The Shetlands Islands stand strong where the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic Ocean meet. The islands are part of Scotland, but are distant from the mainland. You’ll find some typical Scottish scenery and cultural traditions like steep hills, English as the native language, and folk music, but the islands have a distinct, unique culture fed by their isolation in the middle of the sea. Birders enjoy visiting for the many species of sea birds to be seen, writers enjoy the isolation for writing in a new destination, and couples curl up close with cups of hot tea to stave off the chilling winds.

The islands offer numerous opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. Dive into the waters off the coast of any of these islands and you’re sure to be in for an adventure. In the warmer months, take to your own boat and learn to sea kayak. You can hire a guide to go with you and tell you about the local history and wildlife. You’ll likely see sea birds and maybe some seals on your trip.

If you like seeking out wildlife to gaze at in wonderment, head to Unst where the famed Shetland ponies still run wild. These horses are quite short, but extremely hardy and smart. Domesticated Shetland ponies have been used for hard labor on the islands and are now kept as show ponies. The windswept islands support a minimal number of trees and at first glance look a bit desolate. But these characteristics lend themselves nicely to spotting the local wildlife, which (in addition to wild ponies) includes sheep, puffins, and short-eared owls.

The high population of sheep on the Shetland Islands has led to an abundance of wool handicrafts. The best Shetland sweaters are hand-knit with wool from sheep raised on these isolated islands. Other items like socks, scarves, mittens, and hats are for sale at the markets and shops in the capital and throughout the islands.

Consider planning your trip around the Shetland Folk Festival that happens each May. It is primarily a music festival during which planned performances compete with spontaneous performances on street corners and in pubs. The music sweeps across the main island as fast and furious as the winds that cross the islands all year long inspiring new music and collaborations as well as impulsive dancing.

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