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Lerwick
Lerwick is the perfect starting point for exploring Shetland. Head north for a weekend break or holiday in Lerwick and explore this pretty harbour town. Wander around the quirky lanes made famous by Jimmy Perez in the BBC Shetland TV series, step back in time at the Iron Age broch of Clickimin, spot seabirds and seals on a wildlife boat tour around Bressay or enjoy traditional Shetland music.
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Things To Do in Lerwick
Step back in time to the dawn of civilisation at an ancient broch, witness some spectacular wildlife or admire beautiful handcrafted Viking-style longships.
Lerwick Explorer Walk
This route explores the older part of the town and harbour and passes round the headland of the Knab with some fine coastal scenery and views.
Bressay and Noss
Bressay shelters Lerwick from the east and can be reached by car ferry from the town in under ten minutes.
Sea life in Shetland
Shetland is a brilliant place all year round to watch sea mammals.
Inspiration for Lerwick breaks
Places to stay
Stay your own way in Lerwick with a choice of fantastic accommodation, from welcoming B&Bs to stunning self-catering apartments.
Tours, Routes & Trails
Lerwick is the perfect base to start your Shetland adventure, by land or sea.
Unique Experiences
Visit the sites from the book and TV series "Shetland"
Are you a fan of the BBC crime drama Shetland?
World class archaeology
Explore 5,000 years of human history at some of Shetland's best-known historic sites.
Up Helly Aa 2025
This famous fire festival takes place in Lerwick.
Orca spotting
Orca sightings are relatively common in Shetland's inshore waters.
Map of Lerwick
Explore Lerwick
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How to Travel to and around Lerwick
Getting to Lerwick
Ferry
Start your adventure with a safe and comfortable overnight crossing from Aberdeen or Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries arriving in the heart of Lerwick itself.
Flying
Take a direct flight to Sumburgh Airport with Loganair from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Kirkwall with connections from Birmingham, Belfast City, Bristol, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and Teesside. From there you can hire a car or catch a bus to Lerwick.
Getting around Lerwick
Walking
Lerwick is quite a small town, so getting from A to B is very simple and you can walk everywhere.
Check out the Lerwick Explorer walk.
Cycling
Shetland offers quiet roads in excellent condition for cycle touring. There are bike hire shops in Lerwick, with electric, road and mountain bikes available.
Find out more about cycling in Shetland.
Bus and coach
You can find Shetland bus timetables and other information on the Shetland bus network website.
Driving
Have you brought your electric car to Shetland? Check out these charging points to get you where you want to go.
Shetland is beautiful to drive around, however it is important to take care as many of the roads here are single track.
Find out more about driving in Shetland.
What's on in Lerwick
From folk festivals to Shetland wool week, the events in Lerwick and the surrounding area may surprise you.
Places to Eat in Lerwick
Food & Drink
Shetland is famous for its seafood and you'll be able to sample fresh produce in and around Lerwick. The local food culture here is really exciting!
A tip from your local expert
The Shetland Museum & Archives is an amazing place to begin a Shetland adventure. Starting with our geological formation, you then weave your way through 6,000 years of civilisation, from our earliest settlers to our modern-day industries.
Robin
VisitScotland
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