles to the northeast of Orkney, the Islands around Shetland are the Fair Isle, Unst, Foula, Yell Shetland, the second largest island in Shetland after the Mainland after Whalsay Island with an area of 82 square miles, Bressay, Fetler, Tondre, Mouse, Papa Stour, Out Skerries, St Ninians Isle, Muckle Roe and Vaila, Shetland is 598 miles north of London and 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle, this is as far north as St Petersburg, Russia, or Anchorage, Alaska.

The climate in Shetland is mild throughout the summer months, with average temperatures in the low teens centigrade, rainfall levels are similar to those in the rest of the United Kingdom.

The weather can be dramatic at times though, even in summer, and sudden changes are common, from right sunshine to heavy rain, strong wind, calm, fog, even snow, can all be experienced in a single day.

The island offers some amazing sights there are miles of breathtaking coastline fringed by pristine beaches and crystal-clear, vivid blue shores, excellent fishing, a vast cultural and geological heritage, the chapel on St. Ninian's Isle is famous for the "treasure": 28 Pictish silver objects and the jaw bone of a porpoise which were buried under a cross-marked slab close to the altar, settlements and archaeological sites dating from prehistoric to bronze age and early iron age period until the 20th century, a period of over 2,500 years, with Shetland having some remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles”.

The largest islands are Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Fetlar, Bressay and Mainland Shetland, these are also the islands likely to be of most interest to anglers.

Shetland is home to a number of extremely innovative fly dressers, many of whose patterns work just as well on English reservoirs as they do on Scottish lochs, a great advantage for the summer visitor, especially for anglers is the long hours of daylight. Because Shetland lies at 60° north of the equator, there is no real darkness during the weeks around midsummer, known locally as the 'simmer dim',

Shetland continues to be the place to witness autumn migration in the UK and get to see some truly stunning birds in stunning settings, here you will find a whole host of abundant wildlife, birds, otters and seals, see mysterious Storm Petrels returning to their nests in Britain's famous broch? photograph phalaropes feeding at your feet, watch Killer Whales hunting in our pristine seas or explore Britain's most northerly point and one of the world's best 'seabird cities'. birding extensions included Snowy so search and book Shetland Holiday Accommodation.

Owl, Pied-billed Grebe, Swainson's Thrush, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Citrine Wagtail, River Warbler, Booted Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Barred Warbler, lots of Yellow-browed Warblers, Great Grey Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Ring-necked Duck, American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sabine's Gull, Grey Phalarope, Long-eared and Short-eared Owls, Waxwing, Common Rosefinch, Little Egret (rare here!), Hen Harrier, Merlin, Greater Scaup, Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshank, Long-tailed Ducks, Slavonian Grebe, Ring Ouzel, Brambling, Pied Flycatcher and a large selection of common migrants and a couple of Humpback Whales, a pod of Orcas, regular sightings of Otters, several pods of Harbour Porpoise and some nice displays of the Aurora Borealis.

Shetland seems to have something for everybody! beautiful, a spectacular coastline and plenty of indoor activities for a rainy day.

Despite its remoteness, reaching Shetland is easy. You can fly to the islands from three Scottish airports: Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, by north coast ferry overnight from Aberdeen or Kirkwall, if you travel by ferry you can bring your car.

This group of islands which are the most northerly of Scotland's islands, comprises 100 isles of which less than 20 are inhabited. The capital Lerwick is on the east coast of Mainland which is 50 miles long from end to end and 20 miles at its widest point.

Shetland is some 60 miles to the north of Orkney. Shetland by contrast with Orkney has few tracts of flat land, is deeply penetrated by the sea and until recently had an economy dominated by fishing and crofting. The oil boom of the 1970s led to the disruption of this traditional and well balance economy. Today with the largest European oil port sited at Sullom Voe, the oil industry comes second after fishing. It is planned to use oil revenues to bolster the traditional industries (crofting, fishing, fish processing and knitwear). Shetland and the visitor. The oil-related industrialization is limited to Sullom Voe.

Elsewhere the islands retain the attractions of wild beauty, solitude and empty spaces. The mainland with all its coastal indentations means the sea is ever present. The long coastline is varied and of outstanding beauty, be it rocky and rugged or sandy and smooth. Again the wildlife is varied and plentiful.

The port capital of Lerwick is set on a promontory overlooking the natural harbour, sheltered by the Island of Bressay. A!ways important as a fishing port, the oil boom has brought new activities to the town. A port par excellence. - As a haven, Lerwick provided shelter for King Haakons and other Viking fleets, Dutch fishing vessels in the 17C, the German and British navies in this century and now has an assorted flottilla of oil vessels. Commercial Street. - Known affectionately as The Street, this paved and twisting thoroughfare winds its way along the shore. Steep lanes lead off uphill. Fort Charlotte. - From the walls of this 1 7C fort, rebuilt in the 18C, there is a good view of Bressay Sound and island of the same name. Town Hall. - Stained glass windows depict Viking history. Shetland Museum. - The exhibits illustrate Shetland history from the Stone Age. Clickhimin Broch. - The broch is the outstanding structural feature of this islet, which gives evidence of successive occupations. Although only 17ft high the characteristic layout of this defensive structure with its mural chambers and staircase, can still be seen. Discover the more desolate moorland scenery, at times interrupted by peat cutting, the varied and attractive shoreline with crofting townships down by the sea and the numerous vestiges of man's occupation in the past.

The main road, before the turn off for Scalloway, provides a good view of the inlet of Gulber Wick. Deeply penetrating arms of the sea or voes are typical of Shetland. On the way down pass on the right the valley which is the setting for Tingwall Loch. The head of the loch is reputed to be the site of the Law Ting Holm or meeting place of the old Norse Parliament SeaHoway is a attractively set round its bay, this the onetime capital, is dominated by the ruin of Sea 110 way Castle. As the principal island seat of Patrick Earl of Orkney it is no less splendid than his other residences.

Attractive details include the corbelling of the corner turrets. sculptured panel above the entrance doorway and sandstone window, door and angle trims. St Ninian's Isle. - An attractive tombola beach links this idyllic island to the mainland. It was in the ruins of an early Christian church that one of the most important treasure troves of silverware was found. The originals of St Ninian's Treasure are in the National Museum of Antiquities while the Shetland Museum has replicas. The B9122 offers views of a succession of small sandy bays sheltered by headlands. Shetland Croft House Museum. - This croft in the typical crofting township of Boddam gives an accurate picture of rural life in the mid·19G. The croft steading itself comprises kitchen, sleeping accommodation and byre with the barn behind and a small horizontal water mill down by the stream. Note the roofing of cured turf with straw on top. Return to the main road, making south again towards the site of Sumburgh Airport on its isthmus separating the waters of the Atlantic and North Sea. This is an outstanding example of a broch, a structure unique to Scotland and the north in particular.

On this uninhabited island the visitor may glimpse seals basking on the shore and a small group of Shetland ponies. Broch period. - Brochs are the culmination of a tradition of small stone fortified farms stretching back to 500 BC. Mousa itself probably dates to the first two centuries of our era. Mousa may have been more strongly built than the other 500 known brochs in Scotland, most of which are found in the Highlands and Islands. Many have been reduced to rubble. The Broch. - Impressive from the outside it is awesome and fascinating inside. Ingeniously constructed, the tower is 43ft 6in high with a 50ft diameter at the base. The shape, not unlike a bottle kiln, swells out at the base. Enter by the 16ft long passage which had a door midway along. The courtyard with central hearth was surrounded by lean-to timber structures supported by the scarcements (ledges) still visible on the inner faces of the walls. Three doorways lead to mural chambers. a fourth opens into a staircase, again mural, which leads to the wall head.

Above the uppermost scarcement the hollow wall is divided by stone slabs into galleries, which open onto the courtyard leans of three sets of ladder-like openings. Discover the more desolate moorland scenery, at times interrupted by peat cutting, the varied and attractive shoreline with crofting townships down by the sea and the numerous vestiges of man's occupation in the past. The main road, before the turn off for Scalloway, provides a good view* of the inlet of Gulber Wick. Deeply penetrating arms of the sea or voes are typical of Shetland. On the way down pass on the right the valley which is the setting for Tingwall Loch. The head of the loch is reputed to be the site of the Law Ting Holm or meeting place of the old Norse Parliament SeaHoway Attractively set round its bay, this the one time capital. As the principal island seat of Patrick Earl of Orkney it is no less splendid than his other residences. Attractive details include the corbelling of the corner turrets. sculptured panel above the entrance doorway and sandstone window, door and angle trims. St Ninian's Isle. - An attractive tombola beach links this idyllic island to the mainland.

It was in the ruins of an early Christian church that one of the most important treasure troves of silverware was found. The originals of St Ninian's Treasure are in the National Museum of Antiquities while the Shetland Museum has replicas. The B9122 offers views of a succession of small sandy bays sheltered by headlands. Shetiand Croft House Museum. - This croft in the typical crofting township of Boddam gives an accurate picture of rural life in the mid·19G. The croft steading itself comprises kitchen, sleeping accommodation and byre with the barn behind and a small horizontal water mill down by the stream. Note the roofing of cured turf with straw on top.

Return to the main road, making south again towards the site of Sumburgh Airport on its isthmus separating the waters of the Atlantic and North Sea. This is an outstanding example of a broch, a structure unique to Scotland and the north in particular. On this uninhabited island the visitor may glimpse seals basking on the shore and a small group of Shetland ponies. Broch period. Brochs are the culmination of a tradition of small stone fortified farms stretching back to 500 BC. Mousa itself probably dates to the first two centuries of our era. Mousa may have been more strongly built than the other 500 known brochs in Scotland, most of which are found in the Highlands and Islands. Many have been reduced to rubble.

The Broch. - Impressive from the outside it is awesome and fascinating inside. Ingeniously constructed, the tower is 43ft 6in high with a 50ft diameter at the base.

The shape, not unlike a bottle kiln, swells out at the base. Enter by the 16ft long passage which had a door midway along. The courtyard with central hearth was surrounded by lean-to timber structures supported by the scarcements (ledges) still visible on the inner faces of the walls. Three doorways lead to mural chambers. a fourth opens into a staircase, again mural, which leads to the wall head. Above the uppermost scarcement the hollow wall is divided by stone slabs into galleries, which open onto the courtyard means of three sets of ladder-like openings. SULLOM VOE (Mainland) 35 miles from Lerwick From the main A970 the only indication of Europe's number one oil terminal is the eternal flame on the flare stack, The decisive factors in siting an oil terminal and accompanying port facilities at Sullom Voe were the presence of a deep sheltered inlet and its proximity to the oilfields in the East Shetland Basin, The port with its four specialized jetties can handle ships of up to 300 000 tons, and the terminal 1 400 000 barrels of oil per day.

The oil arrives via two pipelines from 11 offshore oilfields 100 miles to the northeast. The gases (propane and butane) are separated from the oil and then stored prior to shipment. The terminal has no refining facilities. Calback Ness peninsula is the site for sixteen huge storage tanks.

Statistically, Shetland has a land area of 550 sq. miles but the land is penetrated by innumerable “voes‘ (the equivalent of sea lochs on the Scottish mainland) giving it a coastline of no less than 3.000 miles lying rather above latitude 60 degrees north It is equidistant from Aberdeen and Bergen stretches over 70 miles from Sumburgh Head to Muckle Flugga, and is about 30 miles across at its broadest; beyond these limits are the satellite islands of Fair Isle 25 miles south of Sumburgh, and Foula, 20 miles west of Walls on the western part of the Mainland. Even the Romans noticed those voes. Tacitus, 1,900 years ago, recounting a Roman ﬂeet’s discovery that Britain Was an island by sailing round the top of it, noted that Orkney was ‘discovered and subdued’ ‘Thule [Shetland] was sighted by our men, but no more Nowhere does the sea hold wider sway; it carries to and fro in its motions a mass of currents, and in its ebb and ﬂow, it is not held by the coast but penetrates deep into the land and winds about in the hills, as if in its own domain.‘ So the Romans left Shetland alone, little knowing that it had been occupied by man more than 2,000 years earlier, for the islands have more prehistoric sites to the sq. mile than any other comparable area in Britain, more than sixty Neolithic sites have been found, and there are ninety-ﬁve brochs, the most notable being at Mousa, Clickhimin and Jarlshof, apparently built by the Picts against raiders.

The Norsemen arrived about A.D. 800, Their invasion was apparently peaceful, they turned Shetland into a busy staging-post for their further conquests, and they stayed for 500 years: the place-names are Norse, the dialect contains many traces of their language, and there is still much Viking blood among the Shetlanders. It is only 500 years since Shetland became part of Scotland.

Pawned by King Christian of Denmark for 8.000 ﬁorins in the dowry of his daughter Margaret when she married James 111 in 1469, Probably the unhappiest period in Shetland history was under the oppressive and cruel Stewart earls, from 1564. who attempted to destroy the islanders‘ traditional ‘udal‘ system whereby they were responsible to no man providing their taxes were paid, and it may be that Shetland's new standing as an islands Authority will remove the last bitterness remaining from those unhappy days.

The sea is everywhere in Shetland at no point is it more than 3 miles distant and, in spite of the oil boom which has provided more employment for local men and, happily, for returning emigrants, ﬁshing is still a full time occupation for many islanders catching herring, cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, lobster and crab.

Sadly, the traditional knitting and making of ﬁnely spun garments from the small native sheep with their peculiarly ﬁne wool is threatened by the advance of technology and machine knitting, but the fortunate visitor may still ﬁnd a beautiful Shetland shall so ﬁne in texture that it can be drawn through a wedding ring.

Shetland of course is famous for midsummer nights when there is virtually no darkness. just a few hours of twilight, but in winter, thanks to the Gulf Stream, it is normally much milder than most places in Scotland and snow seldom lies.

There are more than 100 islands, and 16 of them are populated.
Shetland is a thriving, secure neighbourhood with magnificent, unspoiled terrain and a wide variety of fauna. Around the island, there are beautiful treks with interesting geological and archaeological features.
Lonely Planet's 2019 travel guide named Shetland as one of the top ten places to visit in Europe.
The island is ideally situated to view the Northern Lights and is of particular interest to ornithologists due to its abundance of bird life, which includes the red-necked phalarope, one of Britain's rarest breeding birds, as well as arctic skuas, eider ducks, golden plovers, whimbrels, and arctic terns. It also has one of Shetland's largest seabird colonies, with 15 breeding species.
A well-known breed of pony from the Shetland Islands, the Shetland Pony has short, stumpy legs, a huge body, and a thick coat.

Lerwick is the main administrative and business centre of the island nation of Shetland. It is also where the country's hospital, primary high school, museum, Mareel cinema, and music venue are located.
One of Shetland's largest seabird colonies, with 15 breeding species, can be found here. Wildlife can be seen throughout the island. Here, you can find a wide variety of bird life, including one of Britain's rarest breeding birds, the red-necked phalarope, red-throated divers, and arctic terns. The islands are also known for their Viking heritage, knitwear, and traditional music.
A well-known breed of pony from the Shetland Islands, the Shetland Pony has short, stumpy legs, a huge body, and thick fur. The islands are a terrific place to visit, and there is accommodation to suit all budgets, including self-catering apartments and pods of every size and form, small hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hostels.

Staying In And Around Shetland

Staying in and around Shetland offers a diverse range of options, each providing a unique experience. Here are a few available on stay4you:

Hotels: Shetland has various hotels catering to different preferences. Lerwick, the main town, offers options ranging from boutique hotels to more traditional accommodations with views of the harbor or the picturesque countryside.
Guesthouses and B&Bs: These provide a more intimate experience, often hosted by locals who can offer insights into the best places to explore nearby. Some are nestled in scenic locations, providing a tranquil retreat.
Self-Catering Cottages: Ideal for those seeking independence and flexibility. You'll find charming cottages scattered across the islands, some near the coastline or amid peaceful countryside, allowing for a more immersive experience in Shetland life.
Camping and Caravanning: For nature lovers, there are campsites available, providing an opportunity to be closer to the stunning landscapes. Some sites offer facilities while others are more remote for a rugged outdoor experience.
Unique Accommodations: There might be options like converted lighthouses, quirky cabins, or even glamping setups that offer a more unconventional but memorable stay.
Rural Retreats: Explore the outer islands for a quieter, more remote stay. These locations often offer stunning natural beauty and a chance to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

When choosing where to stay, consider what experience you're seeking - whether it's easy access to amenities, immersion in nature, or a desire to explore Shetland's culture and history. Each type of accommodation offers its own charm, making the stay in and around Shetland an adventure in itself!

admin 04 February 2022 Last Updated: 26 November 2023 Hits: 165

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Worth the ferry crossing

Ken

· 2 years ago · Shetland Islands

Your review

Nestled in the wild embrace of the North Atlantic, Shetland is an archipelago that defies expectations. My journey to these islands was an adventure in itself. From the moment I set foot on this remote paradise, I knew I was in for something extraordinary.

Shetland is a symphony of contrasts. Its rugged cliffs, serene beaches of white sand, and vast expanses of heathery moorland paint a canvas of unparalleled natural beauty. Every turn on the narrow roads reveals breathtaking vistas that seem straight out of a painting.

But it's not just the landscapes that captivated me; it's the people. The warmth of the locals, their genuine hospitality, and their tales that echo the island's rich history added an indelible charm to my experience. They welcomed me into their world, sharing stories of Viking heritage, folklore, and the deep connection they have with this land.

Exploring Shetland felt like stepping back in time and embracing a simpler, slower pace of life. The stone ruins, ancient brochs, and the echoes of past generations whisper through the wind-swept landscapes, reminding us of the island's incredible history.

The wildlife here is a spectacle in itself. Seabird colonies perched on dramatic cliffs, playful seals basking on rocky outcrops, and the occasional glimpse of orcas or otters added a touch of magic to my days.

From the vibrant bustle of Lerwick, the main town, to the tranquility of the smaller islands, each corner of Shetland has its own story to tell. Whether it was watching the mesmerizing Up Helly Aa festival, exploring the charming villages, or simply savoring the freshest seafood, every moment was a treasure.

In Shetland, time seems to stand still, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature's grandeur and the genuine warmth of its people. It's a place that leaves an indelible mark on your soul, beckoning you to return and discover more of its hidden treasures.

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