Excursion Lerwick walking tour and shetland museum tour at Lerwick

For a wonderful insight into the lives and history of the people of Lerwick take a step back in time. This walking tour will take you through the colourful and cosmopolitan history of Lerwick. You will be transported through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing and shipping fleets and smugglers.

Starting from Victoria Pier, in the heart of the Old Town you will pass the Old Tolbooth from 1770 (recently restored and now used as the RNLI station) and go on to see the Lodberries.  These were houses and warehouses sitting on their own piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly from the boats and would have lined the shore in the 18^th Century when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe.  Today we will have the opportunity to see one of the most picturesque with its thick sea-battered walls, slipway, pier and fish-drying shed.

You will continue your walk along the Hillhead; see the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront and (subject to availability) visit Lerwick Town Hall.  The Hall was built in 1883 and has beautiful stained-glass windows which represent a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the Viking times.  

Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum which you can visit at leisure to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture.  This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artefacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds.  The exhibits are beautifully displayed and very well interpreted - a visit not to be missed!  

At the conclusion of your walking tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide or opt to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before walking back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lerwick, Victoria Pier, Old Tolbooth, Old Town, Lerwick Town Hall, Shetland Museum

Note

Please note: The activity level is moderate to strenuous, with some steep streets and stairs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The total walking time is 2.5 hours. There is a gift shop at the museum, and guests may visit local shops at the end of the tour. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.