The 90 minute crossing takes place up to three times a day. Enjoy a journey like no other before arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to begin your Orkney and Shetland island adventure.
How long is the ferry from Shetland to Scotland?
around 12 hours 30 minutes
The Aberdeen Lerwick ferry route connects Scotland with Shetland Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 7 times each week with sailing durations from around 12 hours 30 minutes.
How far is Shetland from mainland Scotland?
roughly 100 miles
Lying roughly 100 miles off the north east coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are the northern-most tip of Scotland. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean, on the west, from the North Sea on the east.
How long does it take to drive from one end of Shetland to the other?
The reality is that, driving on mostly excellent, fast roads, it takes around two hours to drive the length of the mainland, and around three if visits to Unst or Fetlar are to feature.
Are the Shetlands closer to Scotland or Norway?
The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish.
How cold does it get in Shetland?
Despite being so far north, Shetland’s winters are relatively temperate due to the Gulf Stream warming the sea around the isles. The temperature in December rarely dips below freezing point, with the average temperature being around 2°C.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Shetland?
As Shetland lies closer to the North Pole than any other part of Britain, it’s the best place to see the Northern Lights.
Is Shetland Catholic or Protestant?
Shetland is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen. There is only one Catholic Church in Shetland, located in Lerwick. However, Mass is said in other places, using other places of worship belonging to other Christian groups on an occasional basis.
What is the closest city to the Shetland Islands?
Lerwick (/ˈlɛrɪk/; Old Norse: Leirvik; Norn: Larvik) is the main town and port of the Shetland archipelago, Scotland. Shetland’s only burgh, Lerwick had a population of about 7,000 residents in 2010. 6,760 (mid-2020 est.)
What is the best time of year to visit the Shetland Islands?
The best months in Shetland islands are July, August and September. The coldest months are January, February and March. The rainiest months are January, February, August, September, October, November and December.
Are there a lot of murders on Shetland?
That would give the Shetland Islands a murder rate of 68.2 per 100,000 people — putting it 11th on the world’s most deadly places list. In contrast, the real islands have only had two murders in the last 50 years.
Is the crossing to Shetland rough?
If you don’t have very good sea-legs and the weather is bad you may be in for a long night of seasickness. Crossings can be rough – particularly in winter.
Is there a lot of crime in the Shetland Islands?
Shetland Island has reported the second-lowest rate of crimes compared to any other local authority area at 452 in total between 2020/21. The city places just above Orkney Islands with 195.1 crimes per 10,000 people. The most common crime in this area were fire-raising and vandalism related incidents.
Which is better Orkney or Shetland?
Orkney is a world leader in terms of ancient archaeology. When it comes to Viking relics, Shetland offers up longhouses, longships and fiery celebrations. Both islands are rich in wildlife and beautiful beaches, and dish up excellent local food.
What language do they speak in Shetland Islands?
Scots language
Today, the language spoken by Shetlanders is a regional dialect of the English or Scots language but its roots are firmly bedded in Shetland’s Scandinavian past. This language came to Shetland with the Vikings when they arrived here about 850 AD.
Can anyone live in Shetland?
Shetland has space for you and your family to settle and grow, excellent, modern schools and the kind of warm welcome that makes settling in easy. There’s a wide range of housing, from town apartment to remote crofthouse, all offering swift access to Shetland’s stunning landscape and thrilling coastline.
Can you swim in the sea in Shetland?
With gorgeous beaches and dramatic coastlines, Shetland has always been a great place for open-water swimming.
Are there mosquitoes in the Shetland Islands?
These insects thrive in wet, hot climates, and it’s not just the current forecast that brings them out. The location’s weather patterns over the past several months can determine how many mosquitoes emerge. The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high.
How many hours of daylight does the Shetland have in the summer?
19 hours
On a clear day in the summer, the islands receive almost 19 hours of sunshine in any 24-hour period. During midsummer, darkness doesn’t descend on the Shetland Islands.
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Scotland?
When are you most likely to see the northern lights in Scotland? The auroras are most likely to be seen in Scotland between mid-October and mid-March, and for best chances you want to avoid any times where there is going to be a full moon.
Are there midges in Shetland?
Midges are most prevalent in heathery hills and beside lochs or burns. They are a serious annoyance and, in June, you can be assured that they are less likely to bite!