Quick Summary: The archipelago of the Shetland Islands, also simply known as Shetland, is a group of islands in the Northern Atlantic and northernmost part of the British Isles. The subarctic Scottish isles archipelago is made up of over 100 islands, with only 15 of them inhabited, and boast stark, spectacularly beautiful, rugged, wild, and untouched terrain. The capital of Lerwick is situated on the largest island known as Mainland and the other inhabited islands are reached by regular ferries that run daily. Shetland is renowned for its ancient history, windswept moors, and warm and welcoming locals who are proud of their isolated land.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

Bressay Heritage Centre

© Bressay Development Ltd

Broch of Clickimin

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Crofthouse Museum

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Fair Isle Bird Observatory and Guest House

© Fair Isle Bird Observatory and Guest House

Fort Charlotte

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George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum

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Go Shetland Tours

© ALFIO FERLITO/stock.adobe.com

Hermaness Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve

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Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

© nyiragongo/stock.adobe.com

Michaelswood

© Michaelswood

Broch of Mousa

© lisastrachan/stock.adobe.com

Muness Castle

© celiafoto/stock.adobe.com

Noss National Nature Reserve

© giedriius/stock.adobe.com

Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village

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Otter Tracks in Shetland - Shetland Otter Tours

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The Swan Trust

© The Swan Trust

Scalloway Castle

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Scalloway Museum

© Scalloway Museum

Shetland Museum and Archives

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Shetland Photo Tours

© giedriius/stock.adobe.com

Shetland Textile Museum

© Shetland Textile Museum

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve

© Oliver/stock.adobe.com

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