Shetland Islands

From the Muckle Flugga lighthouse there’s nothing but sea until the North Pole

Life in Shetland is dominated by the sea. No matter where you are, you’re never more than three miles from the coast. Travellers have been coming to this land since ancient Neolithic times.

Being so far north the quality of light is remarkable. The Simmer Dim means it never really gets dark in summer, and sightings of the Northern Lights are spectacular.

The Muckle Flugga lighthouse sits on a small rugged sea stack and is the northernmost point in Britain. Norse-inspired myth suggests that Muckle Flugga was formed when the giant Herma and Saxa fell in love with the same mermaid and began hurling rocks at one another in a jealous rage.

The Viking influence is obvious everywhere you look. The Althing was once the Viking parliament and still to this day Norse Udal law plays a role in Shetland life. Norse is still noticeable in the Shetland dialect and place names. Every January, on the last Tuesday of the month, Vikings roam the streets of Lerwick as part of the ‘Up Helly Aa’, the world’s biggest fire festival. The torchlight procession involves dragging a Viking longship through the streets before setting it alight in spectacular fashion. 

Shetland is an archipelago of around 100 islands, with only sixteen inhabited. The scenery is surprisingly varied and spectacular from rocky crags, stupendous cliffs and heather hills to sand dunes and pebble beaches. The road network is well-maintained and there are regular ferries to the islands of Unst, Yell, Bressay, and Whalsa.

Shetland is a haven for wildlife and a paradise for bird-watchers with over one million birds. Expect to see puffins, fulmars, otters, seals, dolphins and even orcas.

We recommend a visit to:

• Jarlshof: An extraordinary archaeological site that spans over 4,000 years of human settlement.
• Mousa Broch Over 2,000 years old, the impressive Iron Age tower still stands to this day.
• The Shetland Museum and Archives: Viking heritage comes alive through tales of Norse sagas and the islands' seafaring past.
• Banna Min Beach: Among Shetland's most breathtaking beaches, Banna Min Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, making it an ideal spot to sit, unwind, and take a leisurely dip.
• The Northern Lights: You can witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights throughout the year, but your chances are higher from mid-October to mid-March when the spectacular natural phenomenon graces the Shetland skies.
• Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village: Don't miss the opportunity to explore this relatively recently discovered slice of history. The buildings here date back over 3,000 years, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

For more information, follow the link here to the Visit Shetland website. Take a look at their inspiration page, and don’t forget to download the Viking trail leaflet from Shetland Heritage.