Discover wild and untamed landscapes in the Shetland Islands. The entire archipelago is a UNESCO Global Geopark and protects a unique landscape of sandy beaches, windswept hills, heather-strewn moorlands and shimmering lochs. Get up close with puffins and Shetland ponies, learn about the archipelago’s rich Scandinavian heritage and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the United Kingdom.
Things to do in Shetland Islands
The Westside is one of the best places to spot adorable Shetland ponies. You can see the pint-sized horses grazing by the roadside and in the heather-covered hills. If you’re lucky, you might see them trotting along the beaches. Other popular pony-spotting locations include Tingwall, Scalloway and Dunrossness.
Birders flock to the Shetland Islands to spot hundreds of species. Puffins steal the spotlight and can be seen at Hermaness National Nature Reserve, while you can also follow the trail around the headland to spot the iconic seabirds nesting on the rocks. You can also tick off other species like gannets, guillemots, fulmars and great skuas. Pack your binoculars for the chance to spot minke whales, dolphins and orcas splashing offshore.
The Shetland Islands offer a bounty of fresh seafood, including species like halibut, mackerel and haddock. The lamb is mouth-watering, with a diet of grass, heather and seaweed, giving the meat a unique flavour. Shetland black potatoes are a staple and used to make everything from creamy mash to potato soup. Milk from local dairy farms is churned into melt-in-your-mouth cheese, butter and ice cream. Rhubarb crumble is a local specialty and served at most cafes and pubs.
Dive into local culture and tradition at the Shetland Museum. Exhibits chart more than 5,000 years of history and cover everything from geology and wildlife to Viking mythology. Kids love the exhibits on mythical creatures like “nyuggle” water spirits, “trow” fairies and “selkie” mermaids.
Getting around Shetland Islands
All towns and villages in the Shetland Islands are pedestrian-friendly, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the archipelago at your own pace. Local buses are a fast and affordable way to travel between towns and villages and ferries run between different islands. Sumburgh Airport is a gateway to the Shetland Islands.