Lerwick Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the Mainland of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the capital and largest settlement of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a bustling hub that attracts visitors from all over the world.

One of the main attractions in Lerwick is its picturesque harbor, which is often filled with fishing boats and yachts. Strolling along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sea and islands. The bustling Lerwick Market is also a must-visit, where local vendors sell an array of fresh produce, crafts, and unique Shetland souvenirs.

For history enthusiasts, Lerwick offers a fascinating glimpse into its past. The town is home to several historic sites, such as the Fort Charlotte, a 17th-century fortress that overlooks the harbor. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its role in protecting the islands during times of conflict. Another notable landmark is the Clickimin Broch, an ancient stone tower that dates back to the Iron Age. This well-preserved structure offers an insight into the lives of Shetland's early inhabitants.

Lerwick is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The town hosts the world-renowned Shetland Folk Festival, which attracts musicians from across the globe. During this festival, the streets of Lerwick come alive with the sound of traditional Shetland music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in and around Lerwick. The nearby Shetland countryside is a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers, with its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. A visit to the nearby Noss National Nature Reserve is highly recommended, where visitors can spot seabird colonies and take in breathtaking coastal views.

In Lerwick, visitors can indulge in delicious local cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. From traditional Shetland delicacies like smoked salmon and Shetland mussels to modern twists on classic dishes, the town's restaurants offer a wide range of culinary delights.

Alternative names: Population: 7 thous. (2019)Area: 1.22 mi²Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 60°9'16"N, 1°8'43"W

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ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Lerwick Top Attractions

Lerwick Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lerwick offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Shetland Museum and Archives, Shetland Library, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • History museum • Maritime museum
Shetland Museum and Archives
The New Shetland Museum and Archives at Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, was officially opened on 31 May 2007 by Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay.
Library
Shetland Library
Shetland Library is a Scottish public library service, with its main branch based in Lerwick and membership open to both residents of and visitors to the islands.
Forts and castles
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte in the centre of Lerwick, Shetland, is an artillery fort, roughly five sided, with bastions on each of three landward corners, and half-bastions on the corners of the seaward face.

Body of water • Park • Memorial
Clickimin Broch
The Broch of Clickimin is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway.
60°9'31"N • 1°8'53"W
Mareel
Mareel is a multi-purpose entertainment venue located on the waterfront of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Opening in 2012, the facility includes a music venue, cinema, conference rooms and educational facilities.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Clickimin Loch
Clickimin Loch is a loch in Shetland, Scotland, west of Lerwick. A Pictish fort from the 6th century called Clickimin Broch is located on a small islet at the southern end of the loch. Clickimin Leisure Centre is at the north of the loch.
Maritime museum • Museum • History museum
Böd of Gremista
The Böd of Gremista, situated at the north end of Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, is a typical 18th century Shetland fishing booth. It is protected as a category B listed building.
60°9'16"N • 1°8'46"W
Lerwick Town Hall
Lerwick Town Hall is a municipal building located in central Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland. The town hall, which is the headquarters of Shetland Islands Council, is a Category A listed building.
Church
Lerwick and Bressay Parish Church
Lerwick and Bressay Parish Church is the largest Church of Scotland congregation in Shetland, serving the islands' capital Lerwick and the surrounding area.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Garrison Theatre
The Garrison Theatre is a 280-capacity venue in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, with a sprung proscenium stage with fixed raked seating. The auditorium has 19 rows, named A to S, with 8, 12, 13, 15, or 16 seats in each row. The venue hosts dance, drama, stand-up comedy, pantomime and music productions.

Day trips

Lerwick – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lerwick, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Jarlshof (Sumburgh), Sumburgh Head (Sumburgh), Old Scatness (Sumburgh).

20 milesS
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Jarlshof, Sumburgh
Jarlshof is the best known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland, Scotland. It lies in Sumburgh, Mainland, Shetland and has been described as "one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles".
21 milesS
Nature and wildlife, Park, Lighthouse
Sumburgh Head, Sumburgh
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the Mainland of Shetland.
20 milesS
Historical place, Museum, Archaeological museum
Old Scatness, Sumburgh
Old Scatness is an archeological site on the Ness of Burgi, near the village of Scatness, parish of Dunrossness in the south end of Mainland, Shetland, near Sumburgh Airport and consists of medieval, Viking, Pictish, and Iron Age remains.
49 milesN
Island
Holm of Skaw
The Holm of Skaw is a small islet off the northeast coast of the island of Unst. It is just northeast of the settlement of Skaw. The island is 57 feet in height. There is a lighthouse on the island. Tidal currents are slack between Holm of Skaw and Herma Ness at high water, and the passage may be made by small boats.
28 milesNW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Esha Ness Lighthouse, Hillswick
Eshaness Lighthouse is situated on the Northmavine peninsula in the north-west of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It sometimes rendered as Esha Ness Lighthouse.