How Long Is Ferry To Lerwick?

Getting to the Shetland Islands requires taking a ferry from mainland Scotland. Ferries are very comfortable and well-run, with a smooth overnight passage from Aberdeen to Lerwick. We took that route up to Shetland, and a different route — to the Orkney Islands — on the way back.

Do you need a car to visit Shetland?

Getting around in the islands is easy too. Take your own transport and explore about 640 miles of good roads at your leisure, or, if you need to hire a vehicle, good car rental facilities (and cycle hire) are available.

Is Shetland open to tourists?

Located at the Market Cross in the centre of Lerwick’s main shopping street the VisitScotland iCentre is open all year and has everything you need to plan your visit to Shetland as well as a range of Shetland Crafts.

Why are there no trees on Shetland?

The real reasons for the lack of trees are to do with clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep, which have prevented natural regeneration. Where sheep are excluded, trees grow with little or no shelter.

How much does it cost to get to Shetland?

Cost of a Trip to Shetland Islands, GB & the Cheapest Time to Visit Shetland Islands. The average price of a 7-day trip to Shetland Islands is $1,429 for a solo traveler, $2,566 for a couple, and $4,811 for a family of 4.

When can you see Northern Lights in Shetland?

In general, aurorae are most likely to be seen between mid-October and mid-March; it helps greatly to avoid times when there is a full moon and of course you should move away from areas with street lighting, particularly Lerwick, to have the best view.

Is the crossing to Shetland rough?

The crossing can get rough as it takes you into open sea. We have experienced gale force winds on the crossing, but most sailings have been calm.

Do I need a passport to go to Shetland?

If you are visiting Shetland from the UK mainland, you don’t need a passport. If you are arriving from outwith the UK (for example, flying straight to Shetland from Norway) you will need one.

What language is spoken in the Shetland Islands?

What is Shetlandic? Shetlandic, or Shetland dialect, could be described as Old Scots (which is related to Middle English) with a strong Norse influence. It’s a waageng (aftertaste) of Norn, an extinct North Germanic language spoken in Shetland until the 18th century.

What is the best time of year to visit the Shetland Islands?

The best time to visit the Shetlands is the summer, from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.

What is Shetland famous for?

Shetland has long been world famous as a mecca for bird enthusiasts. From the ultra-rare to the quirky, birds of all breeds flock to the isles in their droves.

What is a sleeping pod on a ferry?

The compact two-square-meter pods, inspired by Tokyo’s capsule hotels, offer a cost-effective way for travelers to get a good night’s sleep on their voyage. Each berth is equipped with a mattress and bed linen, as well as air conditioning, a charging station and WiFi. Luggage can be stored outside the pods in lockers.

Is there a ferry from Shetland to Norway?

Sorry, the Shetland Islands to Norway service is no longer available with Direct Ferries.

Can you fly to the Shetland Islands?

Flying is the quickest way to get to Shetland and the view as you approach Sumburgh Airport – dramatic cliffs, rolling seas and tumbling hills – are an awe-inspiring introduction to the islands. There are several flights per day, to and from the major Scottish airports, and regular summer flights from Bergen.

What time does the ferry leave Aberdeen for Shetland?

Aberdeen Arrivals and Departures

Arrived in Aberdeen at 07:00 and departed at 18:39 sailing for Lerwick. Scheduled time of arrival in Lerwick is 07:30.

Is 2020 a good year to see Northern Lights?

During the winter of 2020, the Northern Lights viewing was typical for a solar minimum year. But from 2020 onwards, there will be a slow ramp-up in solar activity, and auroras should increase in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025 with the Solar Maximum.

Do the Northern Lights happen every night?

There is no official season since the Northern Lights are almost always present, day and night. Caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth’s atmosphere and releasing photons, it’s a process that happens constantly.

Do you get midges in Shetland?

Shetland and Orkney are plagued in the summer months by midges, a small biting insect. (June, July, August being the worst time for them.) They nest in moist grass and come swarming out in big clouds when you walk through. They are blood suckers, like mosquitoes.

Do you need a car in Orkney?

How to get around the Orkney Islands. I would 100% recommend hiring a car to travel around the Orkney Islands. Taxis are available but you really need your own wheels to see this beautiful island properly.

Are there trains on Shetland?

At the outer limits of the British Isles, Orkney and Shetland are made up of around 170 islands – roughly 35 of them inhabited. Catch the train to begin your adventure: either head for Aberdeen, or take the scenic Far North Line to Thurso.

Can anyone live in Shetland?

Eleanor Doughty explores life on Scotland’s myriad beautiful islands. No man is an island, as John Donne wrote, but, north of the border, you can live on one.