| Shetland Islands | |
 | |
Location  | |
Flag  | |
| State | UK |
|---|---|
| Capital | Lerwick |
| Surface | 1,468 km² |
| Inhabitants | 23.000 (2010 estimate) |
| Tourism site | |
| Institutional website | |
The Shetland Islands are a region of the Scotland.
To know
Geographical notes
The Shetland Islands are located off the northern coast of Scotland and contribute geographically to separate theAtlantic Ocean from the North Sea.
Background
In the 9th century the islands were invaded by the Vikings and remained a Norwegian colony until 1472 when their territory came under the Scottish jurisdiction.
Territories and tourist destinations
Out of about 100 islands, only twelve are inhabited. The main island of the archipelago is known as Mainland (562 km²).
Urban centers
- Lerwick - The most populous locality (about one third of the entire island population) and the administrative center of the Shetland Islands. Combine a thriving harbor with charming local architecture, making Lerwick the beating heart of Shetlands.
- Scalloway - Shetland's historic capital, with a castle and a reasonable number of shops for shopping.
Other destinations
In addition to Mainland, the other inhabited islands are:
In the main group
Out of the main group
How to get
By plane
In the Shetland is present on Sumburgh Airport, located in the southern part of the archipelago, which connects it with the major Scottish urban centers.
In the region there is a ferry service that connects the capital Lerwick with Aberdeen.
How to get around
What see
- Clickimin broch -
- Fort Charlotte -
- Jarlshof -
- Mavis Grind -
- Mousa Broch -
- Muness Castle -
- Old Scatness -
- Scalloway Castle -
- St Ninian's Isle -
- Sullom Voe -
- Sumburgh Head -
- Skaw -
What to do
For knitting enthusiasts, an essential event is the Shetland Wool Week, held annually in early October.
Wool processing was central to the economy of the Shetland Islands until the first half of the 20th century and still today among the most important industries in the district are traditional Shetland wool spinning mills. Wool Week is a week of courses, workshops and other events that has its center in Lerwick, the capital of the islands, while individual events take place in various locations on the islands (to attend it is strongly recommended to have a car available).
At the table
Tourist infrastructure
- Busta House Hotel, ☎ 44 1806 522 506, @[email protected].
- Shetland Hotel (Envelope, Brae, Shetland Islands ZE2 9QN), Holmsgarth Road, Lerwick, Shetland, ☎ 44 1595 695515, fax: 44 1595 695828, @[email protected].
- Queens Hotel, 24 Commercial Street, Shetland, Lerwick, ☎ 44 1595 692826.
- Baltasound Hotel, Baltasound, Unst, Shetland, ☎ 44 1957 711334.
Safety
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Shetland Islands
Commons contains images or other files on Shetland Islands
