Shetland Must See Attractions
1. Puffins and Seabirds
Seabird Colonies
Photograph by David Gifford
Shetland is a bird lovers paradise. See the Bird Watching and Wildlife section for a guide of where to go.
For up-to-the-minute information about the latest sightings of rare birds in Shetland see: Nature in Shetland.
2. Beaches
St Ninian's Isle
Image by David Gifford
Shetland's beaches are spectacular, whether on sunny summer days or in stormy winter weather. One of the favourites is the pristine sands at St Ninian's Isle, a tombolo linking the South Mainland to St Ninian's Isle where the famous St Ninian's Isle treasure was discovered (on display at Royal Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh - replica in the Shetland Museum). Other excellent beaches include the Sumburgh beaches and Meal Beach in Burra.
3. Boat Trip
Gannets at Noss
Image by Kenny Gifford
A boat trip around one of the many seabird colonies in Shetland is an amazing experience. Seabirds-and-Seals offer expert tours around the cliffs of Noss on board the Dunter III.
4. Seacliffs
Stunning cliffs can be found at Eshaness in the north mainland - well worth a visit.
5. Shetland Ponies
Ponies
Image by David Gifford
The world famous Shetland pony - specially adapted to the Shetland climate - can be seen in parks all over Shetland, often just off main roads.
6. Mousa Broch
Mousa Broch
Image by Kenny Gifford
The most stunning example of a Pictish broch can be found on the island of Mousa, which you can get to via the Mousa Ferry.
Easier to access is Clickimin Broch in Lerwick.
For more information see the Historical Attractions section.
7. An Historical Site
For the best impression of life in ancient Shetland, a visit to Old Scatness or Jarlsholf is essential.
For more information see the Historical Attractions section.
8. Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition: The Galley Shed
The Burning Site
Image by David Gifford
Located in St Sunniva Street in Lerwick is the Galley Shed and exhibition centre for Up-Helly-Aa - Britain’s largest fire festival. A visit here is a great way to experience this unique Shetland event (which takes place in Janaury).
9. Shetland Music
No holiday to Shetland would be complete without experiencing the sound of Shetland music. The best time to hear Shetland music is during events such as the Shetland Folk Festival or the Accordion and Fiddle Festival. Alternatively you will find traditional music at the Iselburgh Exhibition (see below) and at the Lounge Bar in Lerwick (usually on Wednesday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons).
See Shetland Today for a list of "What's On".
10. Isleburgh Exhibition
A great introduction to Shetland can be seen at the Isleburgh Exhibition in the Isleburgh Community Centre in Lerwick. Knitting, traditional dance, crafts, photography and a reproduction of a traditional crofthouse are all on display, 7-9.30pm every Monday and Wednesday, May through September.
11. The Simmer Dim
A Shetland Sunset
Hamnavoe, Burra.
Image by David Gifford
Shetland's northerly latitude results in long summer days. At the height of the summer the sky never grows truly dark and the glow is referred to as the 'simmer dim'. If you are fortunate with the weather, watching a tranquil Shetland sunset is a great way to relax.
12. Lerwick's Commercial Street & Lanes
Near Lerwick's picturesque harbour is Commercial Street and the town centre. Full of great shops, 'Da Street' (as it is known locally) is also a place of lore: Elma Johnson offers tours around the lanes of Lerwick, with tales of smugglers, pressgangs and ghosts! - See the Island Trails website.
