At Noup of Noss, tens of thousands of seabirds nest on 181-metre-high sea cliffs in summer. The Shetland Islands also offer everything from prehistoric settlements to recurring music and craft festivals. Deciding which of these discoveries you want to shape your stay is a good starting point for planning your trip.
Cliffs and seabirds
Noss is one of Scotland’s most important seabird colonies. The island can be reached from mainland Scotland by taking the ferry from Lerwick to Bressay; from there, continue across Bressay and take a RIB shuttle to Noss. Access conditions may vary depending on the season and weather, so check them before your visit.
Hermaness National Nature Reserve is also a cliff habitat for thousands of seabirds. The Saito Trail leads to the western cliffs, where nesting birds can be seen and heard during the breeding season. Follow the current nature-protection guidance on site. This gives you two distinct nature destinations to consider on Shetland: Noss, with its high cliffs, and Hermaness, with its trail to the western cliffs.
Geology and coastal paths
Some rocks on Shetland are almost three billion years old. The Shetland Geopark and nearly 1,700 miles (2,700 km) of coastline give geology and coastal scenery a prominent place. If you’re interested in the volcanic landscape, Eshaness Circular offers a useful point of reference: the circular trail starts at the car park by the lighthouse, which stands at the edge of volcanic cliffs.
Sea kayaking offers the chance to explore uninhabited islands, deserted beaches and numerous sea caves. It’s a different way to experience the coast than viewing it from a path. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, meanwhile, is Shetland’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1821. The Northern Lights are locally known as the “Mirrie Dancers”; the name offers a cultural perspective on this natural phenomenon without specifying when they might be seen.
Archaeology and heritage
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement brings together more than 4,000 years of human settlement in one place. The surviving structures include Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch, Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead and a 16th-century laird’s house. The different building styles give your visit a historical context spanning from prehistoric times to the later Middle Ages.
The collections at Shetland Museum and Archives range from prehistoric artefacts and maritime history to textiles, photography and archives. The reading room is open to anyone wishing to consult books, newspapers or records from the collection; check the current opening hours before your visit. In Lerwick, Hay’s Dock is the last surviving part of the original dock on the waterfront and is a Category B listed building.
Music, crafts and when to visit
Lerwick Up Helly Aa takes place annually on the last Tuesday in January and culminates in a torchlit procession and the burning of a galley. The Shetland Folk Festival showcases international, Scottish and Shetland music and is considered the UK’s northernmost folk festival. Shetland Wool Week celebrates weaving, spinning, dyeing, Fair Isle knitting and lace knitting through exhibitions, courses and events. Dates and programmes for the Folk Festival and Wool Week vary; check the specific dates for your trip.
The local food also offers a distinctive insight into the islands. It includes fresh fish and seafood, lamb, beef and seasonal vegetables, as well as milk, locally made butter and cheese. The range of local produce, archaeology and festivals can help you choose the focus of your stay without trying to fit every theme into one trip.
Planning transport and accommodation
Shetland is mainly accessible by plane or ferry. The NorthLink overnight ferry between Aberdeen and Lerwick takes around twelve and a half hours. This is an approximate duration; operators and timetables may change, so check the latest information for your travel dates. Visitor centres on Shetland offer local advice, maps and ideas for sights and activities. Locations and opening hours may vary.
Discover more destinations: Hillswick, Lerwick.
Return to the main travel overview: Shetland Islands.
