About Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are a Scottish archipelago situated to the northeast of the British mainland, close to Norway. Comprising over 100 islands, of which 15 are inhabited, Shetland boasts a rugged and unique landscape of immaculate beaches, clear blue seas and dramatic clifftops. Also, given their proximity to the Norwegian coast, there are Scandinavian influences to be found everywhere from place names to the local dialect. Like most Scottish islands, the Shetlands are home to a great number of historical sites including picturesque castles, fascinating Pictish wheelhouses and mysterious standing stones. They are also a top destination for birdwatchers, as they’re populated by a wide range of seabird colonies. Travelling by ferry is a popular way to explore Scotland’s beautiful archipelagos and, from the Lerwick ferry terminal in the southeast of Shetland’s main island, there is a choice of sailings to the Orkney Islands and the Scottish mainland.

About Norway

Norway is the westernmost country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe, comprising a mainland, the Svalbard archipelago to the north and the island of Jan Mayen to the west. A country of countless geological delights, Norway leaves even the most seasoned travellers speechless. Best of all, as one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, you may even get the deep fjords, vast ice fields, glistening glaciers and mesmerising displays of the Northern Lights all to yourself. Populating these beautiful landscapes are some of the most fascinating and varied animals on the continent; polar bears in Svalbard, Eurasian lynxes, arctic foxes and musk oxen are all common, so be sure to organise a wildlife watching tour. The capital, Oslo, stands on the south coast, boasting internationally acclaimed museums, excellent restaurants and happening nightclubs next to green open spaces and lush forests. It’s easy to reach Norway by ferry, with numerous port cities and ferry terminals all the way from Bergen on the southwest coast to Oslo in the southeast. Aside from the plentiful domestic routes, there are regular international ferry crossings from Scandinavia and northern Germany, too.