About the Port
Nearly 200 kilometers off Scotland's north coast, Lerwick is the sole town of the Shetland Islands, an archipelago of more than a hundred islands, most left wild for seabirds and seals. Its waterfront, lined with sandstone buildings dating to the 18th century, sits within easy walking distance of the pier, making it simple to explore on foot. The Shetland Museum traces the islands' seafaring and settlement history, while the ancient ruins of Jarlshof reveal layers of habitation stretching back thousands of years.
Beyond the town, the islands unfold in open moorland, rugged coastline, and scattered archaeological sites, from Iron Age structures to centuries-old castles. Native ponies graze alongside crofts, and cliffs teem with nesting seabirds. The pace here is unhurried and the scenery austere, offering a striking contrast to more manicured ports and a genuine sense of remoteness at the edge of the British Isles.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Lerwick.
Explore Jarlshof's Ancient Layers
Wander this remarkable site where Bronze Age houses, Iron Age brochs, Viking longhouses, and a medieval farmstead sit stacked atop one another. About 25 miles south of Lerwick, near Sumburgh Head, so allow time for the drive or a taxi.
Visit Shetland Museum and Archives
Trace centuries of seafaring, crofting, and Norse heritage through well-curated exhibits and boat collections. A short walk from the pier along the waterfront, making it an easy first stop.
Climb to Fort Charlotte
This 17th-century artillery fort overlooks the harbor and old town, just steps from the pier. The short climb rewards with views over Lerwick's sandstone rooftops and the surrounding sound.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Lerwick
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 28, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 10 | $2,309 | |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Eclipse | 12 | $2,933 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Swan Hellenic | SH Diana | 11 | $7,450 | |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Ritz Carlton | Evrima | 10 | $16,900 | |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 20 | $27,099 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Dawn | 12 | $9,440 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Grandeur | 19 | $28,499 | |
| Sep 11, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Insignia | 25 | $9,149 | |
| Sep 11, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Insignia | 11 | $4,349 | |
| Oct 2, 2026 | Holland America | Nieuw Statendam | 29 | $4,424 | |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Holland America | Rotterdam | 14 | $2,619 | |
| Oct 16, 2026 | Holland America | Nieuw Statendam | 15 | $1,999 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Holland America | Nieuw Statendam | 14 | $2,019 | |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Marina | 66 | $35,099 | |
| Apr 23, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 27 | $19,800 | |
| Apr 25, 2027 | Holland America | Rotterdam | 14 | $2,529 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 174 | $151,799 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 92 | $79,549 | |
| Apr 30, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Statendam | 28 | $4,924 | |
| May 1, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Statendam | 28 | $4,899 |
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