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How Many Shetland Islands Are There?

How Many Shetland Islands Are There?

DigitalrezaidTRAVEL TIPS, DESTINATIONS, CITY GUIDES, Planning, COUNTRY GUIDES, Activities3 days ago3.9K Views

Tucked away in the far northward of Scotland lies a fascinating group of islets that repeatedly go unfound on common journey trails — the Shetland Islands. Known for their excellent daintiness, inspiring coastlines, Viking culture, and extraordinary advantages, these peninsulas offer an experience that feels like tiptoeing into another world.

But before you book your trip, one question can make an impact: how many the Shetland Islands are skilled? And previously you achieved, where can you stay outside without breaking the bank?

This guide will answer those questions and more. We’ll investigate in what way or manner many Shetland Islands endure, which are value visiting, and places to find inexpensive lodgings and budget-friendly stays.

What and Where Are the Shetland Islands?

The Shetland Islands are the UK’s northernmost domain, located nearly 170 kilometers (110 miles) north of the Scottish shore. Technically nearer to Norway than to Edinburgh, they feel prone to a bright blend of the two Scandinavian and Scottish civilizations. These rough, breezy peninsulas are popular for their birdlife, archaeological sites, and wild organic charm.

Despite their detached location, they’re unusually approachable by air and pond, and before you report, you’ll feel like you’ve found a secret corner of the realm.

Shetland Islands, How Many Are There?

The Shetland headland consists of over 100 islets, but only 16 are occupied. The rest are home to sheep, seabirds, and a few of the ultimate whole scenery you’ll always visualize. The important occupied peninsulas involve:

Mainland – The best and most populous island, home to the capital,
LerwickYell – A serene islet perfect for environmentalists
Unst – The UK’s northernmost occupied peninsula
Fetlar – Often named the “Garden of Shetland”,
Bressay – Just a quick ferry ride from Lerwick
Whalsay, Burra, Trondra, Fair Isle, and so forth

Each islet has its own allure and charm, accompanying different countrysides grazing from exciting expanse cliffs to mild, rolling moorlands.

Popular Islands to Visit in Shetland

If you plan a visit, this place has a few must-see reefs:

Mainland: The center of activity. Visit the Shetland Museum, savor the vigorous harbor in Lerwick, or explore Jarlshof, an extraordinary historical site dating back 4,000 old age.
Unst: Home to Viking remnants, rowdy cliffs, and the Muckle Flugga warning lights — the northernmost point in Britain.
Yell: Known for other staining and cute beaches. Perfect for a peaceful escape.Fetlar: With alluring wildflower pastures and birdlife, it’s a land for type photographers.
Bressay: Just five minutes by ferry from Lerwick, excellent for a day trip, suffused accompanying hikes and marshy views.

Each reef is singular, and islet-hopping by way of local ferries is both inexpensive and beautiful.

Planning a Trip: How to Get to the Shetland Islands

Getting to Shetland is smoother than it might look:

By Air: Flights are conducted from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness to Sumburgh Airport on the Mainland.
By Sea: Take the NorthLink Ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick (journey sailing accessible accompanying cabins and sleeping clothes pods).
Inter-Island Travel: Car ferries combine most bigger enclaves. You can too drive to the Mainland and use ferries for peninsula trips.

Pro tip: Renting a jeep is very urged if you are going to survey freely.

Cheap Hotels to Stay in Shetland (Budget Accommodation Guide)

While Shetland may be detached, you don’t need to be wealthy to stay in this place. Here are a few inexpensive lodgings and quarters that offer excellent profit:

The Lerwick Hotel (Lerwick)

Centrally located, accompanying beautiful views over Breiwick Bay.
Close to shops, inns, and ferry terminals.
Affordable range rates for couples and solo tourists.

Islesburgh House Hostel

Perfect for backpackers and budget-aware pilgrims.
Exceptionally clean, reliable, and just any proceedings from downtown Lerwick.
Offers private and living quarters-style rooms.

The Orca Inn

Clean, new budget hotel in Lerwick.
Includes Wi-Fi, a joint room for cooking food, and plain private rooms.

Eddlewood Guest House

A companionable B&B accompanying usual decoration and energetic breakfasts.
Excellent for passengers who expect local neighborliness at a discount.

Busta House Hotel (Brae)

While kind of more fashionable, sporadic off-season deals from this important lodging are unusually inexpensive.
Rich history, exquisite views, and established food.

Most of these places cost between £40–£90 per night, determined by season and availability.

Alternatives to Hotels: Budget-Friendly Stays

Hotels aren’t your only alternative. Here are a few inexpensive and soft opportunities for your Shetland stay:

Self-Catering Cottages: Perfect for families or longer stays. Fully outfitted kitchens allow you to subsist on food. Many Shetland holiday cottages also offer peaceful retreats ideal for a digital detox.
Airbnb: You’ll find captivating croft apartments and seaside cottages at practical rates, particularly outside Lerwick.
Camping & Glamping: Sites like Levenwick Campsite offer cheap pitches accompanying picturesque views. For more comfort, try glamping pods handy forthcoming the coast.
Hostels & Backpacker Lodges: Particularly excellent for young adventurers or solo sailors.
Campervan Hire: Shetland is very RV-companionable. You can rent a vehicle and use ferry crossings to leap from the peninsula to the islet on a budget.

Best Time to Visit Shetland and Travel Tips

Summer (May–August) is a high-quality opportunity to visit, accompanied by long dawn hours (until 19 hours in the hot season of the year), gentle weather, and colorful celebrations. Key occurrences involve:

Up Helly Aa: A Viking fire celebration held in January (though engagement early is essential).
Shetland Folk Festival (Spring): Music, dance, and local culture at charisma best.

If you’re considering other northern destinations, you might also love to visit Iceland in August for similar dramatic landscapes and cooler climates.

Travel Tips:

Pack for all weather — coatings are essential.
Book ferries and reservations early, particularly in peak season.
Use an automobile for a smooth island approach.

Looking for more inspiration beyond the UK? Check out these top travel destinations in October for fall adventures in the USA and beyond.

Why Visit Shetland? Nature, History & Unique Vibes

Still marveling if Shetland is value the journey? Here’s why the public becomes infatuated with it:

Incredible Wildlife: Puffins, otters, seals, and whales — Shetland is a dream for sweethearts.
Rich History: From Viking keepsakes to WWII sites, record use of all minerals and lies.
Peace & Quiet: Far from crowds, it’s perfect for solo commuters, couples, and authors who prefer to recharge.
Friendly Locals: Shetlanders are popular for their warm neighborliness and ingrained ideas.

Conclusion:

With over 100 peninsulas, jaw-falling landscape, and a serene vibe you won’t find anywhere else, the Shetland Islands are special of Scotland’s best-kept mysteries. Whether you’re skilled for the puffins, the Viking record, or just to sigh in the pungent northern air, Shetland offers something distinctive.

And the highest in rank part? You shouldn’t give a fate. From warm hostels to beautiful self-catering cottages, there are much of inexpensive places to stay in Shetland. So pack your boots, wear a good coat, and plan a trip you’ll never forget.