7 reasons to visit Shetland this winter

There’s nothing like a wintry walk along the Shetland coast to help you step away from the hectic rhythms of life.

Try a bracing hike around the cliffs at Eshaness or take the circular route around Sumburgh Head for that ‘top of the world and edge of the earth’ feeling.

The Shetland scenery is as mesmerising in winter as at any time of year, and though the hours of daylight are few, the quality of the light is magical.

You don’t have to get up super-early to see fantastic sunrises or stay up late to for spectacular sunsets – venture out mid-afternoon and you may well be rewarded with vast skies that glow with orange, pink and gold.

Winter in Shetland is a good time for getting close to wildlife, and at this time of year it’s highly likely that you’ll get to savour any close encounters in total solitude.

Otter watching is a fun winter pastime – otters live in Shetland all year, and in winter cram all their activity into the relatively short daylight hours. What's more, if you’re in the right place, you might be lucky enough to see a mum out foraging and feeding with her cubs - winter is the ideal time to witness this.

You’re also in with a very good chance of seeing both common and grey seals – and perhaps even a porpoise if the seas are calm.

While birdwatching might not be the first thing that springs into your mind at this time of year, a little patience can pay dividends. From sea ducks to scarce wintering gulls to winter wildfowl there is still much to see – and you may even be lucky enough to spot a rarity. While exploring the coastline, keep an eye out for orcas too, never guaranteed but Shetland's apex predators can be seen all year round.

And if you’re strolling across heathery moorland, keep an eye out for mountain hares. They are easy to spot at this time of year due to their white winter coats.

Shetland’s beaches are always on the quiet side, and in winter it’s quite likely you’ll have one all to yourself. From the spectacular tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle to the pristine sands of Meal Beach in Burra, every day can be a beach day in Shetland.

Even on a day of wilder weather, it can be possible to find a sheltered spot from which to contemplate the raging sea and moody skies. If you’re feeling brave, you might even want to get in touch with Shetland’s welcoming group of wild swimmers and enjoy the ultimate cold water therapy in good company and surroundings that are second to none.

Who could resist the possibility of seeing this mesmerising celestial display? Known locally as the mirrie dancers, the northern lights turn clear skies a shimmering green (and sometimes orange, pink and purple too).

While a brush with the mirrie dancers can never be guaranteed, your chance of seeing them becomes significantly higher when you travel to Shetland, not just because of the islands’ northerly location, but because of the lack of light pollution in rural areas. And, as we are entering a forecast peak period for aurora borealis activity, there's no time like the present to try to spot the northern lights.

Heading out on a dark winter’s night is rewarding, even if you don't spot the mirrie dancers on a clear night you'll witness spectacular star-strewn skies.

Shetland is renowned for its hospitality and you could argue the warmest welcomes come in wintertime.

With short daylight hours, and the prospect of rain, hail or snow showers, it's no surprise that most entertainment takes place indoors over the winter months. And there is usually plenty to choose from - check our Events page or keep an eye on local listings to find out what's on.

Whether you choose to relax over local delicacies in one of Shetland’s award-winning restaurants or drop into one of the many social events that occur over the winter months, you’ll be a guaranteed a hearty reception.

January to March is Shetland's fire festival season, when locals come together for fun-filled nights of guizing (dressing up), torchlit processions, music and dancing.

And while the biggest fire festival, Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa, is deserving of its international attention, the smaller, rural fire festivals are well-worth seeing.

Each community-led festival has a character all its own: many of them choose to burn their wooden galleys in the sea, making a truly memorable spectacle.

Head over to our Fire Festivals page to discover more, or get a flavour of Shetland's dramatic fiery season by watching the video below.

With the busyness of the festive season and planning for the new year ahead, life at wintertime can be full-on.

A visit to Shetland offers you the opportunity to reconnect with nature and with yourself. It’s an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of everyday life, relax and reset. A chance to enjoy peace, solitude and the wonders of the natural world while knowing that you are never far away from a friendly welcome.