Beautiful and rewarding, the Shetland Islands are where you’ll find Britain’s northern most point — it’s the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, a spectacular spot of rocky outcrops and dramatic cliffs, where all that is between you and the north pole is miles of ocean. The Shetland archipelago is 80kms to the north east of Orkney, and about 200kms west of Norway. It's a subarctic region, rugged, with low, rolling green hills and an incredible array of endemic life. Just 16 of the islands in the 100-odd Shetland group are inhabited, with the majority of the population settled on the island called the Mainland. Many of the best places to stay on the Shetland Islands can be found on the Mainland, and make a great base for exploring both it and the whole of the archipelago. Yell, Unst, Fetlar and Bressay and Whalsay also have accommodation options, though there’s not a huge amount to choose from on the Shetland Islands!

Surprisingly, considering how far north the Shetland Islands are, they have been inhabited since the Mesolithic period. The culture of the islands reflects their proximity to Norway, and the fact that they used to be part of the Kingdom of Norway. There are Norse elements to the island’s music and language, and to the myths and ledgends of the island, and the fishing style. 

The Shetland Islands are also known for their biodiversity. You’ve probably heard of Shetland ponies, and Shetland Sheepdogs but the islands have produced many unique breeds, as well as having unique endemic flora. There are sections of the islands set aside to protect the flora and fauna, and the best places to stay on the Shetland Islands are ideal for puffin-watchers, whale-watchers, great skua-watchers, albatross-watchers, Shetland-starling-watchers, and animal watchers of all kinds. 

The Best Places to Stay on the Shetland Islands

For a Friendly Base

• The Scalloway Hotel is a family-run guesthouse overlooking Scalloway Harbour, on Shetland’s Mainland. It has just 23 rooms, all simply decorated in a contemporary fashion with a nod to mid-century modern in the details. The restaurant has won 2 AA Rosettes, and both the bar and restaurant are welcoming and comfortable. Scalloway is a great base for both walkers and golfers, and anyone who wants to explore the Mainland island by road.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The Shetland Islands have their own airport, just outside of Lerwick, called Sumburgh Airport. Sumburgh has connections to Aberdeen International Airport, which is an hour and forty five minutes away; Glasgow Airport, which is about two hours away; and Edinburgh International Airport, which is also about two hours away. If you’re flying from London it’s a journey of about five and a half hours — via one of the airports mentioned.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s always a chance of rain in this part of the world, so whatever time of year you choose to visit be prepared for any possible weather combinations. This far north it’s probably the light that makes the most difference to your visit — closer to mid-Summer the days are a lot longer — so we recommend May through September. 

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search and consider all the best places to stay in the Orkney Islands
• browse some of our Gurus recommendations for Scotland’s Highlands and the Islands
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.