The Shetland Islands may serve as Great Britain’s last outpost to the north, but its remoteness and geographical proximity to Norway, makes it a fascinating places to visit. The Shetlands has an interesting history, having been under the rule of the Norse, but was gifted to Scotland in 1469 as a form of a dowry for the Norwegian King’s daughter who was engaged to James III of Scotland.
There are almost 100 islands that belong to the Shetland territory; and 30 of them are inhabited. Each island is gifted with a wonderful natural unspoiled landscape. Some of them encompass nature reserves and one of the main ones is the Noss National Nature Reserve found on the island of Noss. Aside from its dramatic towering cliffs, nesting seabirds of varying species is a major attraction on the island. Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve on Unst Island, delights its visitors with its distinct moon-like landscape.
On the Shetland Islands, remarkable creatures like otters, timourous red squirrels, dolphins, porpoises, seals and the Shetland ponies are happy to find a home in the unspoiled wilderness. Shetland is also a breeding spot for an outstanding number of bird species because of its location and landscape. This is why this British region has become a prime destination for bird watchers. You can easily find a flock of seabirds on the coastline and the sea cliffs during summer breeding and winter migration seasons.
Having a rich Viking and Picts heritage, the people of Shetland are proud of their origins. If you drop by the Shetland Museum and Archives, you will learn more about the islands’ geological evolution and landscape. Gorgeous traditional Shetland boats are the main displays at the Unst Boat Haven at Haroldswick. And if you love to watch theatre performances and dances that showcase the region’s wonderful heritage – book a seat at the Mareel.
For the active tourists, the Shetland isles provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and golfing. Some of the best times to visit the islands are during festivities like the Shetland Races; the Shetland Folk Festival held in spring; and the Up Hell Aa – considered to be the biggest fire festival in all of Europe. If you missed visiting the islands during the height of summer, take note that winter is equally beautiful, especially because of the incredible Aurora Borealis that lights up the night sky.
Hiking in Shetland is a very rewarding experience. Most of the paths you will encounter are within a few kilometers of the sea, guaranteeing picturesque coastal scenery. Some walking trails highlight gentle heather-adorned hills, inland lochs (lakes), extinct volcano and glorious flora. Because of these traits, Shetland has become known as one of the finest walking regions in the country.
The island of Unst was even granted the motto “Walkers are Welcome”. One renowned Shetland walking trail is the St Ninian’s Isle Circular, which allows you to hike between the mainland and St Ninian’s Isle. What makes this 6-kilometer walk unique is crossing over the UK’s largest sand tombolo. Other prime walking routes to choose from include the Culswick Circular, Eshaness Circular Hermaness Circular, and the Belmont to Lund trail.
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