VisitShetland

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 Sign

There 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

2008 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

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!

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Sunday Times article

Feature

Focus on Wildlife - Spring 2008

Fair Isle is famous in spring for its huge seabird colonies and rare migrants. Shetland birder Hugh Harrop is your expert guide on the ‘Mecca’ of British birding…

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Feature

White Nights

'White Nights', Ann Cleeves' sequel to her award-winning 'Raven Black', has now been published.  Don't miss a reading and signing from Ann in the Lerwick tourist office, Market Cross at 11.30am on Saturday 17th May.

Feature

21st Century Shetland Travelogue

'Between Weathers', the new Shetland Travelogue will be launched in Lerwick on 6th June 2008... 

 

 

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News

Shetland's First Ever Festival of Nature

Organisers of Shetland’s first ever Festival of Nature, to be piloted from 4th to 12th July 2008, are calling on local businesses...

Read full Press Release (pdf)

More information

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