Are the Shetland Islands worth visiting?

20/08/2022

Are the Shetland Islands worth visiting?

Shetland is a good place to do something wild. Pretty much the entire archipelago is primed and ready for wild camping, with the chance to set up near beautiful beaches and epic moorlands, while more than 900 miles of coastline makes this a paradise for wild swimming.

Do you need a passport to go to the Shetland Islands?

If you are visiting Shetland from the UK mainland, you don’t need a passport. If you are arriving from outwith the UK (for example, flying straight to Shetland from Norway) you will need one.

How long does it take to drive across Shetland?

A drive north through the Shetland mainland, taking about 45 minutes, is followed by a ferry crossing to Yell and, after another drive of a little under half an hour, a further ferry to Unst; ferries are easily booked in advance.

What is Shetland famous for?

Shetland has long been world famous as a mecca for bird enthusiasts. From the ultra-rare to the quirky, birds of all breeds flock to the isles in their droves.

Can you see Northern Lights in Shetland?

As Shetland lies closer to the North Pole than any other part of Britain, it’s the best place to see the Northern Lights.

How long is the ferry ride from Scotland to Shetland?

around 12 hours 30 minutes
The Aberdeen Lerwick ferry route connects Scotland with Shetland Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 7 times each week with sailing durations from around 12 hours 30 minutes.

Can you take your car to Shetland?

You can take your own car, motorhome or bike and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels for your four-legged friends. For those with accessibility requirements, there are cabins, lifts, toilets, and wheelchair access in public areas.

Do you need a car in the Shetland Islands?

Many of the islands are connected by road bridges, and for those that aren’t, car ferries provide service. Renting a car might be the best solution if you want to cover a lot of ground in the shortest time. You can either bring a car from mainland Scotland or pick one up in Lerwick.

How warm does it get in Shetland?

In Shetland, the summers are short, cool, and windy; the winters are long, very cold, wet, and extremely windy; and it is mostly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 37°F to 59°F and is rarely below 30°F or above 63°F.

What should I wear to the Shetland Islands?

Windproof layers – I usually have a light jumper with a windproof zip-fronted jumper over the top (beneath my jacket). This adds another layer of protection from the elements. Jeans – because they are just so versatile, and can be dressed up or down and worn for everything from hikes to dinners.

How long is the ferry ride from Shetland to Norway?

approximately 6h 35m
It takes approximately 6h 35m to get from Shetland Islands to Norway, including transfers.

How long is the ferry from Scotland to Shetland?

Does Shetland have an airport?

Sumburgh Airport (IATA: LSI, ICAO: EGPB) is the main airport serving Shetland in Scotland.

Is there an airport on Shetland Islands?

Sumburgh Airport (IATA: LSI, ICAO: EGPB) is the main airport serving Shetland in Scotland. It is located on the southern tip of the mainland, in the parish of Dunrossness, 17 NM (31 km; 20 mi) south of Lerwick.