VisitShetland

Active

Shetland is a great place for an active family holiday. There's something for everyone - from mountain biking to trout fishing, scuba diving to round-the-clock golf. With 19 hours of midsummer daylight, Shetland can keep you active all day long.

Natural

Shetland is famous as a world-class location for bird watching, as well as seal and otter spotting. The several wildlife reserves located in Shetland are testament to the islands' pristine environment. Shetland is even home to unique species which have adapted to the islands, such as the wonderful miniture Shetland ponies. With over 1,500km of coastline and 138 sandy beaches, spectacular scenery is around every corner.

Historical

the quality and importance of Shetland's archaeological sites was recognised by the 2006 Rough Guide to Scotland: Mousa broch was named as Scotland's top visitor attraction and Jarlshof third!

Shetlander's have always travelled far and wide. Today Shetland attracts many visitors looking to trace their genealogy back through the islands.

Cultural

Shetland has a rich cultural heritage, embodied in the spectacular Up-Helly-Aa Viking fire festival. Shetland retains many Scandinavian features, strengthened by wartime links with the resistance in Norway. The jewel of Shetland's culture is the islanders world-famous aptitude for music, particularly with the fiddle.

Entertaining

With plenty of restaurants, pubs, clubs, music venues and a theatre, there's a full range of entertainment on offer.

Crafts and Shopping

Shetland businesses produce many fine goods, such as handmade fiddles, jewellery, leatherwork and traditional natural soap. Why not see what's on offer by taking a relaxing stroll though Commercial Street, the pretty old town shopping street in the centre of Lerwick.

Indoor

There's plenty to see and do indoors, no matter the weather.