Lerwick Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Lerwick is primarily accessed via overnight ferry services from Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland, with crossings taking approximately 12-14 hours across the North Sea. Regular bus connections run from major Scottish cities to Aberdeen's ferry terminal, with Edinburgh and Glasgow both around 3 hours from Aberdeen by road or rail. For those coming from further afield, flights to Sumburgh Airport (about 25 miles south of Lerwick) connect with major UK airports, with regular bus services linking the airport to the town center. If arriving by car, comprehensive vehicle ferry services operate, though advance booking is essential, especially during summer months. Free short-term parking is available near the ferry terminal for those being dropped off.

Perched on the eastern coast of the Shetland mainland, Lerwick stands as the vibrant capital of this remote Scottish archipelago. This historic port town blends Nordic and Scottish influences, creating a unique cultural identity that's immediately apparent in its stone buildings and winding lanes. As your ferry glides into Lerwick's natural harbor, you'll be greeted by a working waterfront that has welcomed seafarers for centuries, promising authentic experiences in one of Britain's most northerly communities.

Lerwick experiences a maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round, though the wind can make it feel considerably cooler. Summer months (May to August) offer the famous 'simmer dim' – when daylight extends nearly around the clock, with temperatures typically ranging from 10-18°C, making this the peak season for visitors. Winter brings shorter days but also the possibility of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights. January hosts the renowned Up Helly Aa fire festival, a spectacular Viking-inspired celebration that transforms the town. Spring and autumn provide a perfect balance of reasonable weather and fewer tourists, with ferry services running consistently throughout the year, though winter schedules may be reduced and occasionally affected by rough seas.

Lerwick serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Shetland archipelago's most captivating islands. The dramatic cliffs of Noss National Nature Reserve can be reached by a short ferry ride from Lerwick to Bressay, followed by a summer-only boat service, offering unparalleled seabird watching within 45 minutes of the town. The historic isle of Mousa, home to the best-preserved Iron Age broch (tower) in Scotland, is accessible by a 15-minute ferry from Sandwick, just south of Lerwick. For those seeking more remote experiences, inter-island ferries connect to Yell, Unst, and Fetlar in the North Isles, where you'll find Britain's most northerly settlements and breathtaking coastal landscapes. The clear waters between these islands create one of Europe's most scenic ferry networks, with regular wildlife sightings including seals, porpoises, and even orcas.

Lerwick's waterfront Commercial Street forms the historic heart of town, lined with 18th-century merchants' lodges and local shops selling Shetland wool products and traditional crafts. The impressive Shetland Museum and Archives provides a fascinating journey through the islands' rich history, from prehistoric times through the Viking era to the present day. Just outside town, the remarkable prehistoric settlement of Clickimin Broch offers a glimpse into Iron Age life in these windswept islands. Culinary adventures await at Lerwick's harborside restaurants, where ultra-fresh seafood dominates menus – try local specialties like reestit mutton soup or seafood chowder packed with fish caught that morning. The Knab headland provides an easy walking route with panoramic views across Bressay Sound, perfect for watching ferries and fishing boats navigate the harbor.

Despite its remote location, Lerwick was once at the center of a massive international fishing industry, with its harbor hosting up to 1,500 fishing vessels at the height of the herring boom in the early 1900s. The town's name comes from Old Norse 'Leirvik' meaning 'muddy bay,' reflecting its Viking heritage that continues to influence local culture, with Shetland dialect containing numerous Norse words still used daily. Lerwick sits closer to Bergen in Norway (367km) than to Edinburgh (485km), explaining its strong Nordic connections and why locals sometimes joke they're more Scandinavian than Scottish. The harbor waters around Lerwick have sheltered vessels from every era, including German U-boats that secretly refueled here during WWI, leaving behind fascinating maritime artifacts now displayed in local museums.