PRONOUNCED: LAIR-WICK or LAIR-ICK
People have lived and prospered on Shetland since Neolithic times. The site of Clickimin Broch, a hollow-stone-walled structure, was a Late Bronze Age farmstead of the 7th century BCE. Historic Fort Charlotte, built in 1653, is a five-sided fortress, with cannon batteries pointing out to sea.
Shetland was ruled by the Norse for several hundred years, but Norse culture and practice survived long after the period of Norse rule. Placenames are almost exclusively Norse, while there is also genetic evidence showing that around 60% of Shetlanders stem from a western Norwegian lineage. Houses are of Scandinavian style and the Shetland flag is based in the design of the main Scandinavian flags. Perhaps the strongest clue of the relationship between these places lies in the dialect spoken by Shetlanders today, which contains many Old Norse words.
The main town of Lerwick was built on the herring trade and modernized by the oil trade, the town has a strong maritime feel. Today it is home to a third of the islands' population. Britain's most northerly town, is a small, bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with a population of over 7,000 people and fine architecture. The name Lerwick is derived from Norse and means ‘bay of clay.’
INCLUDED EXPEDITION EXPERIENCES*
*Please note this expedition experience is exclusively available on our expedition ships, Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit. All shore excursions shared here are subject to availability and are weather and conditions permitting.
Option 1: Shetland Panorama and Ponies
Explore the incredible archaeological site of Jarlshof, revealed by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7. This site unfolds 5,000 years of human history through an impressive sequence of stone structures, from late Neolithic houses to a 16th-century laird's house. A guided visit to these settlements will enrich your experience.
Option 2: Jarlshof and Southern Shores
Depart from Lerwick and travel to the island's southernmost point, pausing en route to admire the magnificent Mousa Broch. Continue south, catching a glimpse of St Ninian's Isle, the site of the famous 9th Century Pictish silver treasure discovered in 1958. Visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof and delve into thousands of years of history. On your return to Lerwick, keep an eye out for Shetland's famous ponies while your guide regales you with more tales of these intriguing islands.
*Experiences subject to change
