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Shetland
The Shetland islands have some of the richest Viking heritage and most incredible landscapes, including Breckon Beach which was recently featured in Condé Naste Traveller's list of Best Beaches in the World. Enjoy adrenaline-soaked adventure and experience spectacular wildlife on the Shetland islands, from seabirds and seals, to otters and orcas, not forgetting the famous Shetland ponies.
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Scotland's UNESCO Trail
Geopark Shetland
Where else can you walk on an ancient ocean floor, explore an extinct volcano and stroll across shifting sands all in the space of a day?
Things to do in Shetland
From incredible nature to contempory arts, Shetland is a real adventure and a truly cosmopolitan place - not on the edge but in the centre of the northern seas.
15 Top things to do in Shetland
From Shetland beaches to Shetland pubs, there are attractions for everyone.
History and heritage in Shetland
Discover more about the rich history of Shetland.
Walking in Shetland
1,697 miles of spectacular coastline.
In Viking footsteps
Delve into Shetland's Norse past.
Nature and wildlife in Shetland
Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment.
World class archaeology
Explore 5,000 years of human history at some of Shetland's best-known historic sites.
Influencer Caroline McQuistin experiences Shetland
Caroline recently took a trip up north - here's why she would recommend adding a Shetland adventure to your list of places to visit in Scotland!
The friendliness and depth of knowledge of the locals was one of the stand out features of Caroline's trip:
"I couldn’t think of a better place for visitors to go to be able to experience a little bit of everything Scotland has to offer. You’ll get so much more out of your time on Shetland if you open up conversations with the people that live there."
She also loved how restorative the landscape and nature felt:
"It was so nice to slow down for a few hours and just focus on one thing, spotting an otter! It was a very calming experience and left me feeling connected to nature."
Inspiration for Shetland breaks
Places to stay
Stay in a stunning Shetland hotel, or what about a cosy lighthouse? From B&Bs to budget-friendly hostels and campsites, there are spectacular places to stay in Shetland.
Tours, Routes & Trails
Shetland provides visitors with many miles of stunning landscapes and glorious island scenery to explore on foot and by bike. Here are some wonderful walks, trails and tour ideas.
Unique Experiences
Shetland is an archipelago of extremes, where life is shaped by the ocean. You will find freedom, wildlife and beauty here, but also rich culture and a dynamic, forward-looking community.
Shetland ponies
Shetland's world-famous small ponies can be seen throughout the islands.
Northern Lights in Shetland
One of the great experiences during the Shetland winter is the ‘Northern Lights’.
Geopark Shetland
Explore an ancient extinct volcano at Eshaness in Geopark Shetland.
Kate Humble's Unique Shetland Experience
Join nature and wildlife presenter Kate Humble for a special Shetland experience. Kate tells us what she loves about the islands and what captured her imagination on her visit to this unique archipelago. Experience Shetland's unique charms for yourself with Kate Humble’s film.
Map of Shetland
Explore Shetland
Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at our iCentres.
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Travel to and around Shetland
Shetland may be the most northerly point of the British Isles, but it is also surprisingly accessible by ferry and plane. The island is also well served by public transport services including bus and inter-island flight and ferry services, helping you get from A to B in no time.
Getting to
Ferry
Take the overnight ferry to Lerwick from Aberdeen or Kirkwall with NorthLink Ferries.
For full details, prices and booking, visit the NorthLink Ferries website
Flying
Fly into Sumburgh Airport from a number of destinations.
Flying is the quickest way to get to Shetland with daily flights to and from major Scottish airports, and regular summer flights from Bergen in Norway.
Getting around
Ferry
Shetland Islands Council operate an inter-island ferry service. The services are fast and frequent, and you can travel to all of them as a foot passenger and many of them with your own vehicle.
Bus and coach
Bus services within Shetland are provided by Zetland Transport Partnership and operated by a number of different operators.
Check out bus timetables and other transport information from ZetTrans
Cycling
Shetland is part of the National Cycling Network and the North Sea Cycle Route passes through the islands.
Shetland offers quiet roads in excellent condition for cycle touring. There are bike hire shops in Lerwick, with electric, road and mountain bikes available.
Vehicle hire
Explore Shetland at your own pace and hire a car, coach or motorhome.
Driving
Shetland is beautiful to drive around, however it is important to take care as many of the roads here are single track.
Taxi
There are several taxi companies operating in Shetland.
Flying
The Inter-island flight service is operated by Airtask Group making it easier to go island-hopping around Shetland’s most remote islands.
Flights depart from Tingwall Airport flying direct to Fair Isle, Foula and Papa Stour frequently.
What's on in Shetland
Events
Enjoy an event or festival in Shetland, there is always lots of things to do.
Places to Eat in Shetland
Food & Drink
From Shetland pubs to amazing island restaurants, you're sure to eat well on these islands.
A tip from your local expert
Hermaness is a spectacular wilderness. In summer the moorland teams with Great Skua & Golden Plover before you reach the dramatic cliffs which are a seabird city. In winter, the bleak moorland leads to the Atlantic at its most dramatic.
Robin
VisitScotland
Find out moreOther things you might like
Watch Shetland the TV series on BBC iPlayer
Shetland 2024 Visitor Guide
Shetland: Scotland's Wondrous Isles
Shetland awarded IMMA status
Best Time of Year to Visit Islands in Scotland
Lerwick
Airports & Flights in Scotland
Getting around Scotland by Ferry
Scottish Writers & Literature
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