7 Days in Shetland: From Viking Ruins to Dramatic Sea Cliffs
Shetland, a collection of over 100 rugged islands, is Scotland’s northernmost treasure. Here, Viking history meets dramatic coastal landscapes, and puffins, seals, and even orcas become your travel companions. Whether you're a history buff, wildlife enthusiast, or an adventurous traveler, Shetland has something magical to offer. This 7-day itinerary will take you through the highlights of these incredible islands.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Sumburgh Head
Morning: Arrive in Shetland & Head South
Your Shetland adventure begins as you land at Sumburgh Airport, the southern gateway to these breathtaking islands. Collect your rental car (highly recommended for exploring Shetland at your own pace) and take a short 5-minute drive to Sumburgh Head, a spectacular coastal headland that is home to Shetland’s oldest lighthouse and one of the best wildlife-watching spots in the UK.
As you approach, take in the dramatic cliffs, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea. The road winds past lush green fields dotted with Shetland ponies before reaching the clifftop. Park at the Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre and step into a world of history, maritime heritage, and thriving wildlife.
Late Morning: Discover Sumburgh Head Lighthouse & Wildlife
Built in 1821 by Robert Stevenson, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is an architectural marvel. Walk around the whitewashed buildings and enjoy panoramic views over the sea, where you might spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs. Inside the lighthouse exhibition, learn about the life of 19th-century lighthouse keepers, the site's strategic role during World War II, and how the light still operates today.
Nature lovers will delight in the chance to see puffins up close, especially in spring and summer when they nest here. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals basking on the rocks below or catch a glimpse of orcas hunting in the waters offshore.
Afternoon: Jarlshof – A Journey Through 5,000 Years of History
A short 5-minute drive takes you to Jarlshof, one of Scotland’s most significant archaeological sites. Walk through 5,000 years of history, from Neolithic dwellings and Bronze Age houses to Viking longhouses and medieval farmsteads. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into Shetland’s past and its connection to Nordic culture.
Evening: Settle into Lerwick
Drive 40 minutes north to Lerwick, Shetland’s charming capital, and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Fjara Café Bar, overlooking the bay, before resting up for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Lerwick & Seabird Cliffs of Noss
Morning: Discover Historic Lerwick
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at The Dowry, a cozy café in the heart of Lerwick, before setting off to explore the town’s rich history and culture.
Begin at the Shetland Museum & Archives, a must-visit for understanding Shetland’s Viking heritage, fishing industry, and unique traditions. Wander through exhibits showcasing Pictish stones, Norse artifacts, and traditional Shetland knitwear.
From the museum, take a short walk along Commercial Street, Lerwick’s charming waterfront lined with independent shops, boutiques, and craft stores selling authentic Shetland wool, handmade jewelry, and local artwork. Pop into Jamieson’s of Shetland or Anderson & Co. to browse the famous Shetland knitwear, known worldwide for its delicate patterns.
A visit to Clickimin Broch, a well-preserved Iron Age stone tower, offers a glimpse into Shetland’s prehistoric past. Just a 5-minute drive from Lerwick, this impressive structure, set against the backdrop of a peaceful loch, is believed to have been a defensive stronghold over 2,000 years ago.
Afternoon: Boat Trip to Noss National Nature Reserve
After lunch at No. 88 Kitchen & Bar, head to Victoria Pier to board a boat tour to Noss, one of Shetland’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
The Noss seabird cliffs are a breathtaking sight, rising nearly 600 feet above the North Sea. This is a paradise for birdwatchers, where you’ll see gannets, puffins, guillemots, Arctic terns, and fulmars nesting in vast numbers. The sight of gannets diving into the sea at high speed is truly unforgettable.
Keep an eye on the waters—seals, dolphins, and even orcas are frequently spotted around Noss, making this boat tour one of the best ways to experience Shetland’s diverse marine life.
Evening: Relax & Enjoy Local Music
After returning to Lerwick, spend the evening soaking up the local atmosphere. Head to The Lounge for a hearty meal, followed by live traditional Shetland music at The String, a lively pub where talented musicians gather to play fiddle tunes and folk songs.
Rest up at your Lerwick accommodation before heading north tomorrow for more adventures.
Day 3: The Wild Beauty of Yell – Shetland's Otter Haven
Morning: Ferry to Yell & Exploring the Island’s Rugged Coastline
Start your day early with a 30-minute drive north from Lerwick to Toft Ferry Terminal, where you’ll catch the 20-minute ferry to Yell, the second-largest island in Shetland. The ferry ride offers stunning views, so keep your camera ready—you might even spot porpoises or seabirds gliding over the water.
Upon arrival in Ulsta, take a scenic drive through Yell’s rolling moorlands and windswept beaches, stopping at West Sandwick Beach, a secluded white sand bay with crystal-clear waters. This is a great place for a morning walk and a chance to see Arctic skuas soaring overhead.
Late Morning: Gloup Memorial & The Old Haa Museum
Drive north to the Gloup Memorial, a haunting yet beautiful tribute to 58 fishermen who lost their lives in a devastating storm in 1881. The monument stands on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views over Bluemull Sound.
Next, visit the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe, housed in a 17th-century laird’s house. This small but fascinating museum showcases Shetland’s maritime history, Viking connections, and traditional island life.
Afternoon: Otter Spotting & Ferry to Unst
Yell is known as one of the best places in Europe to see wild otters, thanks to its quiet shorelines, seaweed-rich waters, and abundance of fish. Drive along the east coast, stopping at Cullivoe or Basta Voe, where otters are often seen hunting or playing near the shore. Bring binoculars and stay quiet—with a bit of patience, you may witness these elusive creatures in action.
In the late afternoon, take the ferry from Gutcher to Belmont, crossing over to Unst, the northernmost inhabited island in the UK. The 10-minute ferry ride offers a scenic transition into a land of Viking legends and wild landscapes.
Evening: Settle into Unst
Arriving in Baltasound, Unst’s largest settlement, check into Baltasound Hotel, the most northerly hotel in Britain.
For dinner, enjoy a meal at Victoria’s Vintage Tea Rooms, a cozy spot serving homemade soups, fresh seafood, and Shetland lamb dishes. Afterward, take a short sunset walk along the coastline, keeping an eye out for seals and seabirds settling in for the night.
Get a good night’s sleep—tomorrow, you’ll explore Viking ruins, wild seabird cliffs, and Shetland’s most iconic landmarks.
Day 4: Exploring Unst – Shetland's Viking Past & Breathtaking Cliffs
Morning: Discovering Viking Heritage at Viking Unst
Wake up in Baltasound, the largest settlement on Unst, and enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting off to explore the northernmost inhabited island in the UK.
Start your morning at Viking Unst, an incredible site that brings Shetland’s Norse heritage to life. Here, you’ll find a full-scale replica of a Viking longhouse and longship, along with an excavation site where real Viking houses once stood. Unst has the highest concentration of Viking longhouses in the world, making it an essential stop for history lovers. Wander through the remains of Haroldswick Viking Settlement, imagining what life was like for the Norse people who once lived here over 1,000 years ago.
Just a short drive away, visit the Shetland Bus Memorial, dedicated to the brave sailors of World War II who carried out covert missions between Shetland and occupied Norway. This site sits near a quiet bay, perfect for reflecting on Shetland’s wartime history and resilience.
Late Morning: Bobby’s Bus Shelter – Shetland's Most Quirky Landmark
Next, make a stop at the famous Bobby’s Bus Shelter, one of Shetland’s most beloved quirky attractions. This fully decorated, cozy little bus shelter changes theme every year thanks to contributions from the local community.
Take a few photos and admire the creativity behind this unusual landmark—proof of the strong community spirit that defines Shetland.
Afternoon: Hermaness National Nature Reserve & Muckle Flugga Lighthouse
Drive north to Hermaness National Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Shetland. Begin your hike along a well-maintained boardwalk, which winds through rolling moorlands filled with nesting great skuas (bonxies). These impressive birds are fearless defenders of their territory, so be sure to respect their space!
As you reach the cliff edge, prepare for a breathtaking sight—thousands of seabirds, including gannets, puffins, and fulmars, soaring over the crashing waves below. The views from Hermaness are among the best in the UK, with Muckle Flugga Lighthouse visible in the distance.
This iconic lighthouse, built in 1854, marks the northernmost point of Britain. Though inaccessible to visitors, its dramatic setting on a wave-battered rocky outcrop makes it one of Shetland’s most photographed locations.
Evening: Sunset & Relaxation in Unst
After your hike, return to Baltasound for a relaxed evening. Enjoy dinner at The Final Checkout, a small but welcoming pub serving fresh local seafood, lamb, and home-cooked meals.
If the skies are clear, step outside to witness Shetland’s breathtaking night sky. With almost no light pollution, Unst is one of the best places in the UK to see the Milky Way and, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Day 5: Return to Mainland Shetland & St. Ninian's Isle
Morning: Ferry Back to Mainland & Exploring Scalloway
Start your morning with an early ferry ride back to Yell, then a second ferry from Yell to the Shetland Mainland, arriving back near Lerwick.
Your first stop is Scalloway, Shetland’s ancient capital. Visit Scalloway Castle, built in 1600 by the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart, known for his tyrannical rule over Shetland. The castle ruins offer a glimpse into Shetland’s turbulent past, and Scalloway Museum nearby tells the incredible story of the Shetland Bus, a secret wartime operation that connected Shetland with Norway.
Take a short walk along Scalloway Harbour, where colorful fishing boats bob on the water. Stop for a quick coffee at The Cornerstone Café, a local favorite known for its fresh bakes and warm Shetland hospitality.
Afternoon: St. Ninian’s Isle – Shetland's Most Beautiful Beach
Drive 45 minutes south to one of Shetland’s most stunning natural wonders—St. Ninian’s Isle. Connected to the mainland by a tombolo, this beach features a narrow strip of soft white sand separating the mainland from the uninhabited island.
Take your time walking across the pristine tombolo, admiring the clear turquoise waters on both sides. If the tide is low, cross over to explore the island itself, where the ruins of a medieval chapel sit on the windswept landscape. It was here in 1958 that a 15-year-old schoolboy uncovered a buried hoard of silver treasure, believed to have been hidden from Viking raiders.
This is the perfect spot for a picnic with panoramic coastal views, so bring some local snacks or baked goods from Lerwick.
Evening: Seafood & Sunset in Lerwick
As the day winds down, return to Lerwick for a relaxed evening. For a special final meal in Shetland, book a table at Frankie’s Fish & Chips, the northernmost fish and chip shop in the UK. Enjoy fresh-caught haddock, mussels, and scallops while soaking in the sea views.
After dinner, take a sunset stroll along Lerwick’s waterfront, reflecting on the incredible landscapes, history, and wildlife you’ve experienced over the past few days.
Rest up, as tomorrow promises even more wild Shetland adventures.
Day 6: Shetland's Dramatic Cliffs, Wildlife, & Remote Coastal Beauty
Morning: Eshaness Cliffs – A Journey Through Time
Start your day with breakfast at The Dowry in Lerwick before setting off for one of Shetland’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes—the Eshaness Cliffs.
Drive one hour northwest through the rugged Shetland countryside to reach Eshaness, part of Shetland’s UNESCO Global Geopark. As you approach, the scenery shifts from rolling green hills to a dramatic, volcanic coastline shaped by millions of years of geological activity.
Take a walk along the towering sea cliffs, which stand over 300 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering incredible views of sea stacks, caves, and natural arches. On stormy days, waves crash violently against the rock, sending plumes of seawater into the sky. This is one of the wildest, most untamed places in Shetland, and the power of nature here is mesmerizing.
Keep an eye out for seabirds soaring overhead—fulmars, kittiwakes, and skuas are commonly seen here. You may even spot a minke whale or orca offshore if you’re lucky.
Late Morning: Tangwick Haa Museum & Local History
Just a short drive from the cliffs, visit Tangwick Haa Museum, a 17th-century laird’s house that now serves as a small but fascinating museum. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Shetland’s fishing communities, traditional crafts, and the harsh realities of island life in centuries past.
Enjoy a light snack and tea at the museum café before continuing your journey.
Afternoon: Otter Spotting & Coastal Walks
Next, take a scenic drive along Shetland’s west coast, where you’ll have great chances to spot wild otters. Shetland has one of the highest densities of otters in Europe, and the quiet, seaweed-covered shorelines are the best places to find them.
For the best experience, bring binoculars and be patient and silent—otters are shy but incredibly rewarding to watch in the wild. Some of the best spots include:
- Fethaland, a remote headland once home to a bustling fishing station.
- Ronas Voe, Shetland’s longest sea inlet, offering stunning fjord-like views.
- The shores of Weisdale or Reawick, where otters are often seen hunting in the shallows.
Evening: Shetland's Traditional Music Scene
Return to Lerwick in the evening for a final night of traditional Shetland music. Head to The String, where local musicians gather to play lively fiddle tunes, jigs, and folk ballads.
Pair the music with a delicious meal—try Shetland lamb, fresh langoustines, or a classic Cullen skink soup—before heading back to your accommodation for your last night in Shetland.
Day 7: Farewell to Shetland – Viking History & Scenic Coastal Drives
Morning: Tingwall Valley – A Viking Parliament Site
On your final morning in Shetland, take a short drive to Tingwall Valley, just outside Lerwick. This peaceful green valley is home to the site of Shetland’s old Viking parliament (Ting), where Norse settlers once gathered to make laws and settle disputes.
Take a short walk around the valley, where ruins of medieval structures can still be seen, and imagine what life was like here over 1,000 years ago. The surrounding hills provide a beautiful last glimpse of Shetland’s landscapes, making it the perfect place to reflect on your trip.
Late Morning: Final Walk Along the Shetland Coastline
Before heading to the airport or ferry terminal, take one last walk along the coastline near Lerwick. Options include:
- The Knab, a scenic headland walk overlooking Bressay Sound.
- Seafield Beach, a quiet spot where seals often rest on the sand.
- Ness of Sound, an easy trail with beautiful sea views and clifftop wildflowers.
Afternoon: Shopping & Departure
Before leaving, stop by Lerwick’s independent shops to pick up some unique Shetland souvenirs:
- Handmade Shetland wool knitwear from Jamieson’s of Shetland.
- Locally crafted jewelry inspired by Shetland’s Viking heritage.
- Traditional Shetland music CDs or local poetry books.
Finally, either catch your flight from Sumburgh Airport or board the overnight ferry to Aberdeen, taking one last look at the rugged coastline fading into the distance.
A week in Shetland is an unforgettable adventure, filled with dramatic landscapes, Viking history, rare wildlife, and warm hospitality. Whether you came for the puffins, the history, or the remote beauty of the islands, Shetland’s magic will stay with you long after you leave.
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