Title: Visit Shetland Islands: 2026 Travel Guide for Shetland Islands, Scotland | Expedia.com

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# Shetland Islands

## Scotland

![Leaving Lerwick, Shetland Islands.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/fb43f63d-2801-4ada-ab6f-7b8eeb0860f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/fb43f63d-2801-4ada-ab6f-7b8eeb0860f4.jpg) by [Ronnie Robertson](https://www.flickr.com/people/16633132@N04) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0))

![Leaving Lerwick, Shetland Islands.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/fb43f63d-2801-4ada-ab6f-7b8eeb0860f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/fb43f63d-2801-4ada-ab6f-7b8eeb0860f4.jpg) by [Ronnie Robertson](https://www.flickr.com/people/16633132@N04) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0))

![Heading in past the Bressay Light on a calm November morning](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/eef2d8d9-28ab-4c49-ad72-09d89cac1956.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/eef2d8d9-28ab-4c49-ad72-09d89cac1956.jpg) by [Ronnie Robertson](https://www.flickr.com/people/16633132@N04) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0))

![A fine evening on Treasure Island !](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/db359681-d63b-4466-bf03-7259af434cc8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/db359681-d63b-4466-bf03-7259af434cc8.jpg) by [Ronnie Robertson](https://www.flickr.com/people/16633132@N04) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0))

![Waiting for a refill from Sullom Voe](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/cde309ac-3158-4f7e-8503-26ede21ad917.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11219/cde309ac-3158-4f7e-8503-26ede21ad917.jpg) by [Ronnie Robertson](https://www.flickr.com/people/16633132@N04) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0))

#### Escape to a Scottish chain of islands with rich archeological treasures, wide open spaces, watersports and wildlife.

In the northernmost part of the United Kingdom are the Shetland Islands, a subarctic archipelago of more than 100 rugged islands of which 15 are inhabited. With spectacular coastal and inland scenery, wildlife and an ancient history that encompasses Viking and Roman civilizations, there is an abundance of things to see and do. Trek across diverse landscapes, go bird watching for puffins and explore fascinating archeological sites.

Most visitors arrive in Lerwick, Shetland’s capital and only town. This busy seaport is located on Mainland. Stay for a while to take advantage of its many attractions. Learn about the history and culture of the islands at the Shetland Museum and Archives. Stroll along the harbor and try local beers in Lerwick Brewery.

From the capital you will already have glimpsed some of the islands’ majestic landscapes. Appreciate more of the scenery with outdoor activities. Walk on top of Atlantic facing cliffs, along sandy and pebble beaches and across fields covered with heather. There are also lots of routes for cyclists.

Explore coastlines on a guided sea kayaking excursion. Head into sheltered inlets and sea caves and look for colonies of seals and seabirds. Participate in other water pursuits such as sailing and surfing. The island chain's towering cliffs and varied rock forms also make it a good destination for rock climbing.

Go bird spotting on several of the islands. Fetlar is home to the red-necked phalarope, one of Britain's rarest breeding birds, while Skerries attracts many migrating birds during the spring and fall.

One of the islands’ calling cards are their rich archeological history with well-preserved traces of Viking, Roman and other ancient civilizations. While on Mainland visit Jarlshof which contains remains from Neolithic times through to the 17th century. Among them is a Viking farmstead. More Viking treasures such as dozens of longhouses await visitors to the island of Unst.

To experience the history and scenic splendor of the Shetland Islands fly or sail from the Scottish mainland. There are daily flights from several cities while ferries depart from Aberdeen.

### Popular cities in Shetland Islands

[Lerwick

Known for Islands, Archaeology and anthropology and Recreation

](https://expedia.com/Lerwick.dx3120)

Come to Lerwick and enjoy its island views, archaeology, and monuments. 

## Reasons to visit

- Lerwick Town Hall

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Lerwick.dx3120)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Lerwick-Hotels.d3120.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Scalloway

Known for Castle, Swimming and Small town

](https://expedia.com/Scalloway.dx6359227)

Escape to quaint Scalloway! Enjoy its castle, hiking, and museums. 

## Reasons to visit

- Shetland Bus Memorial

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Scalloway.dx6359227)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Scalloway-Hotels.d6359227.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Brae

](https://expedia.com/Brae.dx3000474480)

Venture to Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and Ayre of Hamnavoe—just two of the sights around Brae.

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Brae.dx3000474480)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Brae-Hotels.d3000474480.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Shetland

](https://expedia.com/Shetland.dx553248634739977007)

Check out Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition—just a couple of the sights around Shetland.

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Shetland.dx553248634739977007)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Shetland-Hotels.d553248634739977007.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Whiteness

](https://expedia.com/Whiteness.dx553248634739974957)

Venture to Shetland Bus Memorial and Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition—just two of the sights around Whiteness.

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Whiteness.dx553248634739974957)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Whiteness-Hotels.d553248634739974957.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Busta

](https://expedia.com/Busta.dx3000012091)

Venture to Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and Ayre of Hamnavoe—just two of the sights around Busta.

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Busta.dx3000012091)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Busta-Hotels.d3000012091.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

## Explore a world of travel with Expedia

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- [Lerwick Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Hotels.d3120.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [B&B in Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Bed-And-Breakfast.d3120-aaBedAndBreakfast.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [Historic Hotels in Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Hotels-Historic-Hotel.0-0-d3120-tHistoricHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Apartments in Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Apartments.d3120-aaApartments.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [Hotels near Lerwick Town Hall ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Town-Hall-Hotels.0-l6089111-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Coastal Walk to the Knab ](https://www.expedia.com/Coastal-Walk-To-The-Knab-Hotels.0-l553248621532495174-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition ](https://www.expedia.com/Up-Helly-Aa-Exhibition-Hotels.0-l553248621533025383-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Isle of Noss ](https://www.expedia.com/Isle-Of-Noss-Hotels.0-l553248621533025431-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Bressay Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Bressay-Hotels.d6359218.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Bressay Lighthouse ](https://www.expedia.com/Bressay-Lighthouse-Hotels.0-l6089113-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Gulberwick Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Gulberwick-Hotels.d3000453639.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Gott Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Gott-Hotels.d6350337.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Noss Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Noss-Hotels.d6359230.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Scalloway Castle ](https://www.expedia.com/Scalloway-Castle-Hotels.0-l6089115-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Scalloway Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Scalloway-Hotels.d6359227.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Apartments in Scalloway ](https://www.expedia.com/Scalloway-Apartments.d6359227-aaApartments.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [B&B in Scalloway ](https://www.expedia.com/Scalloway-Bed-And-Breakfast.d6359227-aaBedAndBreakfast.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)

- [Flights to Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Lerwick.d3120.Travel-Guide-Flights)
- [Flights to Bressay ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Bressay.d6359218.Travel-Guide-Flights)
- [Flights from Gott ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6350337/flights-from-gott)
- [Flights from London (LHR) to Lerwick (LWK) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/lhr/lwk/london-to-lerwick)
- [Flights from Tingwall ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/airports/lwk/flights-from-tingwall-airport)
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- [Flights to Tingwall ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Tingwall.d6025397.Travel-Guide-Flights)
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- [Visit Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick.dx3120)
- [Lerwick Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick.d3120.Destination-Travel-Guides)
- [Bain's Beach ](https://www.expedia.com/Bains-Beach-Lerwick.d553248635977470461.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Shetland Museum ](https://www.expedia.com/Shetland-Museum-Lerwick.d6089109.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Coastal Walk to the Knab ](https://www.expedia.com/Coastal-Walk-To-The-Knab-Lerwick.d553248621532495174.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition ](https://www.expedia.com/Up-Helly-Aa-Exhibition-Lerwick.d553248621533025383.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Clickimin Broch ](https://www.expedia.com/Clickimin-Broch-Lerwick.d553248621532495171.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Visit Bressay ](https://www.expedia.com/Bressay.dx6359218)
- [Bressay Lighthouse ](https://www.expedia.com/Bressay-Lighthouse-Bressay.d6089113.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Visit Gulberwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Gulberwick.dx3000453639)
- [Visit Gott ](https://www.expedia.com/Gott.dx6350337)
- [Gott Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Gott.d6350337.Destination-Travel-Guides)
- [Visit Noss ](https://www.expedia.com/Noss.dx6359230)
- [Visit Laxfirth ](https://www.expedia.com/Laxfirth.dx6348081)
- [Visit Quarff ](https://www.expedia.com/Quarff.dx3000474484)
- [Noss Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Noss.d6359230.Destination-Travel-Guides)
- [Visit Scalloway ](https://www.expedia.com/Scalloway.dx6359227)

- [Car rentals near Lerwick ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Lerwick.d3120.Car-Rental-Guide)
- [Car rentals near Gott ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Gott.d6350337.Car-Rental-Guide)
- [Mini Car Rentals in Gott ](https://www.expedia.com/Mini-Car-Rentals-In-Gott.d6350337-tMini.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)
- [Car rentals near Noss ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Noss.d6359230.Car-Rental-Guide)

- [Lerwick Vacation Rentals ](https://www.expedia.com/Lerwick-Vacation-Rentals.d3120.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)
- [Gott Vacation Rentals ](https://www.expedia.com/Gott-Vacation-Rentals.d6350337.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)

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