About Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are a Scottish archipelago situated to the northeast of the British mainland, close to Norway. Comprising over 100 islands, of which 15 are inhabited, Shetland boasts a rugged and unique landscape of immaculate beaches, clear blue seas and dramatic clifftops. Also, given their proximity to the Norwegian coast, there are Scandinavian influences to be found everywhere from place names to the local dialect. Like most Scottish islands, the Shetlands are home to a great number of historical sites including picturesque castles, fascinating Pictish wheelhouses and mysterious standing stones. They are also a top destination for birdwatchers, as they’re populated by a wide range of seabird colonies. Travelling by ferry is a popular way to explore Scotland’s beautiful archipelagos and, from the Lerwick ferry terminal in the southeast of Shetland’s main island, there is a choice of sailings to the Orkney Islands and the Scottish mainland.

About Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 small islands situated in the Gulf Stream, north-west of Scotland, about halfway between Norway and Iceland. The land mass equates to just under 500 square miles and the islands have a combined coastline of around 600 miles. The islands are an archipelago and autonomous country with their own governing Parliament, flag, and coat of arms. The population is around 50,000 residents, speaking a national language of Faroese, which is rooted in Old Norse - however, Danish and English are also widely understood within the Faroe Islands. As well as local ferry services, there is a weekly international ferry service linking the Faroe Islands to both Iceland and Denmark. Smyril Line offers year round sailings to the Faroe Islands port of Torshavn with their luxurious ferry - MS Norrøna with services departing from Hirtshals in Denmark and Seydisfjordur in Iceland. There is no functioning railway system on any of the Faroe Islands due to the volcanic landscape causing difficult and rocky terrain. There are, however, local bus services as well as an extensive road system. There is a 370 mile network of road and tunnels throughout the Faroe Islands, including sub-sea tunnels and bridges to connect the islands and allow for travel between them. The public transport system on the Faroe Islands is extensive and privately-run; the different bus routes available ensure that there are routes to almost every settlement of the islands at least once a day. One of the main reasons for such high levels of tourism within the islands is their beautiful natural terrain - formed from layers of volcanic basalt - and the islands' picturesque landscape. Alongside the natural attraction on the Faroe Islands there are also many shopping districts, including one shopping center housing several popular chains. The Islands' also have a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to explore.