VisitShetland
Skip navigation | Skip to site searchNewsletter
Contact Us
text Chat
with our Customer Service team for site assistance.
Phone
+44 (0)8701 999 440
Online Form
Please use this form to send us a message.
Address
VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
Natural
Our natural world...
Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment. The location of the islands has contributed to the evolution of a truly 'Shetlandic' collection of scenery and geology, bird life, sea mammals, wild flowers, wonderful beaches and true Shetland breeds.
PuffinThe sea that surrounds Shetland is a powerful and overwhelming influence on our environment. Shaping and carving the islands, her presence is always felt. Drowned by the sea after the ice age, a kingdom of cliffs, caves and stacks lie beneath and above the waves. Cold, clean and excpetionally clear, the surrounding sea provides a rich platter for the greatest diversity of marine life in the UK.
900 miles of coastline offers endless choice of fantastic beaches - varying from golden sand, to smooth pebble. Year round, our beaches are great for a day out or a bracing walk.
Towering cliffs fringe where sea meets land, and hold fascinating geological formations. From here, the hills roll into moors, where wildflowers, heathers, grasses and plants flourish. Some species are endemic, such as Edmonston's Chickweed. Elsewhere, dazzling displays of colour are visible throughout the islands: red campion; yellow primroses; delicate orchids, and frothy sea pinks.
With natural elements being so strong and acclaimed by experts world wide, it is no wonder that eco-tourism is particularly high, and there are various associated visitor attractions and tours.
What Next?
On This Site
- Learn about the sea mammals you'll find in and around Shetland's coast
From Other Sites
- Learn about the latest nature sightings in Shetland at the Nature in Shetland website.
Advertising Feature
2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
2008 Photo Competition
VisitShetland are pleased to announce their fourth annual photographic competition, open to local and visiting amateur photographers. The competition seeks entries which capture the imagination and the role that the Shetland landscape plays in our cultural identity.
Feature
Shetland Food Directory
From lamb to seafood, Shetland's produce is considered a benchmark for quality. A new website, The Shetland Food Directory, lists sources of fine Shetland food and drink and some of the wonderful places to eat out in Shetland.
Feature
Buy Shetland Knitwear
.jpg)
Choose from our wide range of Shetland knitwear including Fair Isle tank tops, cushion covers and bags. Also a range of rugs made with 100% pure Shetland wool.
Feature
Swan Trips 2008
Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!
News
Treasure Returns to Shetland
Shetland Museum and Archives welcomes St Ninian’s Isle Treasure for three month loan...
News
Loganair Revive Norway Connection
Scottish airline Loganair is filling the gap left by Faroese shipping company Smyril Line when it severed Shetland's link with its Norwegian neighbours last year.