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Lerwick, Shetland

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  4. Lerwick

Lerwick

Lerwick is the perfect starting point for exploring Shetland. Head north for a weekend break or holiday in Lerwick and explore this pretty harbour town. Wander around the quirky lanes made famous by Jimmy Perez in the BBC Shetland TV series, step back in time at the Iron Age broch of Clickimin, spot seabirds and seals on a wildlife boat tour around Bressay or enjoy traditional Shetland music.

Things to do in Lerwick

Step back in time to the dawn of civilisation at an ancient broch, witness some spectacular wildlife or admire beautiful handcrafted Viking-style longships. 

Lerwick town centre

Discover Lerwick's rich trading history from past to present.

Lerwick Explorer Walk

This route explores the older part of the town and harbour and passes round the headland of the Knab with some fine coastal scenery and views.

Bressay and Noss

Bressay shelters Lerwick from the east and can be reached by car ferry from the town in under ten minutes.

Sea life in Shetland

Shetland is a brilliant place all year round to watch sea mammals.

Inspiration for Lerwick breaks

Clickimin Broch in Lerwick at night

Places to stay

Stay your own way in Lerwick with a choice of fantastic accommodation, from welcoming B&Bs to stunning self-catering apartments. 

  • Accommodation on Shetland

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

Tours, routes & trails

Lerwick is the perfect base to start your Shetland adventure, by land or sea.

  • Shetland Craft Trail
  • Nature and wildlife in Shetland
  • Shetland by sea
See all tours, routes & trails

Unique experiences

Visit the sites from the book and TV series "Shetland"

Are you a fan of the BBC crime drama Shetland?

World class archaeology

Explore 5,000 years of human history at some of Shetland's best-known historic sites.

Up Helly Aa fire festivals

Join Shetland's Up Helly Aa celebrations! Enjoy torchlight parades, live music, and Viking-inspired fun for all ages.

Orca spotting

Orca sightings are relatively common in Shetland's inshore waters.

Map of Lerwick

Explore Lerwick

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How to travel to and around Lerwick

Getting to Lerwick

Ferry

Start your adventure with a safe and comfortable overnight crossing from Aberdeen or Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries arriving in the heart of Lerwick itself. 

Travel to Lerwick by ferry

Flying

Take a direct flight to Sumburgh Airport with Loganair from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Kirkwall with connections from Birmingham, Belfast City, Bristol, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and Teesside. From there you can hire a car or catch a bus to Lerwick.

Getting around Lerwick

Walking

Lerwick is quite a small town, so getting from A to B is very  simple and you can walk everywhere.

Check out the Lerwick Explorer walk. 

Cycling

Shetland offers quiet roads in excellent condition for cycle touring. There are bike hire shops in Lerwick, with electric, road and mountain bikes available.

Find out more about cycling in Shetland. 

Bus and coach

You can find Shetland bus timetables and other information on the Shetland bus network website.

Travel Lerwick by bus

Driving

Have you brought your electric car to Shetland? Check out these charging points to get you where you want to go.

Shetland is beautiful to drive around, however it is important to take care as many of the roads here are single track. 

Find out more about driving in Shetland. 

Places to eat in Lerwick

Fjarå Café Bar, Lerwick

© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles

Food & drink

Shetland is famous for its seafood and you'll be able to sample fresh produce in and around Lerwick. The local food culture here is really exciting!

  • A local guide to Shetland food & drink

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