General Information about Shetland Islands

You may have heard about Shetland ponies but most probably never considered their island of origin as a holiday destination. At least never did I until it was part of our Northern Europe cruise itinerary. During the same cruise we also visited another Scottish archipelago which is relatively untouristic – Orkney islands together with Iceland. Nestled at the edge of the North Sea, the Shetland Islands are a captivating archipelago that boasts rugged landscapes, fascinating history, and a vibrant culture. Located around 100 miles north west of mainland Scotland, Shetland is often a hidden gem for travellers seeking a remote and serene escape. Yet, despite its isolation, Shetland offers an abundance of things to explore. Whether you’re a nature lover, passionate about history, or simply seeking tranquility, the Shetland Islands are a place that should be on your travel radar.

The Shetland Islands comprise over 100 islands, though only around 15 are inhabited. The archipelago is part of Scotland but lies closer to Norway than to mainland Britain. The islands’ strategic location has made them a crossroads of culture, with influences from Scandinavia, Scotland, and the Celtic world. Today, the Shetland Islands are part of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, a region known for its dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Make sure to check out the official tourism website of the Shetland Islands if you plan on visiting these islands.

We visited the main island and focused on the centre and the south to visit the beautiful beaches and try our luck at observing the puffins, even though we did not see any. However we observed many other birds and were lucky with the weather since we had blue cloudless skies. Here are the places we visited: