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VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
By Ferry
Travel To Shetland By Ferry From Aberdeen
Shetland is now better served by ferries than ever before, with departures seven nights a week in both directions on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route all year round, with three calls a week at Kirkwall, Orkney, en route. For full details and bookings visit the Northlink Ferries website.
The two new 'cruise ferries' on the route - the Hjaltland and the Hrossey - are much more comfortable than the old P&O boats with an extremely punctual service: you'll be in Lerwick at 7.30am on the dot (although you don't have to leave the ship until you've enjoyed a leisurely breakfast).
Advantages of travelling by sea:
- Because the 12-13 hour crossing is overnight, you gain two days on your Shetland holiday - days when you'd otherwise be travelling to airports, hanging around to check in - and typically spending more time on the ground than in the air.
- It's usually less expensive by ferry - especially for family groups.
- It's a more relaxed way to travel, with good food and entertainment available on board, wonderful views and the chance to meet new friends.
- You can take the car with you (and your dog!)
- There's a good change of seeing dolphins or porpoises from the ship, as well as myriads of seabirds.
A cabin aboard one of the Northlink ferries
Yes, flying can be more convenient, but old hands will tell you there's nothing like standing at the ship's rail on a summer's dawn, with the breeze in your face and the gulls crying in your wake, savouring that glorious view of the Shetland hills rising above the horizon. It's altogether more romantic...
Travel To Shetland By Ferry From Scandinavia
As well as the daily link to the Scottish mainland, Shetland has weekly ferry connections with Scandinavia.
Smyril Line's new super-ferry Norröna connects Lerwick with Hanstholm in Denmark, Bergen in Norway (summer only), Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and Seyðisfjordur in Iceland.
This puts Shetland at the centre of a North Atlantic network that enables you to explore most of the old Viking empire by sea. The Norröna, launched in 2003, is more like a cruise liner than a ferry - and, as with the Northlink ships, you can take your car with you.
Both Northlink and Smyril Line offer attractive package tours and group discounts.
For full details and bookings visit the Smyril Line website.
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.
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.