The main port and administrative center of Shetland Islands, with a population of 7,500. A working harbor town housing key cultural sites like the Shetland Museum.
Lerwick, Britain's northernmost town, sits on the eastern coast of Shetland's Mainland island. Walk down the stone-flagged Commercial Street past 17th-century merchants' houses, watch fishing boats unload their catch at the busy harbor, or climb the walls of Fort Charlotte for views across the sound. In January, join thousands of spectators as torch-bearing locals parade through the streets during the spectacular Up-Helly-Aa fire festival.
Getting to Lerwick
Take the NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen - the 12-hour journey runs daily. If you prefer flying, land at Sumburgh Airport, 24 miles south of town, with regular flights from mainland Scotland. Catch a local bus from the airport to Lerwick's Viking Bus Station.
Exploring the Old Town
Walk along Commercial Street, the heart of Lerwick's historic center, where narrow lanes branch off toward the waterfront. The 17th and 18th-century sandstone buildings originally had their foundations in the sea, until harbor developments created new land in front. Browse wool shops selling traditional Fair Isle knitwear, stop at local bakeries for Shetland bannocks, or warm up in one of the street's cozy cafes.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Step into the modern Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront to discover artifacts spanning 6,000 years of island life. Walk up to Fort Charlotte, a five-sided fortress from 1665 (rebuilt in 1781), where you can explore the ramparts and learn about local military history. Visit the Böd of Gremista, a restored fishing booth from 1780, to see how 18th-century fishing families lived and worked.
Harbor Activities
Watch fishing boats, oil supply vessels, and cruise ships come and go at Lerwick's deep-water port. The harbor welcomes around 50 cruise ships between May and September, bringing up to 25,000 visitors. Large vessels up to 205 meters can dock directly, while bigger ships drop anchor in Bressay Sound.
Up-Helly-Aa Festival
Experience Shetland's winter fire festival on the last Tuesday of January. Watch as nearly 1,000 torch-bearing participants, known as guizers, march through town in costume. The procession culminates with the burning of a full-sized replica Viking longship. After the burning, locals continue celebrating in halls across town until morning.
Day Trips from Lerwick
Walk around the Iron Age Broch of Clickimin beside Clickimin Loch, just a 15-minute walk from town center. Take a boat to Mousa island to see Scotland's best-preserved broch tower, standing 13 meters high. Drive 25 miles south to Jarlshof, where you can explore ruins from multiple eras - from Neolithic stone houses to medieval farmsteads.
