Lerwick Cruises
Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.
Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement.[ReadMoreMob] This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.
Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.
Top Experiences
Shetlands' Ancient Settlements
The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland.
Jarlshof is located at Sumburgh Head near the southern tip of mainland Shetland, and is an extraordinary site of complex ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. You will be amazed to find such a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird’s house.
RSPB Sumburgh Head
Visit these cliffs during the summer and you'll be privileged to witness the amazing spectacle of thousands of breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Sumburgh Head is also a great place to watch for whales and dolphins, particularly minke whales and orcas.
Shetland Ponies
Shetland’s world-famous small ponies can be seen throughout the island. Appearing to roam wild, the ponies are owned and tended to by local crofters. They stand up to 42 inches, or 107 cms high at four years or older.
From the 1840s, Shetland ponies began to be used in British coal mines as new laws forbade the employment of women,
girls and, later, boys. Hardy, resilient and very strong for their size, the ponies made ideal substitutes as they were able to pass through low underground tunnels hauling truckloads of coal.
Cruises to Lerwick
Lochs & Legends of Scotland • S2117
- Create memories as you sail Scottish Lochs on a smaller ship
- See mighty Ben Nevis in Loch Linnhe, Loch Fyne and more
- See Legendary sites, from castles to Neolithic treasures
Scenic Islands in the Summertime • L2124
- In five nights, uncover intriguing islands & natural wonders
- Visit the Shetlands to take in gorgeous coastal scenery
- See the unspoilt beauty of the uninhabited islets of Gáshólmur
Scenic Scotland in Five Nights • S2120
- Discover enchanting waterways and remote islands from Borealis
- Relax during hours of enthralling daytime scenic cruising
- Go in search of many more of Scotland’s most famous highlights
UK Scenic Isles & Celtic Cities • M2228
- Visit remote islands of Scilly, Shetland & Orkney
- Explore beautiful Cornwall from Falmouth
- Experience scenic cruising by Fingal’s Cave
Wintertime Fjords with up Helly Aa • L2303
- A rare wintertime exploration of Norway’s magical fjords
- Savour the spectacular scenes of Sognefjord
- In the Shetland Islands catch the Up Helly Aa Festival
Scenic Isles of the UK • T2212
- Visit the UK’s most hard-to-reach islands
- Marvel at wildlife in natural habitats
- Explore off the beaten track on remote islands
Norwegian Fjords & Mighty Waterfalls • S2213
- Witness Fureberg Waterfall at its most powerful
- Hear the creaking ice of the Briksdal Glacier on tour
- Experience scenes of rugged &verdant valleys