Shetland Islands, with a rich history and cultural heritage, have so much to offer visitors. The Shetland Islands occupy a position of great significance in the history of the UK and beyond as they lie on key sea routes from northern Europe to North America.
During times past Shetlanders took full advantage of their central location by trading extensively with countries all over both the northern and southern hemispheres. Their rich cultural heritage is reflected not only in abundant ancient monuments but also in every aspect of life in modern-day Shetland. They stayed with us when Norway’s King Olaf laid claim to our islands over 1000 years ago, and even today, most people speak with a distinctive Scandinavian accent known as ‘Shetland.
Air, sea, or via our newly refurbished port can reach quickly Shetland and easily. It is an ideal base when exploring the rest of Scotland, Norway, Orkney, and the northeast coast of England.
There are 15 inhabited islands among the 100 in the Shetland archipelago. The main island is the biggest in Britain after Great Britain itself.
The murder mysteries of Shetland by Ann Cleeves was a worldwide success and became a TV series.
Nearly 1,000 islands surround Shetland within a 15-day cruise from the UK mainland. The Northlink ferry run by P&O has sailings twice a week plus an additional service from Aberdeen on Saturdays during peak summer months.
In many places along this rugged coastline, you won’t find any roads–but there are many scenic paths to explore as well as quiet country lanes, which make ideal cycling territory. With fresh sea air and spectacular scenery, Shetland is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true! There’s nowhere better at spotting seals or otters–or even dolphins at certain times of year, and bird life is abundant with over 260 species recorded including puffins, gannets, and migrating Arctic terns.
The Shetland Pony is a small, hardy native breed of a pony from the Shetland Isles in northern Scotland. The Cliffs of Hermaness have been home to an RSPB wildlife reserve and seabird colony since 1953.
Lerwick, the capital of Shetland is a busy fishing port and has an exciting selection of shops and cafes.
The wind plays a major role in the lives of Shetlanders, where wind turbines are a common sight along with fishing boats.
Shetland is home to the famous Whalsay Golf Club established in 1886. Lord Robertson one of Scotland’s leading professional golfers was born on Whalsay and learned his craft at the club. This historic course is extended to 6125 yards from the championship tees with a standard scratch of 80.
Whalsay Golf Course
It is an 18-hour course, with generous fairways and small greens bordered by sea-grass. ”
The Shetland Truck Race” has its origins in Lerwick’s old droving days when farmers herded animals down to the port at LERWICK for sale or shipment south. Farmers would race each other to be first back up onto the hills again with their animals.
Scotland which takes its name from their local island of origin. These sturdy hardy little ponies are very sure-footed and have great stamina. They were bred to work in harsh conditions on crofts (small farms) and fishing boats pulling carts, carrying peat and other heavy loads. As more roads were built they took on the job of road transport for their owners and were used by postmen to deliver letters.
Today they are primarily raised as family pets, with some still working in “Truck Racing.”
The Whalsay Truck Race which is held annually has become famous within Shetland for its excitement and crowd participation. The race attracts enormous crowds with competitors and spectators alike, providing a carnival atmosphere.
Shetland Folk Festival takes place each year over four days at the end of May attracting around 3,000 people to concerts across Lerwick featuring folk music from all over Scotland and beyond, workshops, ceilidhs (traditional evenings), and dances.
The Best Hotels in the Shetland Islands
Sumburgh Hotel
The breathtaking hotel with its dramatic cliff-top location looks out over Sumburgh Airport, with views across to the island of Whalsay and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Shetland Hotel, Bressay
The 100-acre Isle of Bressay has spectacular beaches and spectacular views across Lerwick’s harbor and up to Lerwick itself.
Baltasound Hotel, Sandsting
Nestled between the vibrant metropolis of Scalloway and sandy white beaches is our fabulous Baltasound hotel at Sandsting on beautiful Britain’s most northerly inhabited island.
Clickimin Caravan Park, Lerwick
In a tranquil setting right by one of Shetland’s finest beaches just 200m away, Clickimin Caravan Park is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday in the Shetland Islands.
Links House Hotel
Sitting on the edge of Lerwick overlooking Sullom Voe and surrounded by Shetland’s rich maritime heritage, Links House is an elegant hotel built with traditional local stone.
The Pierhouse Hotel
Built-in 1881 to welcome passengers arriving at Lerwick aboard the steamships of the time. Now beautifully refurbished, Scotland has recently awarded this picturesque hotel 4 red stars for its facilities and staff service.
Links Lodge Guest House & Cottages
Offering comfortable accommodation and superb hospitality since 1986, we are only a 5-minute walk from the center of the capital, Lerwick. We are ideally situated, however, for exploring all that the stunning North Isles offers.
The Spiggie Hotel
The Spiggie Hotel is a family-run hotel overlooking peaceful sandy beaches and is ideally situated to explore all that Northmavine offers.
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