Step away from the frantic rhythms of everyday life, slow down, take a breath and discover your authentic self in Shetland this winter. A place where the air is so fresh you can truly exhale, and the coastline so wild you can truly feel free. Make time for you with a winter break in Shetland.

Experience the wild winter beauty of Shetland

Catch the Mirrie Dancers

Witness the phenomenon that is the Mirrie Dancers, or as they're more commonly known, the Northern Lights. These spectral curtains of green and sometimes pink, orange and purple set clear skies alight and truly are a sight to behold. This enigmatic symphony is one of the many delights of a Shetland winter, but you shouldn’t travel here specifically to see them – they’re too elusive for that – but it’s worth bringing a tripod with you just in case.

UK’s most northerly live video stream

Enjoy the livestream from Unst, “the island above all others”. The camera in Burrafirth will capture everything from spectacular winter weather to dark skies and the magnificent aurora borealis. Keep checking back to enjoy the latest scenes from the UK’s most northerly isle.

Discover more about the Northern Lights

Shetland is a walking destination all year round and below we've selected some of the best routes to explore in winter, where we hope the ground won't be too soggy underfoot and there's plenty of solid terrain to tramp on.

The weather can change at the drop of a hat and the sun sets early in the day, so if you are getting out and about, make sure you're prepared for all eventualities. Read our guidance for walkers in Shetland blog before you set off.

Try one of these spectacular winter routes

More winter walking inspiration

What Shetlanders love about winter

  • Even though our winters can be wild, stormy and dark, I love being tucked up inside listening to the weather lashing around the outside of the house, and take joy in the comfort and warmth of the home. Taking a winter walk is always a bracing experience too – getting buffeted by the wind and rain can be seriously invigorating, it truly makes you feel alive!

    Jon Pulley
    Jon Pulley
    Tour guide and owner of Adventure Shetland

  • Winter has its challenges, but as a reward we get to enjoy Mirrie Dancers, the most stunning golden hours, dramatic wave watching and of course winter brings reestit mutton and tattie soup season!

    Leah
    Leah
    Social media influencer Shetland Islands With Leah

  • My favourite time of the year in Shetland is most likely winter as I love dramatic landscapes. I enjoy being out watching the coast on a wild day and then coming home and getting warm. I know the days are short but when the sun does appear the quality of light is generally fantastic.

    Calum Toogood
    Calum Toogood
    Photographer

  • I love the cold wind here in winter time, it makes you feel alive when you're out working in a gale, all wrapped up in my knitwear. The sheep all look so fluffy and cute in wintertime and having a croft makes you go out every day to feed them and I love that.

  • Winter can be very dramatic, and, during a storm, the waves crashing up the rock face of Bluemull is truly awesome. One of my all-time favourite days was walking to Breckon on Christmas Day, maybe ten years ago, with thick snow lying, the sun shining, and the whole of Shetland just glistening. Ours were the only footprints on the whole beach. Bliss!

    Shona Skinner
    Shona Skinner
    Artist and owner of the Shetland Gallery

    Experience one of Shetland's fantastic fire festivals

    Explore Shetland

    Visiting Shetland in winter is for those who like to get off the beaten track and do something different. The days are short and a lot of the tourist attractions are closed for the season but what you gain are fewer tourists, unspoilt landscapes, dramatic weather and, if you're lucky, a chance to see the awesome Northern Lights. Winter is a great time for wildlife too, particularly otter and whale spotting. It can also be pretty romantic, particularly when you can snug up by a warm fire after an invigorating day outdoors.

    Be inspired by Shetland this winter

    Winter food and drink

    Plan your trip

    Inspired to book a winter escape to Shetland? We've got all the information you need to make your dream a reality. Follow the links below to find out how to get here, where to find available accommodation, places to eat and things to do.

    Be inspired by others to explore Shetland

    Share your favourite pics using #inspiredbyshetland and #visitshetland

    While this year's winter solstice has brought stormy weather, here's a reminder of Shetland's beauty in calmer days. ⁠ ⁠ The winter season is far from quiet in Shetland—it’s a time for socialising, savoring delicious Shetland food and drink, and fully embracing the festive spirit. 🌊🌟 Learn more at our link in bio.⁠ ⁠ #shortestday #wintersolstice #shetland #promoteshetland #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth
    Dive deeper into Yöl in Shetland with a glimpse of its magical and mystical roots. ⁠ ⁠ Before "Christmas" became common, the winter festival was Yöl (Yule)—a celebration tied to the solstice, symbolising longer days and the turning of the year. These pagan roots were gradually absorbed into the Christian calendar as Christianity spread across Europe.⁠ ⁠ In Shetland, Yule wasn’t just festive—it was steeped in myth. Starting from Tulya’s E’en, seven days before Yule Day, it was believed that Trows, mischievous, magical beings, could roam freely above ground. Locals took precautions: crosses made from corn and hay stocks were placed at gates leading to barns, pleated hairs from animals' tails were hung over byre doors, and blazing peats were carried through outhouses to safeguard life and property.⁠ ⁠ The celebrations themselves, referred to as "the Yules", began a week before Yule Day (December 23) and continued for a month. Yule was a mix of superstition, tradition, and joy. 🌟⁠ ⁠ Learn more about Shetland’s festive past at our link in bio 🎄⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #promoteshetland #shetland #visitshetland #shetlandislands #shetlandisles #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth
    What makes Shetland’s arts and crafts heritage so special? It’s all about the quality.⁠ ⁠ Shona Skinner of the Shetland Gallery in Yell put it perfectly:⁠ “There’s a real uniqueness about it. The quality in Shetland is outstanding.”⁠ ⁠ From visitors traveling across the globe—from Australia to America—to those who’ve yet to set foot here, Shetland’s crafts captivate hearts far and wide. Timeless artistry, passed down through generations, continues to thrive and inspire.⁠ ⁠ We're celebrating Shetland's thriving arts and crafts culture in our blog - read via our link in bio. ⁠ ⁠ #creativehappylife #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #craftsposure⁠ #60north #inspiredbyshetland #promoteshetland #shetland #handmadeproduct #madeinscotland #scottishmakers
    Known in Shetland 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 is never guaranteed, your chance of seeing them is higher in Shetland because of our northerly location and the lack of light pollution in rural areas.⁠ ⁠ ❄️ Learn more about a winter trip to Shetland via our link in bio. ⁠ ⁠ #promoteshetland #shetland #visitshetland #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth
    Shetland is often described as 'treeless' but this wasn't always the case and, in fact, trees could be set to flourish across the islands once more, as natural history writer and photographer Jon Dunn explains.⁠ ⁠ 🔗: Link in bio!
    Renowned broadcaster and wildlife enthusiast Kate Humble shares why Shetland keeps calling her back. 🐾💚⁠ ⁠ “Because it’s in such an extraordinary setting, it is a really compelling destination for people who love the idea of seeing wildlife without the need for them to be experts,” Kate says. “They can come here and if it’s the right time of year see puffins, gannets, guillemots, beautiful red-throated divers, kittiwakes… you can see them all without too much effort".⁠ ⁠ 🔗 Learn more at our link in bio. ⁠ ⁠ #promoteshetland #shetland #myshetlandlife #shetlandislands #shetlandisles #everythingshetland #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth
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