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A mini guide to
Lerwick & Bressay: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check the ferry before you sail
NorthLink and the council ferries publish service updates. Weather can delay or cancel sailings, so check on the day before setting out to Bressay or the north isles.
Book Up Helly Aa stays early
The festival is a single day in late January in Lerwick, and the town is small. Look for accommodation well ahead if you plan to see the procession.
Pick up timetables
Buses outside Lerwick can be infrequent. ZetTrans publishes the timetables for buses and inter-island ferries; plan day trips around them.
Check seasonal opening
Several sights outside town, such as Sumburgh Head and the Mousa boat, open mainly from April to September. Lerwick's museum and fort make good winter visits.
Festivals
Shetland festivals in 2027
Dates are from each organiser's own website; check before you book.
Up Helly Aa
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Lerwick's fire festival: the Jarl Squad marches through the town by day, and in the evening a torchlit procession ends with the burning of the galley.
Shetland Folk Festival
Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027
The 45th Shetland Folk Festival, which calls itself the UK's most northerly folk festival.
Shetland Wool Week
Saturday 25 September to Sunday 3 October 2027
A week of events celebrating Shetland wool and knitting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lerwick & Bressay?
Lerwick & Bressay is in Shetland Islands, Scotland. Shetland's harbour town: the museum, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch and the ferry to Bressay. Nearby stops and stations include NorthLink ferry terminal, Bressay ferry, Viking Bus Station.
How long do I need in Lerwick & Bressay?
One or two days, plus half a day for Bressay. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Shetland Museum and Archives, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: NorthLink ferry terminal (Ferries to Aberdeen); Bressay ferry (Shetland Islands Council); Viking Bus Station (Local buses); Sumburgh Airport (Loganair flights). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 11 places to eat and drink in and around Lerwick & Bressay, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 7 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Lerwick & Bressay accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Lerwick & Bressay
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Gardie House
18th-century estate house on Bressay facing Lerwick across Bressay Sound, described by Historic Scotland as unique in Shetland.
Bressay Lighthouse
Lighthouse at Kirkabister Ness on Bressay, about 4 km south-east of Lerwick, overlooking Bressay Sound.
Noss
Island east of Bressay with high seabird cliffs, which visitors can see on boat trips.
Shetland
More areas to explore
South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa
Prehistoric and Norse sites, the Mousa broch, puffin cliffs and the St Ninian's Isle tombolo
Open the mini guide →
Scalloway & the West Mainland
Shetland's old capital, the Shetland Bus story, Tingwall's law site and Neolithic Stanydale
Open the mini guide →
Northmavine, Yell & Unst
Esha Ness cliffs, Ronas Hill, the islands of Yell and Unst, and Britain's most northerly sights
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Commercial Street: Robert Eva, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Gardie House: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bressay Lighthouse: Hajotthu, CC BY 3.0, source
- Noss: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa: swifant, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Scalloway & the West Mainland: Robert W Watt, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Northmavine, Yell & Unst: Unukorno, CC BY 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits