Port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
For a wonderful insight into the lives and history of the people of Lerwick, take a step back in time and walk through the town's colorful, daring history. Travel back through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing, and the Vikings.
In the heart of the Old Town, you will see the Old Tolbooth from 1770 (recently restored and now used as the RNLI station). From the small boat harbor, enjoy views of the famous Lodberries; these were houses and warehouses sitting on their own piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly from the boats. Many more of these would have lined the shoreline in the 18th century when Lerwick was the premier herring port in Northern Europe.
Enjoy views across Bressay Sound from Fort Charlotte, an artillery fort built in the 17th century for protection from the Dutch.
Visit the beautiful Town Hall and continue your walk along the main Commercial Street, passing the Market Cross, where the Up Helly Aa Declaration is displayed during the January celebration.
You will visit the Up Helly Aa Exhibition, where you can see a replica Viking longship and colorful exhibitions based around the famous annual Up Helly Aa Fire Festival. This unique and spectacular festival is held on the last Tuesday of January, when the darkened streets of Lerwick provide the perfect backdrop for a long torch-lit procession through the town, terminating with the burning of a replica longship. Check out the relics, photographs, and costumes from festivals over the years.
The fascinating Shetland Museum promises to teach you more about Shetland's heritage and culture, with more than 3,000 artifacts placed over two floors, a temporary exhibition area, and a Boat Hall.
Stroll along the Esplanade back to your waiting ship.
Please note: Tour duration may vary depending on where the ship is docked. Tour requires approximately 1.5 hours of walking. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, and steps.