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City guide

Shetland Island

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago in Scotland lying between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, marking the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. The islands lie about 50 miles to the northeast of Orkney, 110 mi (170 km) from mainland Scotland, and 140 mi (220 km) west of Norway.

Type Island

Why go

  • Archipelago in Scotland.
  • Served by Whalsay Airstrip (WHS).

History

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago in Scotland lying between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, marking the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. The islands lie about 50 miles to the northeast of Orkney, 110 mi (170 km) from mainland Scotland, and 140 mi (220 km) west of Norway.

Airports

Lerwick / Tingwall Airport (LWK) 8.5 mi to the centre
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Whalsay Airstrip (WHS) 11 mi to the centre
Whalsay, Shetlands, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Unst Airfield 33 mi to the centre
Baltasound, Shetland Islands, SCT, GB
Outdoor
Papa Stour Airstrip 16 mi to the centre
Papa Stour Island, SCT, GB
Outdoor
Out Skerries Airfield 18 mi to the centre
Grunay Island, SCT, GB
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Laxo Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 3.4 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Vidlin Terminal
Ferry terminal · 5.3 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Toft Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 11 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Lerwick
Ferry terminal · 11 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Lerwick Esplanade Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 11 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Bressay Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 11 mi from the centre · Shetland Island Council
Outdoor
Vidlin - Whalsay
Ferry route · Shetland Islands Council
Outdoor
Lerwick - Out Skerries
Ferry route · Shetland Islands Council
Outdoor
Vidlin - Out Skerries
Ferry route · Shetland Islands Council
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Whalsay Airstrip (WHS); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 6 ferry terminals within 12 mi (nearest: Laxo Ferry Terminal, 3.4 mi); routes include Vidlin - Whalsay, Lerwick - Out Skerries, Vidlin - Out Skerries.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Shetland Island. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach