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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: GBP
- Languages: English, Scots, Shetlandic dialect
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Europe/London
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is summer for mild weather and festivals.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Lerwick, part of the UK, generally follow UK visa rules. Citizens from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa-free for short stays. Others may require a visa prior to arrival. E-visa options are not available for the UK. Visitors should check the latest UK government guidelines based on their nationality before travel.
About Lerwick
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As the northernmost town in the UK, it serves as a gateway to stunning coastal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Visitors are drawn to its charming harbor, historic buildings, and the warmth of its small community. Lerwick is renowned for its Viking history and traditions, especially celebrated during the annual Up Helly Aa festival, which features torch-lit processions and Viking reenactments. The town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with quaint shops, local museums, and seafood restaurants showcasing Shetland’s maritime culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of hiking, birdwatching, and boat trips to nearby islands. Lerwick’s remote location offers a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of place, ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.
Top Attractions
1. Up Helly Aa Museum – Showcases the history and traditions of the famous Viking fire festival. 2. Fort Charlotte – An 18th-century coastal defense fort with panoramic views of Lerwick harbor. 3. Shetland Museum and Archives – Offers insights into Shetland’s history, culture, and natural environment. 4. Clickimin Broch – An ancient Iron Age roundhouse ruin near the town center. 5. Lerwick Harbour – A bustling port area perfect for scenic walks and watching fishing boats.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Lerwick can enjoy hiking along coastal trails, wildlife watching including puffins and seals, and boat tours to nearby islands. Cultural experiences include attending the Up Helly Aa festival, visiting local art galleries, and exploring traditional Shetland crafts. Recreational options include fishing, cycling, and sampling local seafood. The town also offers opportunities for photography and learning about Viking heritage.
Lerwick Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Shetland Islands
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is summer for mild weather and festivals. Pack layered clothing and waterproof gear due to variable weather. Respect local customs and the quiet nature of the community. Safety is generally good, but be cautious on coastal paths. Cash and cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller shops. Book accommodations and transport in advance during peak seasons.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $180
14 Available Tour Excursions in Lerwick
Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's rugged & dramatic North Mainland. Explore Northmavine's history at Tangwick Haa Museum, admire the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs and visit the pretty village of Hillswick. Along the way we will see the finest scenery Shetland has to offer, it is truly breath-taking.
Price: $986.75
Duration: 4 hours
With nine series, Shetland has put Shetland on the map. Our brand new Shetland Locations Tour is a great way to see the sights you've seen on the small screen up close. Plus, you'll get to see the best of our beautiful island home along the way.
Price: $979.95
Duration: 8 hours
With three fault lines running through the isles, the Geology of Shetland is some of the most diverse in Europe and is the reason why Shetland currently holds UNESCO Geopark Status. We drive to the North West mainland of Shetland where the oldest rocks in Shetland, Lewisian Gneiss at 2.9 billion years old, can be found. On our way North we witness fantastic cliff scenery and sea stacks shaped by the full force of the Atlantic. We arrive at Shetland’s volcano – Eshaness – active 390 million years ago. After a short photo stop, we return South, taking in the view of Shetland’s highest point, the red granite of Ronas Hill, 450m high and 450 million years old. We stop at Tangwick Haa Museum, built in the late 17th century as the home of the laird and where you can browse the exhibits to learn more of the history of Northmavine and have an opportunity to browse some local crafts. We return South via Brae for lunch at Frankie’s Fish and Chip shop before heading back to Lerwick
Price: $816.62
Duration: 5 hours
Discover the captivating South Mainland of Shetland, where history and nature intertwine. Explore the pristine St Ninian's Isle, famous for its Pictish silver horde, and stroll along its stunning 500m long tombolo. Witness seals basking on secluded beaches and marvel at the impressive Sumburgh Head lighthouse, nestled within a seabird sanctuary. Uncover 5000 years of history at the ancient Jarlshof site, before enjoying a warm cup of tea and local crafts in Hoswick. Optional lunch or afternoon tea can be arranged for your delight. - Visit St Ninian's Isle and its remarkable tombolo - Explore the Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve and lighthouse - Discover 5000 years of history at Jarlshof - Enjoy tea and local shopping in the village of Hoswick
Price: $816.62
Duration: 5 hours
Often overlooked by tourists, the west side of the Shetland Mainland (known as the Wastside locally) is a haven of unspoilt beauty. Never visited by large tour groups or shore excursions, join us to discover some of Shetland's most scenic spots. During your private guided tour, you'll pass through some of Shetland's most spectacular scenery, visit our most important Neolithic site- Stanydale Temple- and stop off at an authentic Cake Fridge.
Price: $1,054.81
Duration: 4 hours
With some of the richest archaeological sites in the British Isles, Shetland is a history lovers' paradise. From prehistoric settlements to tales of the Viking-era and the dowry that gifted Shetland from Norway to Scotland, our Shetland history tour will take you on a journey through millennia as we travel the length and breadth of the Shetland Mainland.
Price: $1,767.99
Duration: 8 hours
Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here we visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding our tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Price: $1,122.86
Duration: 4 hours
Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands. On our first stop we will visit the incredible Clickimin Broch. After seeing this remarkable site, we will drive back to the centre and spend some time visiting some of the main attractions in this amazing village: Fort Charlotte- Hay´s Dock is a beautifully restored historic dock. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives where the galleries are split into different zones. Enjoy the picturesquely grouped house and stores built on lodberry. Enjoy the views over Victoria Pier. You will visit the Scalloway area, until 1708 it was the capital of Shetland Island but now it is a fishing port, really worth a visit, on your way to Scalloway you can have a quick look some famous ponies of Shetland PLEASE NOTE: Walking is involved MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Price: $501.50
Duration: 6 hours
Travel to Scalloway the ancient capital where you will stop at Carol’s Ponies, you have a chance to meet, learn about and photograph these wonderful animals. Originating in Shetland the breed was a packing pony and are now found all over the world, used as popular riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol the stud owner will explain all in her talk about these beautiful creatures, remember they have teeth and may assume fingers for carrots! So please do not feed the ponies.
Price: $217.77
Duration: 1 hours
Our services can be tailored to suit your needs and are available at times to suit you. Our varied fleet comprises of vehicles from 7 seats to 57 seats, so we can accommodate a wide range of group sizes from couples & families to school & business groups and sports teams.
Price: $122.49
Duration: 0-1 hours
Our services can be tailored to suit your needs and are available at times to suit you. Our varied fleet comprises of vehicles from 7 seats to 57 seats, so we can accommodate a wide range of group sizes from couples & families to school & business groups and sports teams.
Price: $217.77
Duration: 0-1 hours
Join military historian and professional archaeologist Chris Dyer, a Shetland resident for over twenty years, to explore Shetland’s fascinating wartime heritage on our brand new Shetland at War tour. We will visit astoundingly well-preserved military fortifications within a range of spectacular, beautiful landscapes. During the twentieth century, Shetland played a crucially important role in the defence of Britain during both World Wars due to its strategic military location on the northern periphery of Britain and Europe. Enemy shipping and submarines favoured the North Sea as their preferred passage to the North Atlantic Ocean. Shetland was therefore an important base for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, who patrolled the surrounding waters, and for the associated military radar stations, scanning the skies and seas.
Price: $1,563.84
Duration: 5 hours
Based on the hit Puffins & Ponies tour, the Best of Shetland's South Mainland lets you experience the wonders of the island home once the puffins have flown south for winter. Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here you'll visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding your tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Price: $951.37
Duration: 4 hours
Explore Lerwick, the vibrant capital of Shetland, on this guided walking tour that unveils the town's rich maritime history. Start at the bustling harbour and wander past historic lodberries, including the iconic location from the detective series 'Shetland'. Ascend to the highest point for panoramic views, then delve into the Lerwick Lanes, a testament to the town's fishing heritage since the 1700s. Visit the impressive Town Hall and Fort Charlotte, both steeped in history, before concluding your journey at the Lerwick Museum to further immerse yourself in the local culture and history. - Discover Lerwick’s history from the harbour to the Lerwick Lanes - Visit key landmarks including the Town Hall and Fort Charlotte - Enjoy insights into Shetland's maritime heritage from an expert guide - Conclude your tour with free time at the Lerwick Museum to explore further
Price: $476.36
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Lerwick’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood such as Shetland mussels, scallops, and Atlantic salmon. Traditional dishes include seafood chowder and locally sourced lamb. Dining customs emphasize fresh, simple ingredients reflecting the island’s maritime heritage. Noteworthy restaurants include The Scalloway Hotel and Mareel Café, both known for their local specialties and cozy atmospheres. Visitors should try Shetland oatcakes and locally brewed ales.
Getting Around
Lerwick is accessible by ferry from Aberdeen and mainland Scotland, as well as by flights to Tingwall Airport nearby. Local transportation includes buses and taxis, but the town is small enough to explore on foot. For island excursions, boat tours are available. Costs are moderate, but visitors should plan ahead for ferry and flight schedules due to the remote location.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is summer for mild weather and festivals. Pack layered clothing and waterproof gear due to variable weather. Respect local customs and the quiet nature of the community. Safety is generally good, but be cautious on coastal paths. Cash and cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller shops. Book accommodations and transport in advance during peak seasons.
Culture & Customs
Lerwick’s culture is deeply influenced by Norse heritage and maritime traditions. Social customs are friendly and informal, with a strong community spirit. Important events include the Up Helly Aa festival and local music gatherings. Visitors should be respectful of local wildlife and natural sites. It is customary to greet locals politely and to appreciate the slower pace of life.
