Winter is by far the most dramatic time for a holiday in Shetland.

The world famous Up Helly Aa Fire Festival takes place on the last Tuesday in January but less publicised is the fact that many rural areas of Shetland also have similar Viking Fire Festivals.These begin in January and continue until March, every weekend!

<click on images>
The Aurora Borealis are usually associated with land near the Arctic Circle but, at 60' North, Shetland has regular spectacular displays of this wonder of nature and offers by far the best chance of seeing them in the UK. Havra is well placed away from urban light pollution to appreciate them if you are lucky enough to get the chance.
Our winter storms regularly surpass those of the rest of the UK and yet disruption or property damage are rare and the spectacle and excitement of the sea in winds exceeding 60mph is truly breathtaking.

Late Autumn and winter also offer the best time to enjoy Shetland's highly acclaimed local produce. Local lamb and beef are exceptional but the variety, freshness and quality of fish and shellfish is world class. Of course, there is plenty of winter wildlife to enjoy too, with the many seals and otters remaining around the coast throughout the year and even the occasional rare winter migrant for the birder to enjoy, such as the rare, enigmatic Ivory Gull.

It is also worthy of note that Shetland has a fantastic network of modern and luxurious leisure centres, with swimming, steam or sauna facilities, for those days you want to take it easy and keep warm. The nearest is only a few miles up the road.

Back