The Shetland Islands
HIDDEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD (download the document with full lay-out at the end of this page)
Recently, I was talking to my little sister about how I went to the Shetland Islands, and without skipping a beat she said: 'Is that where Shetland ponies grow?' I answered her saying that it was indeed a magical place full of ponies. But Shetland is so much more than that, and I am going to prove that because at the end of this read, you will be eagerly packing your bags for a Shetland adventure!
Other than ponies, you can find a lot of amazing animals in Shetland. Don't you think it's incredible to see a real-life orca? Well, here's your chance to go see one, along with a rich array of other wildlife like wild otters and seals, because all year round this amazing natural spectacle can be witnessed around the islands. Another way to experience the lively sea life is to enjoy one of Europe's finest fishing spots. Along the coast and rivers of the Shetland Islands lays paradise for angling lovers and wild trout fishermen.
The rivers and lakes are surrounded by utterly breathtaking landscapes. Because there are not many inhabitants in Shetland (less than the population of Lier alone!) the islands consist mostly of nature. You cannot go there without having the urge to go hiking and enjoy the most beautiful views in its glory. There are hiking routes for everyone. Short coastal walks, long hiking trails, and challenging cliffs for experienced hikers.
Thanks to not only gorgeous landscapes but also very low light pollution, star-gazing was one of my favourite activities. Our Milky Way looks at its finest here. I am assured that under the Shetland skies, anyone will fall in love with the charm of the stars. As a matter of fact, in the winter the most magical natural event of the year appears. The Northern Lights! As Shetland is the part of Britain closest to the North Pole, it's the best place to see the northern lights. It almost made me not want to leave.
Amongst nature, the few inhabitants in Shetland live in cozy towns with architecture that says; 'Come in, here everyone is welcome!'. It looked pretty similar to villages in France or Wallonia. Even though most of the towns were pretty small, you have everything you need there and it's all within walking distance! The biggest town has a population of only about 7000 people and not that many tourists so it remains a very peaceful, yet lively city.
For history enthusiasts, Shetland Island has a very interesting heritage and culture. The islands have an amazing story to tell about the imprints of the Vikings in its history. A lot of cultural influences happened thanks to the Scandinavian roots. These influences are reflected in the Shetland dialect, the geographical names, and even the music! Scattered around the island there are a lot of historical sights and heritage centres. Take a stroll through its fascinating history and culture at the Shetland Museum and Archives and other museums. It's a treasure chest filled with old papers and artifacts that tell you all about the island's story!
A big part of Shetland's culture is the fire festivals. Each year there are about a thousand people, dressed in Viking-themed costumes, lighting up the city with a sea of torches. This spectacle is called 'Up Helly Aa'. It's a 24-hour celebration and it takes place on the last Tuesday of January each year. At 7:30 p.m., a rocket is launched into the sky as a sign for everyone to light up their torches. Lots of people gather on the streets of Shetland's capital Lerwick to celebrate their culture and watch the parade. There's lots of dancing, meeting people, eating, drinking, and overall, this fest is a wonderful representation of the power of cultural bonding.
It was absolutely a wonderful stay in Shetland and I loved every moment. I did not know anything about these islands before I went there, and to be honest, I had no clue this place existed, just like you've perhaps never heard of it till now! But it surprised me how well I found it there and I really would like to go back someday. By the time you've read this last sentence, I have no doubt you also added the Shetland Isles to your list of places to visit. And if not, what are you waiting for?