North west shetland en eshaness shore excursion vanuit lerwick, Cruises to the Shetland Islands provide travelers with an opportunity to see miles of unspoiled beaches surrounded by towering cliffs, as well as learn about its history from Neolithic settlers through Vikings, Scots and World War Two at the Shetland Museum and Archives.
Put on your hiking boots and explore Eshaness’ stunning coastal cliffs, taking in views of Drongs sea stacks and natural arches before stopping off at Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary for refreshments.
Scalloway – north west shetland en eshaness shore excursion vanuit lerwick
Shetland’s northwest corner is wild and rugged with stunning scenery, from Tangwick Haa Museum and Ronas Hill to Eshaness Cliffs – making this an incredible journey through history for “Outlander” fans!
On your visit here you’ll quickly realize why Shetland is known as ‘The Garden of Shetland’ with its many gardens used in filming. Additionally, visit a pony farm to meet these hardy yet friendly creatures.
Scalloway, Shetland’s ancient capital, will be our next stop. Here you will see its roofless castle erected by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600; explore Category A-listed former laird’s haa; as well as learn of Scalloway’s role during WWII through its “Shetland Bus” service; daring boat journeys between Shetland and Norway helping the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II.
From here, the tour will continue through Hillswick to the beach where Magnus Bain was found dead during series two, then onto Heylor and Northmavine in Shetland (Northmavine). Here, visitors will visit one of Shetland’s oldest hotels as well as see an exquisite loch where remnants of an ancient broch can still be seen today.
Fladdabister
This tour takes us south via Fladdabister (meaning flat farm). This picturesque limestone community is famous for its Dutch-influenced buildings amongst older crofts. Additionally, we visit the Fladdabister Museum & Gardens that have been carefully restored and reinvented over time.
Visit Bressay, featured in series one of Shetland – keep an eye out for the special paint jobs on its police station and court buildings specifically made for television! Also visit Mousa for its world’s best preserved 2000 year-old broch!
On our way back to Lerwick we will stop by Tangwick Haa Museum where you will gain an insight into Shetland life and history through displays. Afterward, enjoy refreshments at nearby Braewick cafe (not included).
Your ship could dock at Victoria Pier in the heart of historic Town Centre, Holmsgarth No 5 or Mair’s Pier depending on its size; free shuttle bus service runs between all cruise piers and Mair’s Pier, offering access to town. In addition, Shetland iCentre is close by providing additional information and advice.
Stennes
At Stennes, the Shetland Museum and Gardens are an excellent way to learn about Shetland history. Step back in time with a 19th century thatched cottage that allows you to view how people lived during previous eras; or visit Scalloway Castle where a turbulent history of political intrigue and corruption have shaped its politics.
From here, take in breathtaking Shetland coast as your guide leads you towards Lerwick Village and Shetland Croft House (restored thatched cottage that provides visitors an insight into Shetland life in earlier eras).
Travel to Sumburgh for even more mesmerising heritage sites. Here, you’ll discover the breathtaking Papil and Monk’s Stone churchyards as well as Christianised Pictish stones – stunning sights!
After exploring the area, travel to Eshaness for some incredible clifftop landscapes featuring stunning Shetland scenery and geological forms. You will witness Atlantic turbulence resulting in incredible rock formations; visit also David and Charles Stevenson (uncles of Robert Louis Stevenson) designed lighthouse in 1929 – perfect for photo opps!
Tangwick Haa Museum
Unveil the rich history of these towering Shetland islands on this MSC Northern Europe Cruises shore excursion. Visit Jarlshof Prehistoric and Nordic Settlement, home of one of Britain’s most extensive collections from Neolithic times through Bronze and Iron Ages as well as Picts’ and Viking settlements of Shetland.
Travel to Fladdabister to view one of the finest-preserved Iron Age brochs in the world; also walk up to Hol’s o’ Scraada (a collapsed sea cave on Shetland’s southern coast) or head into Loch Houlland where old watermills similar to Norwegian click-mills were still being used to grind grain during the early 20th century across Shetland.
Reach Tangwick Haa Museum to experience life of Shetland lairds and their families 3000-years ago, then marvel at Eshaness’s dramatic cliffs, where blowholes, stacks, geos (narrow inlets), and geos (narrow channels) withstanding Atlantic Ocean are regularly witnessed.
Eshaness
Eshaness Cliffs are situated at the far northwest of Shetland. Here, the waves crash against dark headlands like teeth dragging across ripe plums; their breathtaking vistas are truly remarkable. Geologically this area boasts both volcanic and glacial activity which creates its unique character.
Attractions here include the extraordinary lighthouse designed by the Stevenson brothers that stands atop breathtaking cliffs and offers panoramic views. Here, visitors can admire stacks, blowholes and geos (narrow inlets) as well as spot the site of a Viking longship burial.
Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in witnessing seals and otters swimming below. Next, your tour heads back towards Shetland Museum for an exploration of its vast collection of historic artifacts and records.
On your return to Lerwick, take some free time to discover its old town. Take a stroll along its picturesque waterfront adorned with colorful buildings and shops; experience Shetland’s vibrant community and traditions; find great artisan gifts such as Shetland knitwear; dine at one of its delicious restaurants offering local cuisine!
