Shetland Islands

In the north-east of the UK - between the North and the Norwegian Sea - the Shetland Islands are located. They represent a fairly large archipelago. To date, they include more than a hundred different in shape and size of the islets, of which only twelve are inhabited. In its form, this archipelago has a striking similarity in Orkney, but, unlike it, is located at a farther distance from Britain. The main and largest island is Mainland, and the administrative center is Lerwick.

Climatic conditions

The Shetland Islands are surrounded by a warm Arctic Ocean. This is why the subarctic marine temperate climate prevails here. The water temperature in the early spring is about 5 degrees, in the summer - no more than fifteen. In winter, air rarely cools below 0. In summer it is comfortable and easy, as the temperature does not rise above 20 degrees. In general, the climate is rather humid, precipitation, as a rule, drops out more than 200 days a year. From April to August comes the driest period, it is at this time that the light day lasts 23 hours a day. In the winter - no more than four. In the summer time, strong fogs are not uncommon, but there is practically no snow. If it does fall out, it does not stay on the surface for more than a day.

Landscape

These picturesque islands of Great Britain are cut by deep gorges reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. Their relief is dominated by plateaus and hilly plains. Since strong winds are constantly blowing from the ocean, there are practically no trees on land. The landscape consists of pastures with low and rather stiff grass, hills.

sights

Shetland Islands attract many tourists to the distinctive town of Jarlshof, located near to Samburg. This ancient settlement arose in the far Bronze Age. Jarlshof is the most studied prehistoric monument and the most important archeological heritage of Great Britain. Connoisseurs of art simply have to visit the art galleries of Mainland and the museum in Lerwick, and admirers of natural beauties - in unique reserves.

Flora and fauna

Shetland Islands are located next to the warm Gulf Stream, which brings to the coast a huge amount of nutrients and plankton. They feed small fishes - the favorite food of birds. That's why the islands are home to a huge number of birds. On high rocks stretching along the coast, you can see arctic birds: skuas and dead ends. The South Shetland Islands are a favorite habitat for seals. From mammals here you can see dolphins, whales, porpoises. Rabbits, hedgehogs and rabbits were brought to the islands by a man. But the otter, who feels quite comfortable both in water and on land, is an aboriginal inhabitant of local places. Shetland Islands are buried in vegetation and numerous flowers. On the slopes of streams you can see small birches, alders, willows and low bushes. Coniferous trees, found on land, were usually planted artificially to decorate the landscape.

How to get there

From the airport in Aberdeen in a relatively short time you can reach the Shetland archipelago. You can get from the Orkney Islands only by ferry.