Up Helly AA Festival on the Shetlands

When & Where Up-Helly-AA-Shetland : The Scottish / Celt / Viking festival usually takes place in the town of Lerwick on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland around the last Tuesday in January.

What to Expect Everyone dresses like a Viking (Guizer) and walks throught the streets with torches lit-up in a march towards Viking Longship. Once there they throw the torches into the ships burning the ships to the ground (sea). Then they head to several dances and honour at least 1 lady of their fancy. It's quite a local festival but there is Viking afoot if you play your cards right.

Getting there Book a flight into Lerwick airport here then take a bus or book a train here.

Accommodation on the Shetland Islands

Where to stay Book your accommodation below for the Scotlands Viking Festival. There's quality hotels or cheap accommodation in Lerwick on the Shetland Islands available here.

History of Shetland Viking Festival

History

Lerwick was under Viking rule until nearly the year 1500. In Viking tradition a torched ship was an offering to the Sun God who returned after the Winter.

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