Lerwick Cruises
Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of 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. 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. 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
Scenic Isles of Scotland • T2215
- Scenic cruise by Fingal’s Cave & Dutchman’s Cap
- Visit remote islands of Bute, Orkney & Shetland
- Learn about marine life from ORCA conservationists
Norwegian Fjords, Glaciers & Mountain Railways • S2218
- Kayak along world heritage Nærøyfjord
- Hike to the Briksdal Glacier from Olden
- Journey into mountains on the Flam Railway
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2219
- Tour to see Loch Ness from Invergordon
- Call at the hard to reach Shetland Islands
- With the help of ORCA, look out for marine life
Norway's Mountains and Scenic Fjords • S2223
- Scenic cruise Sognefjord & Hardangerfjord
- Tour to the top of Mount Floyen in Bergen
- Visit local Fruit & Cider farms from Ulvik
Scenic British Isles • T2217A
- Discover the beauty, history and wildlife of rugged and remote Scottish isles
- Look out for native seabirds in Shetland, Orkney and on the Isle of Skye, and marine life with ORCA
- Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too
Scenic Isles and Lochs of Scotland • T2219
- Scenic cruise the picturesque Sound of Mull
- Explore the remote Orkney & Shetland Islands
- Look for native marine life with ORCA
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2219BFS
- Tour to see Loch Ness from Invergordon
- Call at the hard to reach Shetland Islands
- With the help of ORCA, look out for marine life
UK Scenic Isles & Celtic Cities • L2226A
- Visit remote islands of Scilly, Shetland & Orkney
- Explore beautiful Cornwall from Falmouth
- Look out for native marine life with the help of ORCA
Scenic Isles of Scotland • L2310
- See the remarkable rock formations of Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave
- Capture the coastal scenes of Northmavine, Shetland's northernmost point
- Perhaps visit the famous site of Loch Ness from Invergordon
Scenic Isles and Lochs of Scotland • T2313
- Marvel at the natural wonder of the imposing Needle, Old Man of Hoy and Duncansby sea stacks
- Visit Lews Castle from Stornoway
- Look for native seabirds on the cliffs of Marwick Head
