shetland islands cruise port

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Lerwick – Shetland Islands

Welcome to the Lerwick cruise port guide. Lerwick is the capital city of the Shetland Islands which are part of Scotland. Did you know Lerwick actually means “Muddy Bay”. This historical town was founded in the 17th century. In town Fort Charlotte, the Town Hall and Commercial Street make up the main highlights. but you can also visit Clickimin Broch, Shetland museum and archives and the Bod of Greminsta to get acquainted with the history of this lovely town. The archipelago of Shetland is known for its seabird cliffs, wildlife and dramatic scenery. You will find a variety of wildlife on the island and in its waters like seals and the famous native Shetland ponies. Shore excursions can take you on wildlife safaris or for a scenic ride on the island. You are also able to visit the interesting archeological sites from the Bronze and Iron age on the islands. Find out where your ship is going to dock in the Lerwick cruise port guide underneath.

Cruise port guide Lerwick – Shetland: dock or tender

Lerwick tender dock: Victoria pier

Lerwick cruise dock: Homsgarth Pier

Smaller cruise ships are able to dock at the Homsgarth Pier. This cruise dock is not located in the city center of Lerwick. The distance from the dock to the city center is about 1 mile (1,6 km) , so you might want to use transportation to visit it. The port of Lerwick offers a free shuttle service from the cruise dock into town and visa versa. The drop off location is at the waterfront in the old town. Find its exact location marked in the map above. You will find a supermarket and large shopping center nearby your cruise dock.

Shetland tourist information

There is a tourist information center not far from the tender cruise dock. The tourist information here is referred to as the VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre. This iCentre offers great information on what to see and do. They also have specific hand out guides for cruise passengers. Additionally you can also book tours, activities and guided walks here. Visit their office to book or call 01595693434. The Lerwich iCentre is located at the Market Cross in the centre of Lerwick. Find its location in the map above.

Taxis in Lerwick

You will find a taxi rank at both cruise docks. There are standard and 7 seater taxis available. Agree upon a price before you step into the taxi.

Hikes around Lerwick

Lerwick offers great hikes which are known for their beautiful coastline and seabird colonies. Simply follow Twageos Road in a southern direction. This path along the coastline takes you to viewpoint The Knab , Waari Geo and The Sletts which are well known places to spot birds and seals. See the beginning of the hike marked in the map above.

Local transportation

Lerwick has a local transportation system that you can use to explore the island. Bus time tables are available at the tourist information center (a.k.a. Lerwich iCentre) and at the bus station (Viking bus station). We have marked the bus station for you in the map above. Bus fares range from 1 to 4 pounds. You can purchase a top up card on the bus. Children up to 5 years old travel for free. Children between 5 and 16 years old travel with 50% discount. You can find the bus schedules on the following link: http://www.zettrans.org.uk/bus/BusTimetables.asp

Car rental Lerwick

If you wish to venture out on your own and rent a car it is wise to pre-arrange this as cars are limited. If you pre-arrange it they can even bring it to the cruise dock for you. You can rent your car through Star-Rent-a-Car or one of the other car rentals in Lerwick. Generally car rentals offer vehicles ranging from regular 3 doors to 17 seater busses. Find the car rental location marked in the map above.

Bicycle rental Lerwick

The Community Bike Project offers the ability to rent a bike while you are there. See their location marked in the map above.

Wi-fi in port

Lerwick offers plenty of places for free wi-fi. The tender dock actually offers its own wi-fi spot. You can also find it at the Shetland Library, at the tourist information, one of the many restaurants or at the Shetland Museum and Archives.

Travel information United Kingdom

Official currency – Pound Sterling Accepts Us dollars – are usually not accepted Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – left Timezone – UTC

About Scotland

Inhabitants – 5,3 million Official language – English Capital city – Edinburgh

Scotland Government – Devolved parliamentary legislature within constitutional monarchy

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One of the busiest hubs, Lerwick harbor welcomes up to 25,000 cruise passengers to Shetland a year. It has long been a port-of-call for cruise ships which have arrived in record numbers over the last decade. With nearly 50 ships in a single season, Lerwick is one of Scotland's top cruise ship destinations.

Cruise ships up to 205 meters in length can berth alongside at the Port. Larger ships anchor in Bressay Sound, with passengers just five minutes by launch from a floating pontoon in a sheltered dock close to the town center. The small 1.7 meter tidal range facilitates transfer.

In Spring 2007 a fantastic new museum complex opened on the Lerwick waterfront. It is situated at a restored historic dock just a few minutes walk from the new floating pontoon system and ship berths. A new welcome ashore pavilion, introduced in 2010, provides a dedicated facility for passengers to receive orientation and information.

A shuttle bus to and from the Town center (1 km) for ships berthed at Holmsgarth and basic orientation information and advice on independent activities is available to guests not taking part in pre-arranged shore excursions.

Webcams of the port and town.

Cruise calendar for this port and where you will be docked or anchored.

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Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Lerwick Shetland Islands Scotland United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

Lerwick is a fascinating place at any time of year. In summer, its waterfront is brightened by yachts and cruise liners from ports around the North Atlantic. In winter, the harbor is a refuge for all kinds of craft and the twists and turns of Commercial Street defeat the wildest weather. The town had the humblest of beginnings as a scattering of huts along the shore occupied during the Dutch fishing season, but grew apace from the seventeenth century.

Above the winding shoreline track which became Commercial Street, development was tightly packed into a patchwork of narrow lanes. In the 19th century, new docks to accommodate the fishing fleet were created to the north of the town. At Freefield, Hay's dock was the center of Shetland's fishing industry and the largest ship built in Lerwick, the barque `North Briton', took to the water here in 1836.

By the late 19th century, the more prosperous citizens were moving from the old part of town to flatter land west of the Hillhead and continued to expand to become a thriving and welcoming place of around 7,600 people serving all the 23,000 inhabitants of Shetland.

There's a wide range of accommodation, a choice of good places to eat, pubs and clubs to suit most tastes and some of the most advanced indoor leisure facilities in Britain. Lerwick is also an excellent place to sample Shetland's internationally celebrated musical heritage. The islands are best known for their fiddle music, but there's a wealth of talent embracing a wide range of styles.

Stone flagged Commercial Street, the heart of the town, is the first Cruise Port for most visitors. Winding between tall stone buildings it gives a unique character to one of the finest small town centers in Britain and the hub of much of Shetland's social and business life.

Above Commercial Street, 'The Lanes' have been rescued from earlier dereliction and sheltered, wooded private gardens are bright with fuchsia and flowering currant. As today's street signs acknowledge, the Lanes were originally "Lops" and "Mosses", but were renamed by the Commissioners of Police in 1845 to reflect personalities or themes of that time, hence Pitt, Reform and Fox Lanes.

A little way southwest of the Fort is Lerwick's Town Hall, a beautifully preserved building with Scots Baronial and Gothic influences designed by Alexander Ross and completed in 1883 by local builder John M. Aitken, at a cost of £3,240. Armorial work recalls many of the town's cultural and trading links. Rich stained glass best seen in late afternoon or evening sunlight depicts characters from Shetland's history. A guidebook is available. Across the road from the Town Hall, prominent crow-stepped gables lend the more restrained County Buildings a particularly Scottish flavor. They house the sheriff court, police station and cells.

On Lower Hillhead, the Shetland Museum tells the islands' story from prehistory to the present, with a good collection of archaeological finds and fascinating detail on crafting and fishing. The Library's `Shetland Room' reflects the proliferation of writing about Shetland.

Arthur Anderson was born in 1792 in the Böd of Gremista, now a museum celebrating his life. As a youth, he helped with the curing and drying of fish and in 1808 joined the Royal Navy. He later joined a London partnership running ships to Spain and Portugal which was to become the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). A philanthropist, Anderson provided funds for the establishment of the Anderson Institute (now Anderson High School).

Tours Excursions Transportation:

It is easily walked and there is lots of beautiful village and countryside to see.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Most shops are also open on Sundays.

The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.

Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.

Currency Converter

Communication:

English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!

Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.

The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours are in general:

Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7

Holidays in the United Kingdom

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Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time 2024-06-06 03:14

Port Lerwick cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Lerwick, Mainland Shetland, Scotland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Lerwick is a major port (Shetland's primary seaport) and the capital city of Scotland's Shetland Islands, with population around 7,000. It is located on Mainland Shetland and is the UK's northernmost.

Lerwick Port (locode GBLER) is approx 210 mi (340 km) northeast of Aberdeen , approx 220 mi (357 km) west of Bergen Norway , approx 230 mi (367 km) southeast of Torshavn Faroes .

Lerwick's current economy is based on its seaport - serving mainly commercial fishing vessels and ferries . Lerwick Harbour also provides services to vessels supporting UK's offshore oil industry. The city is served by two airports (Tingwall and Sumburgh) with domestic flights only. The company NorthLink Ferries (car-passenger ferry services between Orkney-Shetland and mainland Scotland) operates a daily overnight crossing between Lerwick and Aberdeen that also visits Kirkwall Orkney .

The first-ever cruise vessel that docked at Lerwick Harbour's new GBP 16,5 million cruise pier (Holmsgarth North jetty) was the Viking OCEAN 's Viking Star (max capacity 930 passengers) on June 12, 2017. Lerwick Port Authority announced a record-breaking 2017 cruising season with a total of 76 scheduled ship calls and ~62,000 passengers (increase 22% over 2016). Due to the new pier, the overall vessel GT/gross tonnage increased by over 18% (to nearly 2,6 million tons).

During season 2018, the cruise port handled 91 ship calls and 90,336 passengers (78% increase over 2017). Of the 91 calls, 11 were maiden port visits, including port's ever-largest liner MSC Meraviglia (length 315 m, max capacity 5390 passengers plus 1400 crew).

For 2019 were booked 115 ship calls (later reduced to 99, including 12 first-time). This was 23% increase (over 2018) with expected 92,000 passengers (83,000 in 2018). Cruise port's berth bookings for 2020 showed 105 ship calls, estimated 92,000 tourists and 4+ million GT-tonnes of cruise shipping. Among the 13 maiden calls were two newbuilds - Le Bellot ( Ponant ) and Spirit of Adventure ( Saga ).

In 2023, the cruise port handled ~124,000 tourists, 129 ship calls (of which 19 maiden ship visits) and 2 new companies/brands - Swan Hellenic and MSC Explora Journeys . In 2024, the Port reported a record year with 149 booked cruise ship berthings and expected ~130,000 passengers.

Founded as a fishing village and with strong Viking connections, today little remains of the old Lerwick. Gray buildings (from the 17th-century) line downtown streets. Shetland Museum houses a unique collection of Pict and Viking artifacts. Other best-known tourist attractions include Town Hall, Fort Charlotte (5-sided artillery fort), Shetland Croft Museum.

On Shetland Mainland Island's southern tip is the prehistoric archaeological site Jarlshof, with ruins that date back from 2500 BC to 17th century AD (the Norse Settlement). Clichimin Broch is a Pictish fort (from 100 BC) set on a small island in Clichimin Loch (lake). Up-Helly-Aa is an annual Norse fire festival (held in January).

Lerwick cruise terminal

On October 22, 2014, Lerwick Port Authority announced port's ever biggest investment in a new pier construction project. It benefits the local fishing, oil shipping and cruise tourism industries. The GBP 16,5 million (USD 20 million) project was for building a new multi-purpose jetty at Holmsgarth North. For the construction works, the port contracted Tulloch Developments Ltd.

The new Lerwick Harbour's jetty is L-shaped (see on the above photo) and provides deep-water docking (berthing) for marine vessels and also more area for the local fishing fleet. The quay's outer arm creates a dock that shelters the new whitefish market (at Mair’s Yard). The new quay is also suitable for docking of offshore industry ships.

Construction works started in December 2014, with completion scheduled for Fall 2016. The new jetty extends 800 m (2625 ft) and has max draft (alongside water depth) of 10 m (33 ft). This port redevelopment project reinforced Lerwick’s future as a major UK fishing port and the industry's key contribution to the Shetland Islands economy, along with Mainland Shetland's oil and gas supply industry.

During Holmsgarth North quay's construction, the fishing fleet used Mair’s Quay for berthing and as a working area. Mair’s Quay was completed in 2013 and is the site for the new whitefish market, which construction started in early 2016.

There are plans for harbour dredging (to increase port's max draft / vessel capacity) and building a new deep-water cruise berth (in downtown).

Ambassador Cruise Line's ship Ambition starts Lerwick Port's 2024 season

During the upcoming Easter weekend, Port Lerwick is set to welcome its first cruise ship of 2024, marking the beginning of what is anticipated to be...

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Swan Hellenic, renowned for its cultural expedition cruises, unveils 3 distinctive itineraries across the British Isles and Iceland, offering curious...

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The Scottish Green party has unveiled plans to impose a new tax on cruise vessels visiting Scotland, aiming to address environmental concerns and the...

Scotland's Port Lerwick Harbour concludes most successful cruise season

Scotland's Lerwick Harbour recently concluded its most successful cruise season to date, rewriting the record book for the maritime sector at this...

NCL's Norwegian Getaway is the largest cruise ship of 2023 for Lerwick Harbour

Lerwick Harbour's 2023 cruise season welcomed its largest vessel to date as the Norwegian Getaway, with volume 145655 GT-tons, arrived on Saturday...

Explora Journeys' ship Explora I sets sail on Inaugural Cruise

The inaugural journey of Explora I, the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet, commenced on August 1st from Copenhagen (Denmark), offering a...

Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023

Saga Cruises added a further 4 round-Britain voyages into its summer 2023 schedule, all with up to 35% off, and timed to coincide with events like...

Coastguard helicopter not able to airlift casualty from NorthLink's Hjaltland ferry

A UK coastguard helicopter had to airlift a casualty from NorthLink's Hjaltland ferry but high winds prevented the medevac from taking place...

Viking boosts Lerwick Harbour’s cruise activity

The rebuilding of Lerwick Harbour’s cruise traffic in the aftermath of COVID restrictions will receive extra impetus in February with the...

Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland) closes short cruise season

Noble Caledonia's cruise ship Island Sky recorded an unexpected double with her first and final visit to Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland...

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Cruises to Lerwick, Scotland

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Lerwick Cruises Port Guide

Located in the northernmost part of the British Isles, cruises to Shetland Islands provide travelers with an easy way to access this remote and rugged part of Scotland that’s made up of nearly 100 small islands. European cruises visiting this fascinating destination stop in Lerwick, the only town in the region.

Lerwick offers a lively and welcoming ambiance with plenty to see and do, and it’s just a short boat or ferry ride away from some of the more remote islands. While exploring the Shetland Islands, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches surrounded by towering cliffs, where bright blue waves crash around impressive rock formations. The archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen before, making cruises that stop in the Shetland Islands a great way for travelers to get off the beaten path.

Cruises to Lerwick, Shetland

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to lerwick.

This local institution, built in 1883, has served as both the home of the local government as well as a venue for cultural events. Walk around Lerwick’s Town Hall to admire the gorgeous stained-glass windows and discover the stories behind each one.

Old Waterfront

Catch a glimpse of local and visiting boats in the harbor or grab a drink at one of the bars lining the Old Waterfront area. If you’re visiting another island during your time in port, you’ll likely catch your boat here.

Shetland Museum & Archives

The Shetland Museum and Archives is located in a new building that was constructed to provide more space for the exhibits you’ll find here, which include details about the history of Shetland up until the 1800s. You’ll learn about the environment of the islands, their early settlers, and how they made their living through agriculture and fishing. You’ll also learn about the early boats used around the area and hear about the old culture of the islands, which was rich in folklore. The museum houses a number of important artifacts and a massive collection of town records and local literature in its archives.

Broch of Clickimin

Originally built on the island of Clickimin Loch, this well-preserved stone structure now resides in Lerwick. The defensive building is interesting to see due to its location among the hills of the city along with its formidable exterior.

Though you might not have time to catch a show in Mareel, you’ll no doubt be impressed by the sleek lines of the design of this building. This creative center for the Shetland Islands houses both a cinema and a music stage.

Fort Charlotte

Right in the center of Lerwick, you’ll find Fort Charlotte, an artillery fort that dates back to the mid 17th century. It was built during the First Anglo-Dutch War, but was mostly ruined by fire during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. In 1781, it was rebuilt, but has never been used in battle. In 1837, it was turned into the town jail and courthouse, and then a custom house and coastguard station.

Learn More About Lerwick Shore Excursions

Top things to do in lerwick, visit the old settlement of noss.

There are no permanent inhabitants on the remote Shetland Island of Gungstie today, but in the mid-19th century, a population of 20 resided in a settlement called Noss. Though you won’t find infrastructure in Noss today, you will get to see the old settlement used by wildlife wardens who make this their seasonal home. Noss has been a national nature reserve since 1955.

Watch a Boat Being Built

At the Boat Shed located next to the Shetland Museum, you can watch boats being built and repaired. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about local boat-building techniques and the maritime history of the Shetland Islands.

Tour the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

If you’re at all interested in archaeology, you’ll want to head to the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland. The site consists of ancient settlements that encompass the remains of more than 4,000 years of human history. Excavations from the site have even uncovered homes from the late Neolithic era, artifacts from a Bronze-Age village, and a medieval farmstead.

Walk to the Shetland Textile Museum

The Shetland Textile Museum lies in a four-square stone house located just a short walk to the north of Lerwick’s town center. This landmark has served as both a family home and a fish-curing station. Today, it houses examples of knitted and woven textiles in a variety of patterns that the Shetland Islands are famous for.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Lerwick Cruise Port

The cuisine you’ll find in port during cruises to Shetland Islands are heavily focused on local produce. While in Lerwick, you’ll have many opportunities to try some traditional cuisine made with local ingredients at one of the restaurants in town.

Head to Fjarå to sample local cuisine while enjoying incredible island scenery from its vantage point above a rocky piece of shoreline. Inside the Shetland Museum, Hay’s Dock offers dishes made with local and regional ingredients and a beautiful view of the harbor. Visit Peerie Shop Cafe for espresso and sandwiches, Mareel Cafe for small bites in a colorful and artsy atmosphere, and Fort Cafe for fish and chips and other delicious takeaway food.

Culture & History of the Lerwick Cruise Port

The ancient settlements of the Shetland Islands date back 6,000 years, when the first inhabitants came to the islands after a treacherous journey by sea from Scotland. Around 800 AD, the Vikings invaded, replacing the Pictish culture with their Norse culture. Their impressive artifacts would be unearthed centuries later. The Viking influences on the culture of the Shetland Islands continues today. A big part of the festival culture in the Shetland Islands is Up Helly A, an annual celebration of its Viking history. Villages throughout the Shetland Islands have a fire festival to celebrate the midwinter rebirth of the sun, and Lerwick has the biggest one every January on the last Tuesday of the month. During this time, locals dress in Viking costumes and sing traditional Viking songs, longship replicas are pulled through town, and blazing torches are carried by those in attendance.

Lerwick Port Facilities & Location

Cruises to Shetland Islands anchor offshore, and passengers are transported via tender boat to the Victoria Pier, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the center of town. There is a welcome pavilion at the pier, and you’ll be greeted by local representatives and the sounds of traditional Shetland music. Near the cruise pier, you’ll find public toilets and a wifi spot. For those wishing to head further away from downtown Lerwick, there is a taxi rank where you can catch a cab. A short two-block walk away from the pier is a tourist information office, where you can get maps and other tips for your time in port during cruises to Shetland Islands.

Transportation in Lerwick

The majority of Lerwick’s attractions can be seen on foot, most of which are less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. There are also complimentary shuttles between the town center and the cruise pier. For sites that are farther away, you can take a taxi or bus, as many of the islands that make up the main archipelago are connected. If the site you want to see is on another island not accessible by land, there are also inter-island ferries. Ferries departing from Lerwick regularly connect to nearby smaller islands as well as Gutcher, Belmont, and Fair Isle.

Shopping Near the Lerwick Cruise Port

You’ll find souvenir shops located right in the town center of Lerwick, which is adjacent to the pier where cruises that stop in the Shetland Islands tender to. For an authentic article of clothing from the Shetland Islands, head to the Lerwick Textile Museum to get locally made mittens, blankets, sweaters, hats, and more.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency of the Shetland Islands is the Pound Sterling. In addition, many places take credit cards, but smaller shops and family-run businesses may not, so it’s good to ask before hiring a service or ordering food. Expect to tip around 10% of the total bill.

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Cruises from/to Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Lerwick, shetland islands cruise port.

• One of the more modern attractions in the midst of all the history is the Shetland Museum and Archives. Located at Hay's Dock, the two gallery floors focus on the history of Shetland, featuring an extensive photo archive. Hay's Dock Café Restaurant utilizes local produce as much as possible and has a lovely view of the harbor.  
• Brochs are Iron Age structures found only in Scotland, and the Broch of Clickimin (or Clickhimin Broch) is a well-preserved archaeological tower. It has been restored, as the original broch dates to around the 7th century B.C. It's a good place to get some fresh air and learn about early Shetland settlers.  
• You might not think this looks like a governmental building, as the Lerwick Town Hall is striking both inside and out. Built in the late 19th century, its position on a hill is meant to convey a feeling of power. The stained glass windows inside are pieces of art, with each telling a different story.  
• For a break from all the history, visit the Lerwick Brewery. The friendly staff is happy to give you a tour and tasting, while explaining why Shetland's climate is perfect to create the perfect beer.

Top 10 Cruises to Lerwick, Shetland Islands

• Star Pride Lands of the Midnight Sun 11D LE1-REY (Jun 10 2024) Departing From Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland (Jun 2024)
• Sirena 11 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Dublin, Ireland (Jun 2024 - Jun 2025)
• Sirena 23 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Dublin, Ireland (Jun 2024 - Jun 2025)
• Silver Spirit 12 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Jewel of the Seas 12 NIGHT ICELAND & SCOTLAND Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Jun 2024)
• Celebrity Silhouette 11 NIGHT BRITISH ISLES CRUISE Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Jun 2024)
• Seven Seas Voyager 79 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (Jun 2024)
• Rotterdam 21-day Northern Isles & Viking Sagas Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Jun 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Azamara Quest 13 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Jul 2024)
• Star Legend Irish Cliffs, Scottish Castles & Norwegian Fjords 18D DLG-CPH (Jul 5 2024) Departing From Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland (Jul 2024)

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Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Get to know what it’s like to visit this destination.

Getting To Know Lerwick – Cruise Port Guide

Lerwick is the capital and also the name of the largest island in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago of 100 rugged islands comprising the most northern islands in the British Isles. Lerwick is well situated as a port of call for cruise ships travelling around the British Isles and is conveniently located for cruises en-route to and from Iceland and Norway. Welcome to our free Lerwick cruise port guide.

The scenery is quite beautiful, and this ice carved landscape is what attracts visitors year after year. The wildlife is also what draws people to Shetland, including over 200,000 puffins which considerably outnumber the resident human population by almost 10:1. More species of seabirds breed in Shetland than in any other part of the United Kingdom and visitors are attracted each year to the Nature Reserve at Sumburgh Head, the southern tip of Shetland.  This is a great place to see puffins, seals, otters and many seabirds and possibly humpback or killer whales. But it is quite possibly the distinctive and very sweet to look at Ponies that are the most famous animals on Shetland.

Lerwick Town where ships anchor offshore and tender guests ashore, is the most northerly main town in the British Isles.  It is a compact town, built of stone, and has narrow, paved streets. It has a unique character, founded on the fishing industry and also its strong Viking connections, however little now remains of the old village of Lerwick. Scalloway is the second largest town of the island and former capital. The infamous and tyrannical Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney and Lord of Shetland, built Scalloway Castle in 1600, which is the highlight of the town.

Outside of the towns, the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof settlement at Sumburgh, is the best known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland. It lies near the southern tip of the Shetland Mainland and has been described as ‘one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles’ and contains remains dating from 2500 BC up to the 17th century AD. More archeology can be explored by heading over to Mousa Island, where the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland can be seen on this uninhabited island off South Mainland.

With such interesting history, wonderful scenery and amazing wildlife you’ve the opportunity to have the most wonderful day ashore.

Travel Tips

Lerwick is a tender port of call as cruise ships cannot dock in the harbour. Once ashore all the amenities of the town are within easy walking distance.

Key highlights of Lerwick

• The Lodberrie
• Fort Charlotte
• Shetland Museum and Archives
• Clickimin Broch
• Up Helly Aa Exhibition
• Scalloway Castle
• Scalloway Museum
• Jarlsof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
• Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village
• Broch of Mousa
• The Viking Unst Project
• Croft House Museum
• Hoswick Visitors Centre
• RSPB Sumburgh Head, Mainland
• St Ninian’s Beach
• Ness of Burgi
• Stanydale Temple

Regular cruise line visitors

• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• P&O Cruises
• SAGA Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Viking Ocean 

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Britain's 'Top':

• Commercial port in the North Sea
• Hub for fish landings
• Support base for oil & gas projects
• Deep water port for decommissioning
• Cruise destination
• Landfall for sailing vessels and yachts

A leading energy centre to support...

• Onshore and offshore oil & gas installations
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Landing, selling and processing.

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Lerwick Harbour is the principal commercial port for Shetland and a key component in the islands’ economy.

At the crossroads of the North Sea and North-east Atlantic, Lerwick Harbour is Britain’s 'Top' Port – the most northerly commercial harbour in the country. With two entrances, the sheltered, deep-water port is open to shipping in all weathers and operates around the clock, handling over 5,000 vessels.

Take a tour of Lerwick Harbour

Watch our fly through of Lerwick Harbour from the south harbour approaches to Dales Voe.

As part of Lerwick Port Authority's ongoing marketing strategy, periodic information bulletins are issued to convey information on the Port's capabilities and possible future development plans.

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Shetland Islands, Scotland

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Lerwick, Shetland Islands

The capital of Scotland's Shetland Islands is a vibrant and energetic city coloured by grand Victorian houses and the region's namesake ponies. It is a cruise ship's primary entry to the Shetlands, a mosaic of over a hundred islands inhabited by about 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea featuring views of dramatic sculptured cliffs and tranquil sandy bays. Explore more of Lerwick on a European cruise!

Lerwick, Shetland Islands Cruise Image Gallery

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What you NEED TO KNOW

Featured Lerwick, Shetland Islands CRUISE ITINERARIES

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Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse.   Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year.   Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat.   A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

Featured Shore Excursions

Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland

Description.

The Shetlands are the most northerly of the British Isles and consist of over one hundred islands, of which a mere 16 are inhabited. Lerwick is the capital of the archipelago. Located on the eastern shore of Mainland, the largest Shetland Island, the town was largely developed by Dutch herring fisherman in the 17th century. The islands are renowned for their superb crafts ranging from woolen and cashmere knitwear to intricate lace shawls and fine jewelry. Note: Lerwick is an anchorage port. Guests transfer to shore by ship's tender.

Points of Interest

• Scalloway Castle
• Jarlshof Ruins
• Fort Charlotte
• Mousa Broch
• Shetland Museum
• Shetland Ponies
• Bird Watching
• Hoswick Visitor Centre

More about Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland Points of Interest

Explore the ruined remains of this fortress built in 1600 by Patrick Stewart, the Earl of Orkney and Shetland. Known for his cruelty, he was hanged in 1615 and the castle was never used again.

This multi-period settlement complex was in use from the Bronze Age until the 16th century, although there is evidence as far back as 2500 BC. Explore the Norse remains dating back to Viking days.

The fortress was built in 1665 by order of Charles II and successfully repelled a Dutch naval attack during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. Enjoy the breath-taking town views from its battlements.

The world-famous round castle built during the Iron Age, it is the tallest and best-preserved broch in the world.

Enjoy a smorgasbord of Shetland treasures. The museum boasts an impressive recollection of 5000 years worth of culture and people. You can even pop into the underground home of a "trowie knowe."

Visit some of the islands' most famous residents. These delightful ponies have been here since Viking times. Their shaggy coats and flowing manes help them withstand severe weather conditions.

Shetland's been famous as the place to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and amazing rarities. You can get close-up views of Gannets, alongside Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars.

The Hoswick Visitor's Centre provides a space to display collected and preserved items associated with the islands. The Centre includes weaving machinery, local items and an interpretation of the Hoswick Whale case and a unique wireless collection.

9 Excursions

Jarlshof ruins & hoswick visitors' centre.

Moderate Activity

From $ 124.95

Scalloway & Shetland Ponies

From $ 99.95

Northernmost Scotland

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From $ 114.95

SHETLAND PONIES AND PANORAMIC DRIVE

Easy shetland: scenic western drive.

Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

The Uk's "Top" Fish And Chips

Easy Activity, Includes meal

From $ 239.95

A Stroll through Lerwick and Fort Charlotte

Strenuous Activity

From $ 69.95

Nature Walk of Mousa Island

From $ 169.95

WILDLIFE SAFARI

From $ 144.95