4. Lerwick Town Highlights Tour

The town of Lerwick is our capital and a natural harbour sheltered by the island of Bressay. Lerwick is home to the historic 17th century houses built into the sea called the Lodberries. Our tour takes us on a short waterfront walk to see these picturesque homes that started their life as trading courtyards and stores. It has been suggested that Lerwick was built by smugglers as there are secret tunnels in this area. Much of the prosperity of the town has been built around the herring fishery which the Dutch pursued from the 15th century. The most famous lodberry is the home to fictional detective Jimmy Perez from the BBC drama series ‘Shetland’. You will have time to photograph this scenic area while Anita tells you about the town’s history.

Transportation by car takes us via the Knab viewpoint and around the town, passing the Iron Age Fort of Clickimin Broch for a photostop before arriving at the Hillhead where we visit the Lerwick Town Hall, built in 1883 and featuring stunning stained glass windows depicting our Norse heritage.

Close by we take a moment to enjoy a panoramic view of the harbour from the walls of 17th Century Fort Charlotte overlooking the town.

After you have taken in the views, we walk along the pedestrianised shopping street with time to shop for knitwear and souvenirs and more photo opportunities of the historic lanes of Lerwick that lead up to the Hillhead from the street.

The tour then takes you by car to the 5-star award winning Shetland Museum which you can explore at your own pace, after a short introduction by your guide. Hays Dock café can be found on the first floor overlooking a restored historic dock, where you can sample Shetland Mussels along with other local delicacies.