10 reasons to add Shetland to your travel bucket list

Nestled at the northernmost edge of the Scottish isles, Shetland is a destination like no other. With its rugged landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, it offers an unparalleled experience for new and returning visitors.

Shetland’s shores are home to the highest density of otters in Europe, with an estimated 800-1,000 living across the islands. Unlike their nocturnal counterparts in the UK, Shetland’s otters are often seen during the long summer days, gliding along streams or exploring low-lying coasts.

Whilst there are countless reasons to explore this remote archipelago, we’ve compiled our top ten reasons why you should add Shetland to your travel bucket list.

1. Immerse yourself in Shetland’s festivals and events

Shetland’s vibrant calendar of festivals and events is a great opportunity for visitors to connect with the island’s rich heritage, creative spirit and welcoming communities.

One of the most iconic are the Up Helly Aa fire festivals, held between January and March every year. These fiery celebrations mark Shetland’s Viking roots, with marches, torchlit processions, and galley burning. The largest of these, Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa, takes place on the last Tuesday in January and draws visitors from across the globe for an unforgettable spectacle.

For music lovers, Shetland is a great destination to visit no matter the time of year. The Shetland Folk Festival is held in May, followed in August by Shetland’s newest music festival, Rising North, and in October, the much-loved Shetland Accordion and Fiddle festival will take place. In September, the world-renowned Shetland Wool Week attracts knitting enthusiasts from both near and far.

You can view our guide to events and festivals in Shetland for more inspiration and information.

2. Uncover unique sites and Viking heritage

Shetland’s history is etched into its rugged landscape, offering visitors a chance to journey through over 5,000 years of human history. With some 8,000 archaeological sites, from prehistoric settlements to Viking longhouses, Shetland is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

At Jarlshof, you can explore one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in all of Shetland. This single site contains layers of history, from Neolithic houses and a Bronze Age village to Iron Age wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse and even a medieval farmstead.

For a glimpse of Shetland’s Iron Age heritage, visit the iconic Mousa Broch – the tallest and best-preserved broch in the world, standing 13 metres high and constructed around 2,500 years ago.

Shetland is also a rare gateway to Viking history. On Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the UK, you can find over 60 Viking longhouse sites, as well as the Skidbladner – a full-sized replica of a Viking longship. Discover more Viking places in Shetland here.

3. Explore one of seven UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK

Shetland is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised for its breathtaking natural beauty and geological significance. With almost 1,700 miles of diverse coastline, the Shetland Islands offer a wealth of stunning landscapes.

Discover some lovely beaches in Shetland like the iconic St Ninian’s Isle, home to the largest active tombolo (a natural sand causeway connecting the island to the Shetland mainland) in the UK. Found in Northmavine, Da Lang Ayre is a spectacular pink shingle beach backed by steep cliffs and can only be reached by completing a challenging hike.

Shetland’s cliffs are equally spectacular, as the strong Atlantic waves crash against endless stacks, arches, blowholes and cliffs. The dark rugged cliffs of Eshaness, found in the northwestern edge of the Shetland mainland, are particularly impressive as they showcase the remnants of an ancient volcano.

4. Observe some incredible wildlife on land or at sea

From bustling seabird colonies to playful otters, the Shetland Islands are teeming with wildlife making them a must-visit for nature lovers.

Shetland is one of the best birdwatching areas in the UK, with over one million seabirds arriving here to nest along its dramatic cliffs including Arctic Terns, Fulmars, Great Skuas and Puffins – known locally as ‘Tammie Norries’. The best places to spot these seabirds is to visit one of the many RSPB nature reserves located throughout the islands.

Shetland’s shores are home to the highest density of otters in Europe, with an estimated 800-1,000 living across the islands. Unlike their nocturnal counterparts in the UK, Shetland’s otters are often seen during the long summer days, gliding along streams or exploring low-lying coasts. Seals or ‘selkies’ are a common sight along beaches and around harbours, while orcas and dolphins thrill visitors with regular sightings, especially between April and September.

5. Stand at the northernmost point of the British Isles

One of the most exhilarating experiences in Shetland is the chance to stand at the very edge of the British Isles, where rugged cliffs meet the endless expanse of the North Sea.

Located on the island of Unst, the journey to this breathtaking spot takes you through the stunning Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll encounter dramatic landscapes, abundant seabird colonies, and a sense of solitude found nowhere else.

At the tip of this wild terrain lies Out Stack, the northernmost point of Scotland and the British Isles. This tiny isle stands as the last piece of land before the Arctic, making it feel like you are standing at the edge of the world!

6. The perfect place for island hopping

Shetland is a paradise for island hoppers, with over 100 islands to explore. Each island offers something unique and with an excellent ferry network connecting the islands, getting from one to another is effortless.

Wildlife enthusiasts will adore Yell, with its golden beaches and thriving seal and otter populations. For birdwatchers, Fair Isle and Fetlar are must-visits—Fair Isle is world-famous for its intricate knitwear and bird observatory, while Fetlar, the ‘Garden of Shetland’, hosts rare species like the red-necked phalarope.

The rugged cliffs and remote beauty of Foula is a must-visit for hiking, while the sea caves of Papa Stour are a kayaker’s dream. Less than a 10-minute ferry journey from Lerwick, Bressay provides easy access to serene coastal walks and seabird colonies.

7. Discover Shetland’s vibrant arts and creative scene

Shetland’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes have long inspired a vibrant arts and creative scene that captivates visitors from around the world. From traditional crafts to contemporary works, the islands are brimming with talent. The Shetland Craft Trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this creativity, guiding you to local studios, workshops, and galleries where you can see skilled artisans at work.

Shetland is especially renowned for its textile heritage, with its world-famous wool and iconic Fair Isle knitwear. A visit to the Shetland Textile Museum offers fascinating insights into the history and techniques behind this beloved tradition.

For art lovers, we highly recommend a visit to any of the island’s art galleries. The Shetland Gallery, Bonhoga Gallery, and others showcase works from local artists inspired by the dramatic seascapes. They are the perfect place to buy a gift for friends and family, or to bring a piece of Shetland home with you.

8. Embrace your wild side with thrilling outdoor adventures

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or looking to try something new, Shetland’s natural environment provides countless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. Kayaking is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Shetland’s coastline. Glide through hidden coves, explore uninhabited islands, or even explore one of the longest sea caves in Britain – the Hol o’Bordie in Papa Stour, which is more than 300 meters long!

For adrenaline seekers, Shetland’s unpredictable waves make it a fantastic spot for surfing, and wild swimming is an increasingly popular activity in the isles. St Ninian’s Isle is one of the best places for a refreshing dip as it is also home to the Haar Sauna – the perfect place to warm up after a cold plunge.

9. Experience the magic of Shetland’s skies

Shetland’s skies are a captivating reason to visit these remote isles, offering unique spectacles that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. During the height of summer, the islands are bathed in the ethereal glow of the Simmer Dim. This phenomenon, meaning “summer twilight” in Shetland dialect, occurs when the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating up to 19 hours of daylight.

Winter brings an entirely different spectacle: the Northern Lights, locally known as the Mirrie Dancers. Shetland’s far-north location makes it the best place in the UK to witness these mesmerizing displays of green, pink, and blue lights dancing across the sky. For the best chance of seeing them, head to dark, remote spots far from artificial light and don’t forget to bring your camera!

10. To truly get away from it all

Shetland, sitting at the northernmost edge of Scotland closer to Norway than mainland Britain, offers a rare opportunity to truly disconnect. With rugged coastlines and sweeping beaches, Shetland’s breathtaking landscapes provide space to roam, reconnect with nature, and enjoy quiet moments of reflection.

In Shetland, life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. You can wander through charming villages, where welcoming locals are happy to share stories of island life. Few places offer such a perfect balance of warm hospitality and peaceful isolation, making Shetland the ultimate destination for anyone seeking to unwind and recharge.

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