Lerwick, Shetland Islands

The award-winning Shetland Museum and Archives is a must-see, conveniently located on Hay's Dock near the town center. It offers a comprehensive look at the islands' history, culture, and environment, from geological beginnings to the modern era.

Just a short walk from the center of Lerwick, you can find the Clickimin Broch, an impressive and well-preserved Iron Age stone tower situated on the shore of a loch. It provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient island life.

Fort Charlotte is an 18th-century artillery fort located in the center of Lerwick, offering panoramic views over the harbour. The fort's walls are well-preserved and provide a great vantage point for photos.

For those willing to travel further, the archaeological site of Jarlshof at the southern tip of the mainland is one of Europe's most important prehistoric sites, with over 4,000 years of human settlement. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car or bus.

A popular nearby destination is the village of Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland, located about 6 miles (10 km) west of Lerwick. The journey takes around 15 minutes by car or bus. Visitors can explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle and the Scalloway Museum.

For a longer excursion, many visitors travel to the southern tip of the mainland, approximately 25 miles (40 km) from Lerwick. This area is home to two major attractions: the remarkable prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof and the Sumburgh Head lighthouse and nature reserve, famous for its large puffin colony during the breeding season (April to early August).

Lerwick has two main docking areas for cruise ships. Smaller vessels may dock at Victoria Pier, which is located directly in the heart of Lerwick's town center. Passengers arriving here are just steps away from shops, cafes, and the main commercial street.

Larger cruise ships typically anchor in Bressay Sound and tender passengers ashore to Victoria Pier. Alternatively, they may dock at Holmsgarth, a larger commercial pier located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the town center. When ships use Holmsgarth, a complimentary shuttle bus service is usually provided to transport passengers to and from the town.

The official currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), often denoted by the £ symbol. While Shetland sometimes issues its own banknotes, these are interchangeable with Scottish and English notes but may be difficult to exchange outside of Scotland.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are readily available throughout Lerwick's town center for cash withdrawals. It is not common for US Dollars or Euros to be accepted, so it is best to use local currency or a credit card.

Lerwick and the Shetland Islands are considered very safe, with a very low crime rate. Cruise passengers can feel comfortable exploring the town and surrounding areas independently. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid.

The primary safety considerations are related to the natural environment. The weather can change very rapidly, so it is important to be prepared with appropriate clothing. When exploring coastal paths or cliffs, be mindful of strong winds and unstable edges. Always stick to marked paths and maintain a safe distance from cliff edges, especially when taking photographs.

Lerwick has a cool, temperate maritime climate heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The main cruise season from May to September sees average daily temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F).

Shetland's weather is famously changeable, and it's often said you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Rain and wind are possible at any time of year, even during the summer months. It is essential to pack in layers, including a warm sweater or fleece, and a reliable waterproof and windproof jacket. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are also highly recommended for exploring.

Lerwick's town center is compact and easily explored on foot, especially for passengers arriving at Victoria Pier. For those docking at Holmsgarth, a complimentary shuttle bus is often provided to the town center.

To explore further afield, taxis are available but can be in high demand on cruise days, so booking in advance is recommended. The public bus service, managed by ZetTrans, offers routes connecting Lerwick to other parts of the main island, including Scalloway and Sumburgh. There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt available in Shetland.

The main shopping area in Lerwick is Commercial Street, a charming flagstone-paved lane that runs through the old town center. Here you will find a variety of independent shops, galleries, and boutiques.

Shetland is world-famous for its knitwear, particularly items featuring the intricate Fair Isle patterns. Authentic, locally made woolen sweaters, hats, and scarves are the most sought-after souvenirs. Visitors can also find local crafts, artisan jewelry, puffin-themed gifts, and local food products like Shetland fudge and oatcakes. Prices are generally fixed, and bargaining is not customary.