Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It’s a beautiful region that should be on every Scotland itinerary. There’s a lot to love about Scotland’s Shetland Islands, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
Love #1: Natural Beauty
When you visit the Shetland Islands, you won’t believe the views. Between the coastline and the hills, you’ll want to spend all of your time outdoors. There are fantastic hiking and walking trails all around.
Hate #1: Shetland Island Weather
The weather in the Shetland Islands can be challenging. There’s a lot of wind and rain, and the fog can seemingly roll in out of nowhere. If it’s foggy, you might miss out on some spectacular views. If you plan to visit the Shetland Islands in the winter, expect high winds, rough seas, and fog, all of which can impact your travel plans. Make sure you pack lots of layers for all kinds of weather!
Love #2: Stone Buildings
Since there aren’t trees in the Shetland Islands, nearly all of the buildings are made of stone. There are the croft houses, which are old stone houses with thatched roofs, which were commonplace homes until 30 to 40 years ago. In Jarlshof, you can visit former settlements which are thousands of years old. Scatness is another area with stone ruins you can visit.
Hate #2: Shetland Islands Ferry Accommodation
You can take a ferry to the Shetland Islands from Aberdeen; it’s about a 12-hour trip. You can also fly, but many travelers want to take the ferry so they can bring along the rental car. The problem is, if you want a cabin on the ferry, they sell out super quickly. If you plan to take the ferry and want a cabin, make sure you plan ahead!
Love #3: Local Hospitality
People in Scotland are generally nice everywhere, but in Shetland, they are extra nice. They are super welcoming and helpful, which is great. They even opened up a museum for us on a closed day because we were tracing our ancestry around the islands.
Hate #3: Isolated Attractions
A lot of the things to see in the Shetland Islands are isolated from other areas. So, as you drive around sightseeing, it often feels like you are backtracking. There aren’t major roads connecting all of the attractions, so you’ll drive out to one, then back, then on to another, and back. It really takes a lot of time to get between places.
Love #4: Scandinavian Influence
This region has a strong Scandinavian background and Nordic heritage. There is a lot of shared history between Norway and Scotland, and it’s really interesting to learn about it. If you visit during the last week of January, the Nordic heritage of this area will be on full display at the Fire Festival or Up Helly Aa. They dress as Vikings and go through the streets with lit torches.
Hate #4: Lack of Public Transportation
If you prefer to leave the driving to others, there’s not much for public transportation in the Shetland Islands. There are some buses from the airport, and ferries between the islands, but to see most of the islands, you will need to drive. Not only will you have to drive on the left, but you should also know how to drive a stick shift car. You can upgrade to an automatic, but they’re not always available.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland
Love #5: Ponies & Puffins
Those adorable Shetland ponies are from….Shetland! You’ll see them all over the islands, as many people keep and breed them. You’ll also see a lot of sheep and lambs, otters, and seals along the shore. The real star of Shetland wildlife is the puffin: adorable, colorful-beaked sea birds.
Hate #5: Communication Breakdown
Don’t worry, you’ll have a cell signal and WiFi on most of the islands. But you might have some communication issues when it comes to speaking with the locals. Scottish accents can be difficult to understand, and they get more difficult the farther north you travel. There’s not much you can do to prepare; just know that they are speaking English!
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With beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and rich history, Shetland Islands make a fantastic travel destination in Scotland. Whether you are tracing your ancestry like we did, or just enjoying a unique destination, I highly recommend visiting the Shetland Islands. Interested in more UK travel tips? Check out these blog posts!