The Best Things to do in The Shetland Islands: A Guide for Your Perfect Holiday
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The Shetland Islands are one of the most unique places you could ever visit. From their scenic beaches to their quirky capital (which also happens to be the smallest city in Great Britain), it’s as if these islands have been plucked from a fairy-tale and dropped into our world. If you’re thinking about planning your next holiday, we can help! Here is our ultimate guide to the best things to do in The Shetland Islands.
The best things to do in the Shetland Islands
There are plenty of reasons why you should visit the Shetland Islands. Firstly, because they’re a spectacular place to visit at any time of the year. However, if you visit during the summer months (June, July, and August), you’ll be able to experience the Shetland Folk Festival. The Shetland Folk Festival is the biggest music and culture festival in the Shetland Islands. It takes place in various venues across the islands over the course of two weeks, and it is definitely not one to miss. If you visit during the winter months (October, November, and December), you’ll be able to experience something truly magical – the Northern Lights. If you want to experience the Northern Lights, you’ll have to travel to Sullom Voe. Sullom Voe is the biggest oil terminal in Europe, and happens to be one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Discovering the history of The Shetland Islands
One of the best things to do in the Shetland Islands is to learn about their fascinating history. You’ll be able to find plenty of museums and galleries that explore the history of these remote islands. However, if you want to get a truly unique insight into their history, we recommend visiting the Jethou. Jethou is a small island that’s located off the coast of Guernsey. It is one of the Channel Islands, and is also the place where you’ll find the remains of what was once a Norse Longhouse. This Longhouse is the most complete and best preserved Longhouse in Northern Europe. It’s definitely not one to miss. If you want to learn more about the Shetland Islands’ history, you’ll also be able to visit one of their very old churches. There are plenty to choose from, but we recommend visiting the Old Housteads Kirk. The Old Housteads Kirk is one of the oldest churches in Scotland. You’ll be able to see artefacts from as far back as the 15th century, as well as stunning stained-glass windows.
Go sightseeing in Scalloway and its small, but beautiful, harbour
Another great thing to do in the Shetland Islands is to go sightseeing in Scalloway. Scalloway is the capital city of the Shetland Islands, and it is the perfect place to get a feel for the location. You’ll be able to explore the Shetland Folk Museum, which is the biggest open-air museum in Scotland. You will also be able to get a real insight into how locals lived in years past. You’ll also be able to explore the beautiful harbour, which is one of the loveliest places in the islands. This spot also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you want to experience one of these beaches, we recommend visiting Banna Minn Beach. Banna Minn Beach is a sandy beach that’s surrounded by cliffs. It is a stunning beach that is definitely a sight worth seeing. The Shetland Islands are also home to some of the best hiking trails in Scotland.
Go hiking at Eshaness and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Scotland
While the beaches of the Shetland Islands are stunning, they are not the only thing worth exploring. One of the best things to do in the Shetland Islands is to go hiking at Eshaness. Eshaness is a stunning and unique place. You’ll be able to hike along massive cliffs that overlook the North Sea. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Scotland. Another great thing to do in the Shetland Islands is to visit the Sumburgh Head. Sumburgh Head is a peninsula that’s situated at the southern tip of the Shetland Islands. It is home to a lighthouse that was built in the 19th century, but you’ll also be able to explore a nearby Iron Age village.
See the Northern Lights near Sullom Voe
The Shetland Islands are home to some of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. If you want the best view, we recommend going to Sullom Voe. Sullom Voe is the largest oil terminal in Europe, and it is just a short drive from the main city of the Shetland Islands. You’ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis from the viewing platform at Sullom Voe. However, if you want the best view, we recommend going to the control room. The control room is a safe place to view the Northern Lights, and you’ll get a unique view of the surrounding landscape. If you want to see the Northern Lights, you’ll have to visit during the winter months. The Shetland Islands are one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. If you visit during December to March, you’ll definitely have a chance to see them. The best thing to do is to sign up for a Northern Lights tour.
Go whale watching at Lerwick and discover marine life you won’t find anywhere else
Another great thing to do in the Shetland Islands is to go whale watching at Lerwick. Lerwick is a small village that’s located on the north coast of the main island. Lerwick Harbour is one of the best places in Scotland to go whale watching, and you’ll be able to see marine life that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. Whale watching in the Shetland Islands has become more popular in recent years. Remember to keep your distance from the pod, and don’t forget to take a trusty pair of binoculars.
Check out my post on Wildlife Watching in the UK here for more ideas of places to visit.
Try some delicious local food and drink – Shetland cheese is a must!
Another great thing to do when visiting the Shetland Islands is to try some local food and drink. You’ll be able to find a variety of traditional Scottish food and drink in the islands, but there are a couple of things that are unique to the Shetland Islands. The first thing that is unique to the Shetland Islands is Shetland cheese. You won’t find Shetland cheese anywhere else in Scotland. It is a local variety of cheese that is made with milk from the Shetland Islands. It is available to buy at almost every souvenir shop in the islands, and it is definitely something worth trying. If you want to drink something that is unique to the Shetland Islands, try a dram of Scotch Whiskey, brewed at the Shetland Distillery Company. This is unique to the islands and not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There are plenty of amazing things to do in the Shetland Islands. From exploring their fascinating history to watching the amazing Northern Lights, there is something for everyone. If you want to experience the best that the Shetland Islands have to offer, we recommend visiting during the winter months. That’s when you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience a completely unique marine life.
