Shetland Travel Costs & Things to Do

Stay

days

Pace

Relaxed

Safety

/ 5

Popularity

/ 10

OVERVIEW

Shetland is a northern archipelago with rugged coasts, scattered settlements and open moorland connected by ferries and causeways. Fishing, farming and energy industries remain central to local life. The transition between inhabited islands and boat routes remains visible away from the principal visitor routes. The transition between coastal communities and boat routes remains visible away from the principal visitor routes.

Birdwatching, coastal walking and archaeology provide exceptional variety. Weather changes rapidly, while long summer daylight and winter darkness create very different experiences. The contrast between boat routes and coastal communities becomes clearest when more than one area is explored. The contrast between coastal communities and inhabited islands becomes clearest when more than one area is explored.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Season

High

Low

Precipitation

THINGS TO DO

Trace Shetland’s maritime history

Use Shetland’s maritime history to understand a specific part of Shetland’s past rather than viewing it without context. Allow time for interpretation, not only the most photographed exterior. Choose it only if it fits your base and route.

History

2–4 hours

Explore Shetland’s archaeological sites

Explore Shetland’s archaeological sites to understand the ancient settlement, belief or engineering that shaped Shetland. Allow enough time to read the site rather than treating it as a photo stop.

Archaeology

2–4 hours

Look for wildlife areas in Shetland

Look for wildlife around Shetland’s wildlife areas with attention to habitat and responsible viewing distances. Seasons affect animal movement, and wild sightings should never be guaranteed. Choose it only if it fits your base and route.

Wildlife

2–4 hours

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Languages

English

Currency

Pound sterling · GBP

Payments

Cards accepted

Tipping