VisitShetland
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Address
VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
Getting Here
Shetland lies almost exactly at the centre of a triangle, with Norway, Faroe and Scotland. Occupying this maritime crossroads, it is at the hub of a great north Atlantic seaway.
Find us on the map!
You can see Shetland's location on this Google map centred on Lerwick - 60 09N; 01 08W
You may think that Shetland looks remote on the map - we're 600 miles north of London, as far away as Milan or Berlin - but the islands are surprisingly accessible.
Getting To Shetland By Air...
Welcome to Shetland SignThere are several daily flights from the UK mainland: Aberdeen (55 mins), Edinburgh (85 mins) and Glasgow (90 mins), all connecting with London and other major European cities.
In summer you can also fly direct to Shetland from London Stansted.
You will arrive in Shetland at Sumburgh Airport, 25 miles south of Lerwick. Next to the baggage reclaim you'll find our Welcome Point with friendly staff ready to help you. The airport bus to Lerwick takes around 40 minutes. Hire cars and taxis are available at the airport. It can be busy so we advise booking in advance.
- Learn more about getting to Shetland by air.
Getting To Shetland By Sea...
Car ferries sail from Aberdeen seven nights a week, year-round, arriving in Lerwick early the following morning. The voyage north aboard these large, comfortable, cruise-style ships makes a relaxing start to your holiday. Cruising up the coast of Shetland on a sunny morning gives a stunning first glimpse of our islands.
In summer we have weekly ferry connections to Norway, Denmark, Faroe and Iceland, with onward connections to Greenland and North America. Note: The current ferry link with Scandinavia will not operate after summer 2007, but there are plans for new connections so please contact us to enquire about this matter.
The ferries dock at Lerwick Ferry Terminal, where you'll find a Welcome Point with visitor information. It's a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to the main Shetland Tourist Information Centre at the Market Cross in the centre of the old town, less than a mile from the ferry terminal. Here our trained and knowledgeable staff will be delighted to answer your questions and help you plan the details of your time in Shetland.
- Learn more about getting to Shetland by ferry.
- Learn more about getting to Shetland by yacht.
- Learn more about getting to Shetland by cruise ship.
Tour Operators
Shetland is well serviced by tour operators for individual travel specialist packages, or for smaller groups and larger groups. Companies usually have a specialist area or do general interest packages.
- Learn more about tour operators serving Shetland.
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
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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.