10 ways to enjoy the best of Shetland this summer

Located at 60ºN the Shetland Islands experience incredibly long hours of daylight during in the summer months, giving you even more time to explore the spectacular archipelago. Locally that time of year is known as simmer dim, describing the almost constant glow – even in the middle of the night.

Visit Mousa Island:

Mousa is home to a stunning Iron Age broch, which is said to be the best-preserved in Scotland. As well as exploring the incredible structure, in the summer you can also witness the spectacle of storm petrels returning to their nests at twilight. The tiny seabirds return to breed in the ancient broch every year.

Head to Unst for the UK's ‘longest’ day

Shetland is the most northerly archipelago in the British Isles, and Unst is the most northerly inhabited island in Shetland. That means at the summer solstice (21^st June) there are more moments of daylight in Unst than anywhere else in the UK – in fact, the sun barely dips below the horizon during in June – the period known as 'simmer dim'. While in Unst, enjoy the walk at Hermaness and be stunned by the cliffs and the location of the Muckle Flugga lighthouse, the most northerly point in the UK.

Simmer Dim Bikers’ Rally

This annual festival takes place each year around the longest day, and attracts hundreds of visitors. Many attendees travel from across the UK or further afield, arriving on the NorthLink ferry before heading north for the festivities. Of course, the event is about bikes and there are opportunities to head out around the beautiful islands, but the rally is also a lot of fun with music, games, entertainment and a well-stocked beer tent.

In 2023, Lerwick Harbour is a host port for the international Tall Ships Races. Dozens of historic sailing vessels will arrive in the town in late July and the town will become a hub for street parades, family entertainment and live music – as well as sailing! Don’t worry if you can’t make the event, you can still be inspired by the Tall Ships and enjoy sailing in Shetland.

Sail into Lerwick Harbour

Shetland’s capital is home to the islands’ largest harbour and is often the first port of call for visiting yachts. Floating pontoons situated, at Victoria Pier and Albert Wharf give easy access to the town centre and all its attractions. Pontoons are available from April to September. More information is available here.

Explore 1,700 miles of coastline

With so much coastline ranging from dramatic cliffs to natural harbours and crystal-clear waters, Shetland is perfect for sailing. With unrestricted access around the islands there are countless locations to anchor, and there are dozens of small marinas. To help plan your adventure around Shetland, why not use our Find a Marina tool?

Charter a yacht or boat

Whether you fancy tripping off in a modern sailing yacht, a beautifully converted fishing boat, or joining the crew of Shetland’s own tall ship, the choice is yours. The Swan is Sail Shetland’s historic tall ship with berths available throughout the year.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Shetland is the perfect place to explore rugged coastlines and quiet hills and peaty moors. The islands are home to a variety of native and migratory wildlife, including puffins, gannets, seals and otters. You may even be lucky enough to see orcas. Here are some activities worth adding to your itinerary ...

Take a guided wildlife tour

Join a guided tour to see seabirds, otters, and seals in their natural habitat. Learn about Shetland's wildlife from local experts.

Explore hidden coves and beautiful beaches

Shetland's coastline is a paradise for beach lovers, with secluded coves, white or golden sandy expanses and magical red stone beaches waiting to be discovered. There’s no better time to explore them than the summer ... don’t forget to take a picnic.

Listen to incredible birdsong

Shetland's hills and peatlands are home to a variety of bird species and wildflowers, some of which can only be found in Shetland. When exploring the countryside remember to be respectful to landowners, livestock, and wild animals. In many areas you will hear the sounds of Arctic terns (tirricks), oystercatchers (shalders), lapwings and skylarks (laeverick). Also keep an eye out for rare bird species like the red-necked phalarope.

Shetland's natural beauty is best experienced by getting outside and enjoying some of the many outdoor activities on offer.

Kayaking

Paddle through Shetland's peaceful waters and explore hidden coves and sea caves.

Fishing

Whether you prefer trout or sea fishing, Shetland's waters are teeming with fish. Book a guided boat trip or charter and you can even have your catch cooked for dinner.

Coasteering

The art of scrambling, jumping, and swimming along the islands’ spectacular coastlines. Coasteering offers an amazing chance to see the best of Shetland and its rugged beauty. Book onto a tour to have an adventure to remember.

Wild swimming

Dive into the clear waters of a Shetland loch or take a refreshing dip in the sea at one of the many beaches.

Watch our film about wild swimming in Shetland.

Cycling

Shetland's winding roads are offer breath-taking views of the coastline and countryside and make the isalnds an excpetional place to enjoy cycling. Rent a bike and explore at your own pace.

After a busy day of exploring Shetland's stunning landscapes and rich culture, what could be better than taking some time to unwind and relax? Here are some summer activities to help you do just that.

Enjoy one of the finest walks on Shetland's West Side

Head to Culswick and enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic valley and explore the remains of the broch which sits proudly at the top of hill. The valley floor was once a sea loch, now blocked by a shingle bar, creating a fine fresh water loch. Summer is an ideal time to do this route when the air is filled with the calls of lapwing, curlew and ringed plover.

Stroll around the historic town of Lerwick

Experience the charm of Shetland's main town with a leisurely stroll around Lerwick. Admire the scenic harbour, picturesque buildings, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Explore the old “Lerwick Lanes”, view the stunning stained glass window in Lerwick Town Hall, and see if you can find the Lodberries House, made famous as the home of detective Jimmy Perez in the BBC’s ‘Shetland’ drama.

Follow our suggested route around the town or choose from our selected walks around Shetland.

Shetland has a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years. From ancient settlements to medieval ruins to traditional textile crafts, there's so much to discover. Here are some must-see attractions:

Visit Jarlshof

Jarlshof is an ancient settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. The site spans over 4,000 years of history, and you can see the remains of houses, workshops, and other structures from the Pictish, Viking and more modern times.

Explore Muness Castle in Unst

Muness Castle is a well-preserved fortress dating back to the 1590s. You can explore the ruins and imagine what life was like in Shetland during the medieval period.

Discover Shetland's textile traditions

The Shetland Textile Museum in Lerwick showcases the region's unique knitting and weaving traditions. See examples of traditional Fair Isle and lace patterns and learn about the wool and textile industry's importance in Shetland's past and present. If you love knitwear you will want to visit some of the many traditional textiles, businesses located around the islands.

Enjoy a Viking experience

Shetland’s famous Up Helly Aa festivals take place throughout the winter months. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can get a taste of the Viking-inspired event at the Up Helly Aa Exhibition in Lerwick. It opens May to September in the “Galley Shed” where the legendary replica long boat is built in the darker months – to be burnt at the culmination of the torchlit procession in late January. If you love Viking culture there are dozens of heritage sites around Shetland, and you can visit a replica longhouse and longboat at Haroldswick in Unst.

Thousands of years of low intensity farming, have created exceptional conditions for sheep and cattle to graze in wild meadows. And, surrounded by some of the richest fishing grounds in the Shetland's seafood is world class. Don't leave the islands without trying some of these amazing local delicacies!

Shetland lamb and beef

Shetland lamb is one of the best lamb meats in the UK. It's tender, succulent, and has a distinct flavour due to the animals grazing on the wild heather of the Shetland landscape – and even seaweed. It’s so special, native Shetland lamb enjoys PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. To be awarded the quality mark the animal must have been born, reared and slaughtered in Shetland and must be under a year old. In the same meadows grazed by sheep, you may also see traditional Shetland kye – a small breed which delivers incredibly tasty and tender beef.

Exceptional seafood

Shetland's seafood is some of the freshest and most delicious in the world. The waters around the islands are home to an abundance of whitefish and species like mackerel and herring, which are landed into harbours around the islands. Shellfish, including shrimps, crab, and lobster are also caught around the islands. Mussels, salmon and oysters are farmed locally and are readily available. With fish and seafood this fresh, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite treat for many.

Traditional Shetland fare

Shetland has a variety of traditional foods that have been enjoyed for centuries. Some of the must-try dishes include bannocks, which are similar to scones and are often enjoyed with soup. Savoury oatcakes and Abernethy biscuits are made by various bakeries. Many traditional dishes also include rhubarb, which grows well in just about every garden in Shetland. Look out for dishes like mackerel with rhubarb, or rhubarb chutney.

Say skol with a Shetland-made tipple

If you're a fan of gin, whisky or ale, you'll love Shetland's locally made beers and spirits. Crafted with local ingredients and flavoured with things like heather, seaweed and locally-grown botanicals they offer a unique and delicious taste of Shetland.

Shetland's coastline boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. From dramatic sea cliffs to white-sand beaches, there's plenty to marvel at along the coast. Here are a few ways to take in the beauty of Shetland's coastline:

Take a boat tour to enjoy Shetland from the sea

There is no better way to enjoy the dramatic coastal landscapes than getting on the water and looking at Shetland from the sea. Shetland's waters are teeming with wildlife, and a boat tour is an excellent way to see it up close. Keep an eye out for killer whales, otters, dolphins, and porpoises as you explore the coast. We can’t guarantee you’ll see them but you’re almost certain to see seals, amazing seabird colonies, and spectacular scenery.

Visit the sandy tombolo beach of St Ninian's Isle

Accessible by a causeway, St Ninian's Isle Ayre is well worth a visit. The tombolo has clear turquoise waters on both sides of the beach, and if you walk across to St Ninian’s isle, the views of the surrounding landscape are worth the effort.

Explore the historic lighthouse and nature reserve at Sumburgh Head

The lighthouse at Sumburgh Head has been warning ships away from the dangerous rocks since 1821. Today, it's also a nature reserve, and visitors can explore the cliffs and watch seabirds like puffins, guillemots and razorbills in their natural habitat.

Dale Golf Course

Golfers will be impressed by the stunning views at the Shetland Golf Club at Dale, located on the northern outskirts of Lerwick. As you walk around the 18-hole course try not to be too distracted by the panoramic views of the Lerwick Harbour and surrounding hills. If you fancy something less serious in Lerwick, there is a pitch and putt course at The Knab, overlooking the south mouth of Lerwick Harbour.

The UK’s most northerly round in Whalsay

If you catch the golf bug there’s no need to stop at Lerwick. You can also take a ferry to the island of Whalsay which boasts the northernmost course in the UK. The par-71 course is in an awesome location, bordered by the sea on both sides and surrounded by impressive scenery and wildlife. (You may even want to go even more northerly and chip a few shots among the sand dunes and links at Burrafirth in Unst).

Take on the Tingwall Valley

The Asta Golf Club is set in the historic Tingwall valley a few miles from Scalloway. It’s a nine-hole course which is popular among locals and visitors and offers some challenging shots. Nestled at the foot of the valley and alongside the Loch of Asta, it’s a beautiful location and you may be watched by swans or other wildfowl.

Watch what happens when Golf Guru's "Travelling Lady Golfer" takes on the courses in Shetland.

If you're looking for a great day out for young and old, then look no further than the Shetland Agricultural Shows. The various shows take place throughout the summer.

All are fun events, with plenty for children to do and competitions for the best livestock and produce including veggies, baking, knitting and crafts.

It’s a great chance to learn more about crofting and agriculture, and meet some of the Shetlanders keeping traditional farming methods alive, as well as their native sheep, cattle and, of course, Shetland ponies.

The five main shows, in the order they take place from the end of July through August are as follows:

• Voe Show
• Cunningsburgh Show
• Walls Show
• Unst Show
• Yell Show