Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer, a lover of knitting & textiles, enamoured with the adorable Shetland ponies or longing to immerse yourself in a mosaic of mesmerising landscapes, the Shetland Islands should be on your radar! But how can you experience all the islands have to offer? Plan your trip to Scotland’s northernmost region with my ultimate Shetland itinerary.
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The Shetland Islands (or just Shetland – never “the Shetlands”) are located about 110 miles north of the Scottish mainland. This awe-inspiring archipelago offers breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history, countless islands to visit, endless wildlife encounters and some of the most creative people I’ve ever met in Scotland.
I fell in love with the islands when I first visited for the Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick. More recently, I had the opportunity to return for an in-depth summer trip to experience the best Shetland’s great outdoors has to offer.
I went hiking and island hopping, explored by boat and below the water’s surface, met crofters, knitters, stargazers and artists, and made my fair share of wildlife experiences along the way.
Based on this trip, I’m pouring all my experiences into an epic Shetland itinerary to help you see the best of Shetland in one week.* This post contains:
- A brief introduction to Shetland and its heritage
- How to get to the Shetland Islands
- A one-week Shetland itinerary
- Ideas for spending more time on the islands, and
- Practical travel tips for a smooth journey
I hope you find it useful to plan your own Shetland trip!
*While I was fortunate enough to visit Shetland for longer this time, I appreciate that a week might be all you have.
Shetland – A Brief Introduction
If you were to draw a triangle on the map, reaching from Scotland to Norway and the Faroe Islands – Shetland would be at its centre. But geographic proximity isn’t the only connection between Shetland and Scandinavia…
Scandi Connections
Shetland was among the first places settled by the Vikings when they started to expand their range across the Atlantic. The islands became part of the Norse Kingdom, and later the Danish Kingdom – they only joined Scotland in the late 15th century, when they were offered as part of the dowry of Princess Margaret. The Danish tried getting the islands back a few times, but never quite managed to muster up the necessary funds for the exchange. Learn more here.
Historically, culturally and linguistically, the Norse left their mark on the islands.
Many place names in Shetland and Orkney have Norse origins – for example, “wick” means “bay”, “ness” means “point” (or headland), “noup” means “peak” and “kirk” means “church”. The language Norn (which was spoken in Shetland until the 19th century) developed from Norse and many Shetland dialect words used today are derived from Scandinavian/Germanic languages.
Festivals like Up Helly Aa celebrate the Norse cultural heritage in Shetland and countless archaeological finds tell us more about the lives of Norwegian settlers on these now-Scottish islands. Read more about the Viking history of Shetland here.
The Islands of Shetland
The archipelago of Shetland consists of about 100 islands, of which 16 are permanently inhabited today.
The biggest island is called Mainland. Here you’ll find the capital, Lerwick, the airport with daily flights to the Scottish mainland, the big ferry terminal for the journey to Aberdeen and Orkney, and the vast majority of Shetlanders. Other notable islands in the archipelago are Yell, Unst and Fetlar in the north, Whalsay and Bressay on the east coast, Trondra, East and West Burra in the west, and outliers such as Foula and Fair Isle, which lie 17 and 24 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean (respectively).
In this itinerary, I will discuss Mainland, Yell and Unst, as well as day trips to smaller islands like Bressay, Burra and Mousa.
You might also like: The best Scottish Isles to visit
Getting to Shetland
Considering its geographic location, you might think it’s complicated to get to Shetland – but it’s actually really straightforward!
The Scottish airline Loganair operates daily flights to Sumburgh Airport from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Orkney. There are regular flights to Manchester and London (with a re-fuel stop in Dundee) and during the summer, an international flight to Bergen in Norway.
The airport in Shetland is quite small and pilots have to land on sight. Bad weather can have an impact on visibility and flights may be cancelled.
The alternative is to travel to Shetland by boat. The car ferry is operated by Northlink Ferries and departs daily from Aberdeen. The journey time to Lerwick is about 12 hours overnight. Several times a week, the ferry makes a stop in Kirkwall (Orkney), which increases the journey time but makes it possible to go island hopping to Orkney and Shetland in one trip.
The local council operates several inter-island ferries between the different Shetland islands, and regular flights to Foula and Fair Isle.
For more travel tips – especially around transport – see the Practical Travel Tips section below!
Of course, there is a lot more to say about Shetland, its history, geology, wildlife, craft heritage, language and people. For an overview of Shetland’s most iconic facets, check out my blog post about Essential Shetland Experiences.
My Shetland Map
Shetland Itinerary: One Week in Shetland
Day 1: Unst – the northernmost everything
Travelling to the North Isles
Let’s assume you took the overnight ferry from Aberdeen or Kirkwall. You will arrive in Lerwick at 7.30 am, which gives you a full day to explore and hit the ground running. I recommend you begin your Shetland journey in Unst, the northernmost inhabited island in the British Isles.
See my Practical Travel Tips below for making the journey to Shetland a comfortable experience.
Pick up your rental car (unless you brought your own car on the ferry), and make your way to Toft to catch an inter-island ferry to Yell.
Top Tip: If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, camping or caravanning, you may want to stock up on a few essentials from one of the big supermarkets in Lerwick. There are small shops in Yell & Unst (and some great honesty boxes), but I found it easier to do a big shop straight off the ferry and then pick up essentials & fresh ingredients as I went.
The ferry from Toft to Ulsta in Yell takes about 20 minutes. It’s best to book this crossing in advance to avoid disappointment – I did this the day before on my recent trip in June. Note that you just reserve a spot online, but still have to pay on the ferry. If you tell the attendant that you’re heading for Unst, you’ll get one open return ticket to get you there and back.
Drive across Yell without stopping – don’t worry, you’ll be back tomorrow – and take another 10-minute inter-island ferry from Gutcher to Belmont in Unst. This whole journey took me about 2 hours.
Things to do in Unst
Once you are in Unst, the island is your oyster. Most people head straight to Hermaness. This nature reserve in the north of the island and its famous cliffs are home to thousands of Northern gannets and a good number of puffins, who nest here every summer. You can see the glistening white lighthouse of Muckle Flugga and listen to stories about the raging hurricane of 1991 on the Unst Sky Trail audio post.
In Haroldswick, visit the replica of a Viking longhouse and ship. The house is based on archaeological excavations elsewhere on the island. Learn more about boat making at Unst Boat Haven and dive into the rich history of the island at Unst Heritage Centre. Victoria’s Vintage Tearoom is one of the few eateries on the island – it’s recommended you reserve a table for lunch.
The ruins of Muness Castle near Uyeasound are worth a visit, and if you’re into glass art, pay a visit to Cheryl Jamieson from Glansin Glass. Read all about my visit with Cheryl and other artists across Shetland.
Over on the other side, there are some beautiful views at Westing Beach – a top spot to see otters at low tide.
Top tip: A guide from Shetland Nature can help you get the most out of a day in Unst, whether you want to capture animals on camera or simply get a close glimpse through binoculars.
Other sites of interest include Saxa Vord (the second-highest hill in Unst; make sure you listen to the harp music on the sound bench, another Skies Trail site), the beach at Norwick, the beach at Skaw (which is the northernmost beach in the UK), the small woodland at Halligarth House and the rare collection of plants at the Keen of Hamar nature reserve.
As you can see, there’s a lot to see in Unst – you could easily spend a week here. I actually had two days here on my last trip.
Where to stay in Unst
I spent the night at Gardiesfauld Hostel in Uyeasound, a small and welcoming hostel with a family feel. There is also a campsite and space for several campervans with electric hook-ups. Nearby, there is a beach suitable for a dip, and an honesty cafe down by the old pier.
Day 2: Yell (it from the rooftops)
Most people drive straight across Yell without stopping – just like you did yesterday on your way to Unst. But it’s worth veering off the main road and paying more attention to the fringes of this beautiful island.
Beaches in Yell
Start by taking the ferry to Gutcher and heading north to Breckon Sands. This beautiful beach is a great spot to watch Arctic terns hunt in the shallows. There is a small parking area by the farm. Follow the footpath down to the beach and through the dunes to the cliffs on the other side.
At the end of the road lies Gloup. Visit the Fisherman’s Memorial and learn about the 19th-century fishing disaster that devastated local communities across Yell and Unst.
Return to the main road and follow it briefly until a turn-off for Mid-Yell. There are some eateries here in the village, but I visited on a Sunday, so everything but the shop on the hill was closed. I picked up some treats and drove on for a picnic.
I chose Gossabrough Beach, a beautiful sandy bay with shallow waters often frequented by seals. There is a faint footpath along the coast to a second bay – but watch it, the ground can be boggy.
An Afternoon & Evening in Burravoe
Continue driving south to Burravoe and stop by the Old Haa. This 17th-century merchant’s house now houses a small history museum full of local treasures and stories. There is a peaceful garden and a tearoom for coffee & cake.
In the evening, make the short hike from Burravoe Pier to the cliffs of Ladies Hol. It should only take you 30 minutes to reach the top – a great vantage point to see seabirds return to their nests for the night. This is a great place to see puffins in Shetland!
Where to stay in Yell
I spent the night at Burravoe Pier Trust Campsite which has plenty of space for campervans and tents.
Day 3: Hiking in Northmavine
Today, you are returning to Shetland’s Mainland. Take the ferry to Toft in the morning and make your way to Northmavine – a peninsula in the northeast. Northmavine is *almost* an island – were it not for the sliver of land connecting it to the rest of Mainland near Brae. At Mavis Grind the land is barely wider than the road.
Top tip: Northmavine is a fantastic place to go hiking in Shetland. Guide Jon Pulley from Adventure Shetland offers to keep you on the right path and can take you to his favourite secret spots in the hills and on the coast.
Climb Ronas Hill
Ronas Hills is the highest point in Shetland. The summit lies just 450 m above sea level – but the views in all directions are uninterrupted. Jon and I reached the top after about 1 hour and 20 minutes. A large cairn marks the summit – but it’s not just any cairn. There is an actual burial chamber at its base and you can climb in – of course, it’s long empty.
It was really worth having Jon’s guidance on this hike, as there is no proper path and the ground is quite boggy – not a good place to get lost if you don’t know the area.
The Cliffs of Eshaness
The cliffs of Eshaness are one of the most popular natural sites to visit in Shetland – and for good reason. These volcanic cliffs were formed hundreds of millions of years ago and fall vertically towards the sea. The views are incredible – and so are the geological features, from collapsed sea caves to boulders that were catapulted from the bottom of the sea, 15m into the air and onto land.
The coastal path begins at Eshaness lighthouse and if you have the time, I highly recommend walking as far as the Grind o’ Da Navir. Along the way, you’ll pass a massive sea arch – a great photo opportunity!
Dinner is a treat
After a day of fresh mountain and coastal air, treat yourself to dinner at the historic St Magnus Bay Hotel. The stunning building is originally from Norway. It was built and transported to Glasgow for a world exhibition around the turn of the last century. It was then too expensive to return to Norway and eventually found its way to Shetland. The menu features local dishes on the level of fine dining, without any stuffiness.
Where to stay in North Mavine
I stayed in one of the colourful wigwams at Braewick Cafe & Caravan Park. The site has great facilities and a wonderful view of an iconic group of sea stacks called the Drongs. The hotel mentioned above is of course also an option!
Day 4: Shetland’s Waters & Lerwick
The coastline of Shetland is fascinating. Soft sandy beaches and towering cliffs are easy to see from land, but to explore the intricate labyrinth of skerries, coves, sea caves and arches, you have to change your perspective.
The Sea is Calling
Coasteering is a mix of swimming, jumping, scrambling and walking along the coastline. Most of the time you are in the water, wearing a thick neoprene wetsuit for warmth and a helmet for protection. Sea Shetland offers coasteering adventures in Shetland Mainland. I went out with guide Adam to explore a headland north of Lerwick. We saw puffins sitting on the cliffs, swam through sea arches and went right into caves. It was all very cool!
Alternatively, go sea kayaking with Sea Kayak Shetland. I joined a half-day paddle trip south of Lerwick. Hugging the coastline closely, we paddled into caves, watched shags on their nests and sat still in a bay teeming with seals. Warning: You may still get wet!
Kayaking and coasteering were two of my favourite activities in Shetland!
A note on planning: Kayaking is a bit more weather-dependent (wind!), so flexibility may be required.
If water activities like coasteering and kayaking are not your thing, consider spending extra time in Unst, or redistribute some of the activities from the following days.
You might also like: 19 fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland
Lerwick, Shetland’s bustling capital
After an adrenalin-packed morning out at sea, spend the afternoon in Shetland’s capital. Lerwick is nestled around a naturally sheltered harbour on the east coast of Mainland. Above the harbour, you can still see the cannons of Fort Charlotte, that were once installed to defend the town.
The main shopping street in Lerwick is called Commercial Street. For lunch, head to No 88 or The Dowry. You can find lots of great independent shops here to pick up local knitwear, jewellery, cosmetics, gifts and more. Some of my favourites are Ninian, Shetland Soap Company, Jamiesons of Shetland (for wool) and the Shetland Times Bookshop.
The Shetland Museum & Archives is a great place to learn about the history of Shetland – how its geology formed and the history of its early settlements, as well as more recent accounts of the past 200 years. It’s a great (and free) museum to visit, and there is a cafe on site.
A bit further out, the Shetland Textile Museum is a must if you’re into textiles and knitwear. They have exhibitions about traditional lace knitting, weaving and Fair Isle patterns. If you know how to knit, you can also contribute a few rows to Da Muckle Gravit, a community knitting project – it’s a scarf that’s well over 60 m long already.
On the other side of town, visit Clickimin Broch. This beautiful Iron Age broch sits on a wee headland in a loch – the surroundings couldn’t be more beautiful.
Lerwick is very walkable, but if you’d like to move around quicker, you can hire (e-)bikes from the Shetland Community Bike Project.
For dinner, make your way to Fjarå Cafe Bar or get the most delicious curry at Saffron.
Where to stay in Lerwick
I spent the night at Glen Orchy House B&B in Lerwick. It’s a bit no-frills – but the room was clean and quiet, breakfast was great and the location is hard to beat.
Day 5: Bressay & Noss
The island Bressay lies just off the coast of Lerwick – but it couldn’t be more different than the bustling town. The small island Noss is just beyond it, further east still, and it’s home to thousands of nesting seabirds. You can either do a day trip to Bressay and visit Noss on foot or spend half a day in Bressay and do a boat trip to the cliffs of Noss.
Bressay by bike
Compared to the busy streets of Lerwick and Mainland, Bressay’s single-track roads are relatively quiet – a perfect place to explore by bike. The ferry leaves from Lerwick and takes less than 10 minutes. Bikes go free! You can hire bikes from the Shetland Community Bike Project in Lerwick.
Cycle to Setter to visit the ruins of an 11th-century chapel on the other side of the bay. There is also a replica of a Pictish symbol stone and remains of Viking and 19th-century settlements. Next, head south and visit Bressay Lighthouse, which stands on an impressive sea arch.
You could also book a guided tour with Chris Dyer from Garth’s Croft. He will show you his flock of native Shetland sheep, explain the ins and outs of crofting, and as an archaeologist, he can also take you to various historic sites around the island to tell you more (incl. Setter and the lighthouse).
Return to the main village for something to eat at Speldiburn Cafe, a community cafe located in the island’s old school.
You might also like: A car-free weekend trip to the Outer Hebrides
Noss in two ways
If you’d like to explore Noss on foot, you can cycle to the east side of Bressay and hail the small boat across from Noss. The island is a nature reserve and wardens will collect you with a RIB that acts as a small passenger ferry. Paths lead all the way to the towering cliffs on the far side of the island. Thousands of gannets, guillemots and razorbills nest here on what can only be described as a natural skyscraper made from rock. It’s incredible.
The walk to the cliffs and back takes about 2.5 hours. The longer loop around the island takes 4 hours.
Note that the ferry operates from May to August and does not run on Mondays or Thursdays. It may also be disrupted by weather conditions.
The other option is to return to Lerwick, return your bikes and catch a boat trip to Noss. There are a few different operators. I went out with Phil Harris from Shetland Seabird Tours which departs from Victoria Pier. The tour takes about 2 hours. You sail past Bressay Lighthouse and along the south coast of Bressay and Noss.
When you reach the “gannet skyscraper”, Chris tells you more about these magnificent birds – and if the conditions are right, he puts up a chase with gannets following the boat for small scraps of fish. It’s wonderful to get up close with these birds.
Where to stay in South Mainland
You can either stay in Lerwick another night or move on to Levenwick Community Campsite in South Mainland (approx. 20 minutes from Lerwick). It would be a great home base for the next few days.
Day 6: Mousa & Hoswick
Today, you’re heading to the small island of Mousa. The boat journey takes only 15 minutes, but it’s highly weather-dependent. It’s a good idea to build in some flexibility. Day 6 and 7 are interchangeable, and strictly speaking, you could even go on the Mousa Boat on Day 8 before catching the Northlink Ferry back south.
A trip to Mousa
Mousa is best known for Mousa Broch, Scotland’s best preserved Iron Age broch. It’s 2,500 years old but miraculously still stands 13 m tall. You can even still climb to the top using the original staircase.
The only way to get to Mousa (bar chartering a private boat) is by taking the Mousa Boat from Sandsayre Pier near Sandwick. Skippers Rodney and Darron (father and son) have a strong connection to the island and tell fascinating stories on the way there and back – that alone is worth the fare, in my opinion.
You get about 2.5 hours on the island, which is plenty of time to follow the trail around the central part of Mousa and to see the broch.
Note that there are no daytime trips on Saturdays. Daytime trips are first come first serve – there is no option to book ahead. Visit the Mousa Boat website in the morning to check if the ferry is running that day. All payments must be made in cash on the day.
Top Tip: There are also special evening trips to Mousa to witness the return of the storm petrels, who nest on the island each summer in their thousands. It’s not the best way to see the broch, but it’s an incredible wildlife experience. These trips have to be booked in advance.
A Crafty Village
The village of Hoswick is just a short drive away from the pier, so it’s the perfect place to head after visiting Mousa.
Start at the Hoswick Visitor Centre. It’s located in a former tweed weaving factory, and if you’re lucky, you’ll bump into Betty. Her uncle started the business over a hundred years ago. There is a small exhibition about the textile heritage of Hoswick and Betty is full of stories.
Her uncle also started a knitwear mill that’s still operational. Today, it’s the employee-owned Shetland Woollen Co. There is a small shop in the village that’s open Monday to Friday.
Two other great local businesses to browse are nielanell (contemporary knitwear) and Karlin Anderson (jewellery design).
You might also like: Meeting artists & makers on the Shetland Arts & Crafts Trail
Day 7: Exploring South Mainland
History in the South
Today you’ll go as far south as you can in Mainland Shetland – but you’ll also travel back in time, some 4,000 years!
Jarlshof is one of the most impressive archaeological sites I’ve ever seen. The place has been inhabited for thousands of years. Each culture built on top of the remains of the last, resulting in literal layers of history in the ground. The remains here include oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse long houses, a medieval farmstead, and a laird’s house dating from the 1500s.
Your ticket includes an audio guide which takes you on a journey around the site. Allow at least 1.5 hours!
From Jarlshof, follow the road (or the coastal path) to Sumburgh Head. A Stevenson lighthouse sits on top of the tall cliffs of this southernmost spot in Mainland Shetland. There is a visitor centre with an exhibition of the old engine rooms and a small lounge with an honesty coffee bar.
Sumburgh Head is also one of the best places to see puffins in Shetland. They nest all around the headland, you’ll see them sitting in the grass and on rocky ledges everywhere.
Beach adventures
In the afternoon, head to St Ninian’s Beach and go for a walk across to St Ninian’s Isle. The breathtaking twin bays form the largest tombolo in Britain, a sandy bank that permanently connects the island with the Mainland.
There are faint paths all over the island, but it’s easy enough to forge your own way. Soon after you’ve crossed the beach, turn right to find the ruins of an old chapel. It’s best known for the Pictish “silver horde” that was discovered here by a young boy during excavations. The treasure is now held at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
I particularly enjoyed exploring the cliffs on the far side of the islands, as well as the narrow headland with its rocky skerries to the south. The view of the southern bay is stunning from here – especially if the sun makes an appearance.
A special treat
After your walk, treat yourself to a very special wellness activity. Haar Sauna is located inside a converted horsebox that sits right on St Ninian’s Beach. Here you can sweat with stunning views and cool off in the breaking waves – mere steps away on the beach.
St Ninian’s Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset – or you could head back to Sumburgh Head to see even more puffins as the adult birds arrive back from fishing at sea all day.
Do you love beach saunas? There are two in Fife! Read about them in my East Neuk of Fife travel guide.
Where to stay in Scalloway
For your last night in Shetland, head to Scalloway, a picturesque village on the west coast of Shetland. I stayed at Cornerstone B&B near the waterfront. From here it’s just a 15-minute drive to Lerwick and you can walk to dinner at the Scalloway Hotel.
Day 8: Scalloway & Burra
Meet the Ponies
You can’t leave Shetland without meeting the ponies! Shetland Ponies are the charming breed of ponies you will have seen dotted across the landscape over the past seven days. They are a hardy and sturdy breed, historically used in coal mines because they can pull twice their body weight.
At Shetland Pony Experience in Burra, you can get up close and personal with these adorable ponies. In three stages, you get to meet foals in a field, brush and lead a pony through an obstacle course, and pose for pictures with a pony by the beach. Children even get to ride!
This was one of my favourite experiences in Shetland. I was a bit worried I’d be the only adult – but Elaine and Barbara actually told me that they mostly get adult guests wanting to engage with the ponies. It’s a great opportunity to meet these charming Shetlanders!
Please don’t ever hand-feed ponies you see around Shetland – they can bite and may bite others in the future if they think they’ll get fed.
A Shetland Garden
Grab lunch at the Cornerstone Cafe in Scalloway and visit artist Sarah Kay at her beautiful home on the edge of Scalloway. Sarah specialises in resin art and jewellery using locally foraged seaweed and beach treasures. Her studio is open for visits on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (or by appointment during winter).
Sarah is also a keen gardener and has created an absolute wildlife haven on the steep slopes surrounding her house. The garden has magnificent views of Scalloway Castle and is full of rare flower varieties which she also sells out of her polytunnel.
If you have time before boarding the ferry in Lerwick, visit Meal Beach or go for a walk around Hamnavoe in Burra.
Goodbye, Shetland!
The ferry for Aberdeen leaves Lerwick around 7 pm (earlier if it goes via Kirkwall). Time for a last glimpse of the islands from the observation deck – farewell and haste ye back!
What if you have more time?
I actually spent 11 days on my last trip to Shetland. I had an additional day in Unst and two more days for activities in Mainland – that meant I didn’t have to choose between kayaking and coasteering, I had more flexibility to make it to Mousa (the boat was off for two days in a row) and I visited Lerwick multiple times to do different things.
If you have even more time, I suggest you slow down your pace in Unst and Yell. You could visit yet another island, like Fetlar, spend more time in North Mavine or stay the night in Bressay. There is so much to see!
What if you have less time
The journey to Shetland is long (and expensive – if you bring your own car). Personally, I think you need a week to scratch the surface. If you really can’t spare that amount of time, you’ll have to cut experiences from your itinerary – which ones you’ll cut depends on your preferences. I hope that all my suggestions above give you plenty of ideas for a shorter Shetland itinerary as well.
With less time, I encourage you even more to book a guide for a day or to join a guided experience like,e the Mousa Boat, so you can learn about Shetland from its locals.
10 Practical Travel Tips for Shetland
Here are ten practical travel tips for making your journey to Shetland as smooth as possible:
- Book the Northlink ferry well in advance to secure a spot – especially if you plan to bring your own car and/or hope to book a cabin.
- Treat yourself to a cabin. It’s going to make the crossing a lot more comfortable (especially if the sea is rough) and will allow you to arrive in Lerwick well-rested. I had a cabin and spoke to a few people who didn’t – everybody I spoke to regretted it…
- Go to bed early on the ferry! The ferry arrives in Lerwick at 7.30 am – you’ll want to get up about an hour before to grab breakfast and prepare to disembark
- Book inter-island ferries in advance – I booked mine the day before and it meant I knew I had a secure spot at my desired crossing time
- Book your campsites if you travel in a campervan or motorhome. If you’re pitching a tent that usually doesn’t require advance booking. Most campsites accept card payment or bank transfer, but you may want to bring cash.
- Check opening times for restaurants. I was caught out a few times (especially on Sundays) and had to make alternative arrangements, i.e. beach picnics.
- Carry enough cash. Some activities like the Mousa Boat are cash only, but you will also come across many Honesty Boxes filled with cake and treats – those are usually cash only too.
- Stay flexible: You may have planned your trip based on my itinerary, but the weather often has other ideas… Water activities and boat trips, especially, are highly weather-dependent and if it’s too windy, they may have to cancel. Prepare to be flexible and move activities around as needed.
- Pack warm clothes – even in summer! I came across an Australian couple in shorts and they told me that was all they brought because “it’s summer”… Shetland is on the same latitude as Anchorage (Alaska) and Oslo (Norway). The climate overall may be warmer than those places, but it can be relatively cold even in summer.
- Avoid Lerwick on cruise ship days. During the summer, large cruise ships visit Shetland’s capital several times per week and spill out thousands of passengers onto the streets of Lerwick. Many take coach tours or pre-booked activities, but just as many remain roaming the town. The streets and shops are busy and it’s almost impossible to get a seat for lunch in one of the cafes. I’d avoid spending too much time in Lerwick on days with large cruise ships. You can check the cruise ship schedule for Lerwick Harbour here.
And with this, I send you off to plan your own trip to Shetland. I hope that my Shetland itinerary helps you to experience the best of Shetland in one week.
If you’re visiting Shetland in winter, make sure you read my winter guide for Shetland.
Thank you so much for this incredibly detailed and inspiring itinerary! Your love for Shetland shines through every word, and it’s clear you’ve poured your heart into sharing its magic. I especially appreciate the practical tips and personal anecdotes—they make planning feel so much easier and more exciting. Your passion for the islands and their history, wildlife, and culture is infectious. I can’t wait to experience Shetland for myself someday, thanks to your guidance. Truly grateful for this wonderful resource!
Thank you for sharing this fantastic Shetland itinerary! It beautifully blends nature, history, and local culture, with great tips on everything from wildlife spotting to Viking sites. Your personal experiences, like island hopping and meeting local artisans, make the journey feel authentic. The practical travel advice on ferries and accommodations is also super helpful for anyone planning a trip to Shetland!
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Great overview of Shetland! The detailed itinerary and local insights will be incredibly useful for anyone planning a trip. Your recommendations for activities, accommodations, and local eateries add a personal touch that will help travelers make the most of their visit. I especially liked your tips on how to get around and the emphasis on local experiences. Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive guide!
It seemed really quite difficult to plan Shetland until I read this
I’m super happy to hear it!!