2025 Shetland Islands Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

✨ The Shetland Islands are located in northern Scotland, a paradise far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. 🌈 The islands boast spectacular coastlines, where towering cliffs meet the azure sea. The waves crash against the rocks, creating a thunderous roar that seems to tell ancient stories. 🐦 The islands are also a haven for seabirds, with countless adorable birds soaring through the sky, adding a touch of vitality to this tranquil land. 🏘 The towns on the islands exude a strong Nordic charm, with colorful houses scattered in an orderly manner. Strolling through the streets of the town, you can feel the tranquility and harmony. 💃 Here, time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully enjoy the gifts of nature. Whether it's watching a stunning sunset over the sea or daydreaming by the shore, your soul will experience an unprecedented sense of relaxation. 💕 The Shetland Islands are a place that will make you never want to leave once you arrive. Come and embark on a dreamy journey here! 💞

The light and colors tell the story of the changing seasons in the Shetland Islands. As the sun gradually approaches the horizon, the intense and clear summer light is replaced by a golden hue, casting a golden glow over the land and deepening the shadows. The strong winds stir up the turbulent sea, with waves spraying in the wind, and the saturated sky is painted with the colors of the sunset, making one feel as if they are floating in a world of ever-changing weather. Local folklore says that the equinox storms are caused by a great battle in the deep sea. It is said that the sea goddess rules the ocean during the summer. She banishes the storm bringer, Tran, to the depths of the sea so that he does not cause too much disruption to the lives of the islanders. The sea goddess is a gentle ruler, responsible for creating clear weather, ensuring bountiful harvests from the sea, and protecting fishermen. By the end of summer, she becomes exhausted, and Tran strives to regain control, resulting in fierce storms. The emerald waves crash against our coastline, seemingly ignited from within. On cloudy days, mist shrouds the mountains, casting a gray pall over the world, and the sea becomes a place to seek color. Due to the scarcity of trees, some signs of autumn are not obvious here, but a closer look at our landscape reveals a rich tapestry of color changes. As the last wildflowers wither, the hills take on golden and brown hues, interwoven with deep green moss. Countless fungi can be found here, ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to delicate pearly whites. Although many of our areas may lack trees, there are still places where one can experience the magic of autumn woodland walks. When the moonlight casts rainbows on the clouds and the auroras dance in the sky, even the darkness of winter is imbued with color. We call the auroras 'mirrie dancers,' with 'mirr' meaning blurred. They indeed look like dancing figures, their edges blurred as they blend into the night sky. They usually shimmer with silvery-green light, but sometimes higher lights emit red, and on very active nights, purple hues can be seen. Part of the beauty of the auroras lies in their elusive nature. Although solar activity that causes auroras can be tracked, their impact on the sky is unpredictable and often depends on local weather. There is nothing more joyous than stepping outside on a cold, clear night and unexpectedly discovering the starry sky shimmering with dancing colors.

There's something absolutely irresistible about the Shetland ponies—their small stature, short legs, and fluffy coats, making you want to reach out and pat their heads🥹! ⛰️On the Shetland Islands, located in the northernmost part of the UK, you can find these adorable ponies almost anywhere—by the roadside, on sandy beaches, or amidst the heather-covered hills. While you would think they belong to the wild, these little ponies are actually cared for by local farmers👨🏻🌾. 🌟If you're hoping to encounter these charming creatures, here are a few spots locals recommend for a good chance to see them: 🗺️West Mainland 🗺️Scalloway 🗺️Tingwall 🗺️Dunrossness 🗺️Island of Unst 🌟The Story Behind the Ponies These diminutive ponies have been part of the island landscape for at least 4,000 years! Despite their small size, they have adapted to the harsh island climate, evolving to be both sturdy and resilient🌬️. In the 19th century, these ponies were even used to haul heavy loads of coal in the mines! 🌊Beyond the Shetland ponies, the Shetland Islands are a fantastic place to spot marine wildlife throughout the year, with seals being a common sight. As you stroll along the coastline or relax on serene beaches, you might see curious seals popping their heads out of the water. If you visit between May and August, there's a chance to witness orcas hunting seals close to shore, or pods of white-sided dolphins chasing fish. You might even spot minke whales, basking sharks, and other marine creatures! 🪽The Shetland Islands are also a world-class birdwatching destination. Bird enthusiasts from around the globe flock here with their binoculars and guidebooks to observe the impressive seabird colonies and rare migrating species. The islands are home to breeding birds like the red-throated diver, waders, and moorland birds. 💫And that's not all—Shetland offers a lot more. The islands are one of the best places to see the aurora, often more vivid than those seen in Iceland. Follow me for more! In my next post, I'll share tips on the best spots in Shetland to catch the aurora! #shetland #uk #uktravel #scotland #beach #whale #safari #nature #beautiful #animals

#timetotravel Jarlshof, nestled on the windswept shores of Shetland in the United Kingdom, is an archaeological gem that transported me through thousands of years of history. This prehistoric and Norse settlement is a testament to the enduring human spirit. Walking among the stone structures, I marveled at the well-preserved remnants of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Viking settlements. The site showcases everything from stone circles and brochs to longhouses and medieval structures. It's a true journey through time. The coastal setting, with its dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, adds to the site's allure. Standing on the same ground where ancient people once lived, I felt a profound connection to our shared past. I highly recommend a visit to Jarlshof for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the rich tapestry of human history. It's a captivating journey into the heart of the past.