Shetland Islands Scotland Travel Guide

The Shetland Islands sit roughly equidistant between Bergen and Aberdeen, making them the northernmost part of the United Kingdom. An archipelago of around 100 islands, fewer than 20 of which are inhabited, Shetland rewards visitors with raw, windswept coastlines, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and a culture shaped as much by Norse history as by Scotland.

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located in the North Atlantic between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland. Eighteen islands, dramatically steep and largely treeless, form a landscape of sea stacks, cascading waterfalls, and turf-roofed villages. Together, these two destinations form a natural pairing for travelers drawn to northern island life.

Both places are genuinely remote — and deliberately so. Neither has mass tourism infrastructure, and that scarcity is precisely their appeal. Expect unpredictable weather, extraordinary natural light, and a pace of life that feels entirely separate from mainland Europe.

• Shetland: roughly 22,000 residents; main town is Lerwick
• Faroe Islands: roughly 55,000 residents; capital is Tórshavn
• Both destinations are safe, well-organised, and have functioning public services

Visas

Shetland is part of the United Kingdom, so entry requirements follow UK immigration rules. The Faroe Islands are outside the EU and the Schengen Area despite being part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which means they have their own immigration arrangements. Do not assume your Schengen visa or UK leave covers the Faroes — verify the position for your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official immigration authority of each destination before booking.

Passports and Documents

Carry a valid passport for both destinations. Even UK citizens travelling between Shetland and the Faroes are crossing an international boundary and should carry full documentation.

Health and Insurance

Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for both destinations. Medical facilities are limited; serious cases may require transfer to Aberdeen (from Shetland) or Copenhagen (from the Faroes). The UK has reciprocal health agreements that may cover some emergencies in the Faroes — verify this position before travel, as it can change.

What to Pack

• Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential year-round
• Layering is key; temperatures change quickly
• Sturdy, waterproof walking boots for coastal paths
• Sun protection for summer — daylight in midsummer is extremely long
• Cash in the local currency as a backup; card acceptance is generally good but connectivity can be patchy in rural areas

Shetland Islands

The most practical entry point for most visitors is Sumburgh Airport (LSI), which receives scheduled flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Bergen. Airlines and schedules change seasonally — check current operators and book ahead, especially in summer. NorthLink Ferries operates an overnight car-and-passenger service between Aberdeen and Lerwick; the crossing takes roughly 12–14 hours and is a practical option for those bringing a vehicle or preferring a scenic arrival.

Faroe Islands

Vágar Airport (FAE) on the island of Vágar is the sole international airport. It receives direct flights from a number of European cities including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, London, Edinburgh, and others, with schedules varying by season. Smyril Line operates the MS Norröna ferry, which runs between Denmark (Hirtshals) and Tórshavn, with a stop at Seyðisfjörður in Iceland on some sailings. This crossing is popular with travellers bringing campervans or motorcycles.

Between Shetland and the Faroes

Direct flights between Lerwick/Sumburgh and Tórshavn have operated historically — verify current availability with regional carriers, as routes on these corridors are subject to change. Combining both destinations in one trip is feasible and rewarding.

Shetland Islands

Hiring a car is by far the most practical way to explore Shetland. Roads are generally well-maintained, though single-track lanes with passing places are common across the islands. Inter-island ferries connect the Mainland to islands including Yell, Unst, Bressay, and Whalsay; most are operated by Shetland Islands Council and some require booking in advance during peak season. A bus network serves the Mainland, but frequency is limited and it is not well-suited for reaching remote sites.

Faroe Islands

Again, a hire car gives the most flexibility. The road network is extensive and notably includes several subsea tunnels connecting islands, including a roundabout inside the seabed on the Eysturoy Tunnel — an experience in itself. Tolls apply on some tunnels — verify current charges locally. Bus and ferry services connect most of the islands and are reliable, making car-free travel possible with careful planning. Tórshavn is compact and walkable.

• Driving is on the left in Shetland (UK rules); on the right in the Faroe Islands
• Fuel stations can be sparse in rural areas — fill up when you can
• Weather can affect ferry crossings and helicopter services at short notice

Accommodation in both destinations is limited relative to mainstream European destinations, and advance booking is essential in summer.

Shetland

Lerwick has the greatest concentration of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering properties. Smaller bed-and-breakfast options exist around the Mainland and on some outer islands. Camping böds — basic stone shelters historically used by fishermen — are available through Shetland Amenity Trust and offer a unique, low-cost option for those willing to travel light; book through their official channels and verify availability for your dates.

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn has the widest range of hotels and guesthouses. A growing number of boutique and design-led properties have opened in recent years. Outside the capital, options include small guesthouses, farmstays, and self-catering cottages in village settings. Camping is possible but weather conditions mean it requires proper equipment.

• There are no major international hotel chains dominant in either destination
• Last-minute accommodation in summer is very difficult to find — book months ahead
• Some outer island accommodation is only reachable by ferry, so plan logistics carefully

Shetland Islands

Wildlife watching is one of the primary draws. Sumburgh Head and Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Unst are reliable spots for puffins, gannets, and great skuas (bonxies). Grey and common seals haul out on many beaches. Orca are occasionally sighted, particularly in summer — local wildlife tour operators can advise.

Jarlshof, near Sumburgh, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in northern Europe, with layers of settlement from the Bronze Age through Norse times to the early modern period. Mousa Broch — accessible by a seasonal ferry from the Mainland — is among the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland. Up Helly Aa, held on the last Tuesday of January in Lerwick, is Europe's largest fire festival, rooted in the islands' Norse heritage.

Faroe Islands

Hiking is the central activity for many visitors. Classic routes include the ridge walk on Slættaratindur (the highest peak), the clifftop path to Trælanípan (Witch's Finger) overlooking Sørvágsvatn lake, and the steep descent to the abandoned village of Gásadalur before its tunnel was built. Permits or guided access are now required for some popular hikes — verify current requirements at visitfaroeislands.com or locally.

Mykines island, accessible by ferry or helicopter (seasonal, book well in advance), hosts one of the most famous puffin colonies in the North Atlantic and a lighthouse walk through dramatic terrain. Tórshavn itself is one of the world's smallest capitals and worth a half-day: the old quarter of Tinganes is built on a peninsula and dates back to the Viking-age parliament site.

• Both destinations have strong traditions in knitting and textile craft — look for local workshops
• The Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick is excellent and free to enter (verify hours locally)
• The Nordic House (Norðurlandahúsið) in Tórshavn hosts cultural events and exhibitions

Shetland

Seafood dominates, as you would expect. Shetland mussels, salmon, and crab are widely available and of high quality. Reestit mutton — a traditional salt-preserved lamb — is a distinctly Shetlandic product used in soups and stews. The islands have a small but growing local food scene centred on Lerwick, with café and restaurant options that go beyond pub staples. Locally produced Shetland lamb is also well regarded. Expect limited options outside Lerwick and the larger settlements.

Faroe Islands

Faroese food culture has gained international attention in recent years. The capital has a range of restaurants, and the archipelago as a whole has produced chefs who draw on traditional preservation techniques — wind-drying, fermenting, and brining — applied to local lamb, seabird, and fish. Skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) is the most iconic traditional food and has a strong, distinctive flavour. Ræst refers to fermented or semi-dried fish or lamb and is an acquired taste but culturally significant.

Note that the hunting of pilot whales (grindadráp) is a long-standing Faroese cultural practice and a visible part of island life. Visitors hold a range of opinions on this; it is worth researching before travel if it is likely to affect your experience.

• Alcohol is more expensive in both destinations than on the UK or European mainland
• Supermarkets in Lerwick and Tórshavn stock a reasonable range of goods
• Book evening restaurants in advance during peak season, particularly in Tórshavn

Money

Card payments are accepted widely in both destinations, but carry some cash for smaller transactions, rural fuel stations, or ferry ticket offices that may have connectivity issues. ATMs are available in Lerwick and Tórshavn; options elsewhere are limited.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is reasonable in settled areas of both destinations but can drop entirely in remote coastal and highland areas. Download offline maps before heading out. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés.

Emergency Services

Dial 999 in Shetland (UK standard). In the Faroe Islands, the general emergency number is 112. Coastguard and mountain rescue services operate in both locations — if heading into remote terrain, inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

Electricity

The UK standard (Type G, 230V) applies in Shetland. The Faroe Islands use Type C and Type F plugs (230V, as per continental European standard). Pack the appropriate adaptors.

Daylight Hours

In midsummer, Shetland experiences near-continuous twilight — the simmer dim — rather than full darkness. The Faroes similarly enjoy very long summer days. In winter, both destinations have short daylight windows of only a few hours.

Both Shetland and the Faroe Islands are among the safer destinations in the world in terms of personal security. Crime rates are low and solo travel — including for women — is broadly straightforward.

The primary safety considerations are environmental. Coastal cliffs in both destinations are unfenced and can be unstable at the edges. Wind is frequently strong enough to affect balance near exposed clifftops. Several serious incidents have occurred at popular viewpoints; exercise caution, stay back from edges, and do not attempt cliff-edge photography in poor conditions.

Weather changes rapidly and can be severe. Always check forecasts before hiking and carry appropriate clothing even on days that start clear. Inform someone of your hiking plans if going into remote terrain.

Sea conditions around both archipelagos can be extreme. Do not attempt kayaking or boat trips without appropriate experience and local knowledge of tides and currents.

Both Shetland and the Faroe Islands have cultures shaped profoundly by Norse settlement from the 9th century onward. The Norn language, a Norse tongue, was spoken in Shetland until the 18th century and its influence persists in place names and dialect. The Faroese language is a living North Germanic language descended from Old Norse and remains the everyday tongue of the islands.

Community is central to life in both places. Small-island courtesy and pragmatism are the norm — people are generally helpful to visitors who approach respectfully and thoughtfully. Do not treat either destination as a backdrop for social media content without being conscious of the communities you are photographing.

Shetland has a rich tradition in fiddle music, distinct from mainland Scottish styles and with detectable Scandinavian influences. The Shetland Folk Festival is held each spring and draws musicians internationally. The Faroe Islands have a tradition of chain dancing accompanied by unaccompanied ballad singing (kvæði), which is performed at festivals and community events.

Both destinations take environmental responsibility seriously. Stick to marked paths, follow any seasonal access restrictions on wildlife sites, and leave no trace.