From thousands of grey and common seals and an array of marine mammals from dolphins to killer whales to gannets, great skuas (known locally as Bonxies), fulmars, storm petrels, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and arctic terns. Birds such as the whimbrel and red-necked phalarope nest on the isles, and the serpentine heath on Unst is botanically unique.
The islands are located between Norway and mainland Scotland.
Explore the islands of opportunity and experience incredible nature and wildlife from rugged coastlines including the towering sea cliffs of Foula, Hermaness, Sumburgh Head, Noss and Fair Isle - home to spectacular seabird colonies including endearingly cute puffins to the gneiss rocks dating back over three billion years (when Shetland was part of the North American continent). Shetland's incredible and diverse geology has brought the isles UNESCO Global Geopark status.
You will see world-famous Shetland ponies which have roamed the hills and moors of Shetland for at least 4000 years! Although these ponies appear to roam freely across Shetland but they are in fact owned by local crofters.
Shetland is renowned for a range of activities from wildlife watching to some incredible walking from coastal to inland lochs and heathery hills. Other popular activities include brown trout fishing in one of the many freshwater lochs or sea angling for mackerel, ling or haddock.
One of the best ways to see Shetland is by bike. You can hire an electric, road or mountain bike and experience 1000 miles of quiet roads with little traffic.
