Lerwick is the largest town in the Shetland archipelago, located on the island of Mainland, north of Scotland. It has a population of 6,760, which is about 1/3 of the islands’ population. The islands are largely supported by the oil trade.
- Lerwick is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Shetland. It is home to a higher education institution, Shetland College, which, along with fourteen other institutions throughout Scotland, forms part of the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI). The university has several faculties. There are several churches. There is a large hospital (Gilbert Bain Hospital). The new Shetland Museum and Archives has been operating in the former Hay’s Dock since 31 May 2007. The town is home to a local radio station, the Shetland Islands Broadcasting Company (SIBC). The centre of Lerwick, on the shores of the Sound, is dominated by the bastioned Fort Charlotte, originally built by Oliver Cromwell in 1652-1653 during the First Anglo-Danish War. It is one of the town’s main tourist attractions.
- Unique festivals – Lerwick is home to the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival where locals celebrate their Nordic roots.
- When is the best time to visit Lerwick? Best season to travel. The best time to visit Lerwick is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is at its best and the days are long, making it perfect for sightseeing and nature viewing. Temperatures range from 12-15°C. High and low season. Lerwick attracts the most tourists in the summer, which makes accommodation and attractions more expensive and the town more crowded. In winter, the town becomes quieter and prices drop, but shorter days and colder conditions can limit sightseeing. Seasonal events. The main event in Lerwick is Up Helly Aa, a traditional Viking festival held in January. This spectacular spectacle attracts tourists from all over the world. Alternative travel dates. Spring (April-May) is also a good time to travel – fewer tourists, lower prices and nature in bloom. In autumn, especially in September, the weather is still stable and the landscapes take on golden hues.
- What to bring to Lerwick? It is a good idea to bring warm, waterproof clothing to Lerwick, regardless of the season, as weather conditions can be changeable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven terrain. It is also worth taking a UK plug adaptor, an umbrella or raincoat, and wind cream. Documents such as an identity card or passport are sufficient for EU citizens.
- The weather in Lerwick is cool and temperate all year round, making it the perfect place for those looking for a peaceful holiday surrounded by nature. In summer, daytime temperatures average around 14-15°C, with nights being cool, with temperatures around 7-8°C. In winter, the mercury drops to 5-6°C during the day and around 0-2°C at night. It is worth remembering that Lerwick is a rainy place, with over 25 days of rain in most months, so waterproof jackets and boots will come in handy. Despite the changeable weather, Lerwick has plenty to offer, which can be explored whatever the weather. In the warmer months, there are organised tours around Shetland, admiring the cliffs and rugged coastlines of the Mainland. In winter, you can enjoy local festivals, such as the famous Up Helly Aa, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Organised tours with tour operators can also take you to local museums and learn about the fascinating Viking history.
