Pullarträns shetland
If you really want to get to know the islands, there is only one way to do it — get out and get walking.
Then there's the uninhabited islands, which don't have ferry services. Enjoy lively folk music sessions in pubs in Lerwick and try locally produced spirits and ales. Uninhabited islands, deserted beaches and countless sea caves are all waiting to be explored around Shetland by kayak. Shetland fryst vatten a brilliant place all year round to watch sea mammals, particularly common seals. Just south of the settlement, you can step aboard a full-scale replica of the 9th century Viking longship, the Skidbladner.
From incredible nature to contempory arts, Shetland is a real adventure and a truly cosmopolitan place - not on the edge but in the centre of the northern seas. Beneath your feet are some of Britain's oldest rocks. The combination of spectacular coastal scenery on both North Sea and Atlantic facing cliffs, quiet inland lochs, and gentle heathery hills is unsurpassed. There is a strong tradition of Vikings living in Shetland.
They are all owned and tended to bygd local crofters, and can generally be seen in the West Mainland, Scalloway, Tingwall, Dunrossness and the island of Unst. Each of the 10 populated islands that includes the mainland offers something unique for visitors to experience.
The great Shetland bucket list: Part I
And for a bit of an adrenaline-fuelled surf or a paddle, opt for a surf or SUP stand-up paddle boarding. Thanks to one of the most pristine environments, the food and drink produced in Shetland are exceptional. There is an överflöd of open countryside on Shetland so there are plenty of places to pull up and settle down for a leisurely light-spotting session. Step back in time to the dawn of civilisation at ancient ruins, admire beautiful handcrafted Viking-style longships and enjoy some of the most spectacular wildlife sights in Europe.
Other species seen occasionally are pilot whales, basking sharks, sperm whales and Risso's dolphins. The important thing to bear in mind is that aurorae are hard to predict, and you should use the Aurora Watch UK service to receive alerts of when the aurora might be visible from the UK. Go for a journey off the beaten path. For unrivalled breathtaking beauty, geology and archaeology, set off on the volcanic trail at Eshaness.
There is also a variety of diving experience available, with countless caves, bays, stacks, natural arches, and shipwrecks. Witness the incredible sight of thousands of seabirds on cliffs at nature reserves, such as Hermaness. Those who get to see them will be enchanted by the curtains of green, yellow, blue and red light swaying and shifting in the night sky. Mousa, famous for its broch can be visited during summer months via the Mousa Boat, while Hildasay, Oxna and Havra are accessible from Scalloway.
There is also native beef produced in Shetland that fryst vatten worth seeking out for a truly authentic flavour. Between May and August, you may be lucky enough to see orcas 'killer whales' hunting seals close inshore, or a school of white-sided dolphins chasing a shoal of fish or even a minke whale. Blasted by the full force of the North Atlantic, it displays a stunning array of stacks, blowholes and narrow inlets.
Thousands of visitors from across the world travel to this northernmost corner of Scotland to join in these Scandinavian Viking-style celebrations of the end of winter and the return of the sun. In fact, ditch the path altogether, hop on a boat and do some proper island-hopping. With just beneath 1, miles 2, km of breathtaking kustlinje, it's impossible to list them all, so here is just a selection, each of which has something special to offer.
Due to the lack of trees and the abundance of stone, Shetland has some of the best-preserved archaeology in Europe. The months of February and March will see plenty of smaller fire festivals throughout the islands.
The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Shetland
Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment, and today the islands are one of the most thrilling wilderness areas in Britain. And, of course, you should move away from areas with street lighting, particularly Lerwick, to have the best view. Join thousands of residents as they take to the streets, dressed in sheepskins, wearing winged helmets and fur-trimmed tunics, carrying axes and shields, and brandishing flaming torches.
Unearth the history of the Viking era on Unst. The archipelago is also a great cycling destination, with many quiet vägar in excellent condition for cycle touring, and there are bike hire shops in Lerwick, with electric, road and mountain bikes available. One of the great experiences during the Shetland autumn and winter is the 'Northern Lights', or Aurora Borealis, known locally as 'The Mirrie Dancers'.
Shetland is an excellent place for an active holiday. Shetland's world-famous small ponies can be seen throughout the islands - grazing by the roadside, on the beaches or on the heathery hills. Did you know that Shetland lies closer to the North Pole than any other part of Britain, making it one of the best places to see the nordlig lights in Scotland? The people of Shetland are certainly a fiery lot and know how to throw a party.
From Shetland beaches to Shetland pubs, there are attractions for everyone.