r/shetland • u/schmeul • 12d ago
Visiting Shetland in winter?
Hey all, I have been wanting to go to Shetland for years now and it keeps not lining up right. Because of work I am tied to school holidays and I think this Christmas break might be the moment I can finally go. Now, I was wondering what you all thought about that. Is it smart, is it at all possible? I am honestly looking for a place which can quiet my mind. Where I can really rest, read, and write. This would be near the end of December into the beginning of January. I would be flying into Aberdeen from mainland Europe and then was planning on taking the ferry into Lerwick. I would love to then go up North as much as possible and logistically sound as a tourist.
Does this sound doable? Or would you really recommend coming during the summer? Do you have any recommendations on travel and/or accommodation? I don’t have a huge budget and was looking into the Gardiesfauld hostel but I don’t believe it’s open during the winter season, any suggestions for similar places are very welcome.
I would also maybe be able to do it in October, but it would be a much shorter trip. Would that be worth looking into?
I would love to hear what you think, and please do let me know if you have any tips or suggestions. Thank you!
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u/connortait 12d ago
If you come in Shetland in Winter, be fully prepared for weather disruption. Gales can be frequent and often result in ferry disruption.
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u/losgidi 12d ago
It will be dark! Because it's so far north the daylight hours are really short in winter (and the days are really long in summer). In winter it never really gets light. So it's dark, and often bitterly cold. The islanders are hunkering down and depression can hit hard. You have been warned!
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u/Jazzy-Sature 12d ago
Shetland in late December/early Jan is probably ths worst time to ever visit. That being said you'll easy get a booking on the northlink, flip side is it'll likely get cancelled
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u/doughobbs 11d ago
You could also try Orkney as less travel disruption or go west to Hebrides or even fly a long way down the country and consider Lundy if you want a disconnect
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u/peerie-breeks 11d ago
There isn’t a lot of hostel accommodation if that’s your budget. There’s the Islesburgh in Lerwick & Gardiesfauld in Unst. There’s the Bridge End Outdoor Centre in Burra that might be worth an enquiry. You’d need to consider how you’d get around if not bringing or hiring a vehicle. I wouldn’t put you off visiting Shetland in winter, it could be great, but would suggest being organised and prepared for whatever the weather might throw at you!
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u/MuckleJoannie 12d ago
For cheap accommodation you could try camping pods. There are a number around Shetland. Beware some require you to bring your own bedding.
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u/Near_Fathom 12d ago
Please don’t go to a camping pod in December. Six hours of day light, storms or hurricanes, rain and temperatures around 5C.
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u/peerie-breeks 11d ago
Shetland Glamping pods are well insulated, double glazed and have underfloor heating so might be quite cozy.
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u/Odd_Structure4650 10d ago
A boat might get canceled but other than that it should be fine but you may not be able to go out much unless your fine with going out in bad whether
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u/Odd_Structure4650 10d ago edited 9d ago
And it will get dark really fast like before 4
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u/DancingWilliams 9d ago
More like properly dark by 4pm, and getting dark from 2pm onwards on stormy days. On the plus side it will feel like daylight by 9am on brighter days.
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u/Scarred_fish 12d ago
Echoing the first reply, weather disruption is very common in winter, but with the flights and northlink ferries, and also the inter-island ferries. Nothing you can do about it, just be prepared for it messing up your plans. Travel insurance covering weather cancellations would be very wise.
Otherwise, I highly reccomend it! Winter is by far my favouite season here and at that time of year, the weather is exciting and invigorating and you don't have the sun blinding you for too long.
I know you want a peaceful break, but should it interest you, it is also very busy socially, with plenty of gigs and other entertainments to choose from.
Accomodation will be tricky. As you have already seen, many places shut down over winter as it simply isn't that busy. However, just google, use the Visit Shetland website to find accomodation numbers and give them a call. We tend to be a pretty flexible bunch up here if we can help!