MS Rotterdam
10% offoceanview
EuropeEurope - Western Europe
Lerwick Cruise Port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands, Scotland.
Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#116
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
60° / 46°
September normals
Europe - Western Europe
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
// Lerwick cruise port overview
The cruise port in Lerwick,
explained
Lat: 60.2°NLong: 1.1°WTimezone: Europe/LondonINTN code: LWK
Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is located on the east coast of the Shetland Mainland and is the most northerly town in the United Kingdom.
The town has a population of around 7,500 people and is the largest settlement in the Shetland Islands. The town is known for its picturesque harbour, which is home to a variety of fishing boats, yachts and ferries.
The town also has a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as a museum and art gallery. The town is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Up Helly Aa fire festival, which is held in January.
The town is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the 16th century Fort Charlotte. Lerwick is a great place to visit, with its stunning scenery, friendly locals and interesting history.
Ships visiting
9 lines
16 ships call at Lerwick
Peak passenger day
3,560
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$219
per person · 14 tours
Most ships dock at
7:00 AM
arrival for 41% of calls
Average port time
9h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in Lerwick start at $219.
Browse Lerwick excursions// Lerwick Cruise Deals
Price drops on cruises to Lerwick
162 cruises stop here in Lerwick during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Lerwick cruise's 90-day average.
Prices refreshed daily
MS Rotterdam
9% offsuite
Celebrity Eclipse
9% offsuite
MSC Preziosa
8% offinside
Celebrity Eclipse
6% offbalcony
Regal Princess
4% offbalcony
MSC Preziosa
3% offinside
MSC Meraviglia
3% offbalcony
// Lerwick Cruise Port location
Where is Lerwick Cruise Port?
Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands, located in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland. The port is situated on the east side of the island of Mainland, the largest of the Shetland Islands. It is a natural deep-water harbour and is the most northerly port in the United Kingdom. The port is well-equipped to handle cruise ships, with a range of facilities including a passenger terminal, a marina, and a range of shops and restaurants. The port is also close to a number of attractions, including the Shetland Museum and Archives, the Shetland Textile Museum, and the Shetland Bus Museum.
- General location
- Europe
- Category
- Europe - Western Europe
- Coordinates
- 60.15°N, 1.14°W
- Time zone
- Europe/London
Cruise port · 60.15°N, 1.14°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Lerwick cruise port guide
What to do in Lerwick
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Your day ashore
You'll have about 9 hours in Lerwick. Most ships dock around 7:00 AM.
Median across 34 scheduled calls
Ways to spend the day
3 themesTheme 1
Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of trails, from easy coastal walks to more challenging mountain hikes. The views from the top of the hills are stunning, and the wildlife is abundant. Hikers can also explore the many archaeological sites in the area, including Iron Age brochs and Pictish stone circles.
Theme 2
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of whale species, including minke whales, orcas, and humpback whales. Whale watchers can take boat trips from the harbour to explore the area and spot these majestic creatures. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the whales are most active.
Theme 3
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, skuas, and gannets. Birdwatchers can explore the many nature reserves in the area, including the Hermaness National Nature Reserve and the Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the birds are most active.
Lerwick cruise port beaches
3 in our guideS
Scalloway Beach
Scalloway Beach is a stunning beach located near the Lerwick cruise port in Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as the waters are teeming with fish. The beach is also a great spot for exploring, as there are many interesting rock formations and caves to explore.
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Sandwick Beach
Sandwick Beach is a beautiful beach located near the Lerwick cruise port in Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as the waters are teeming with fish.
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Sumburgh Beach
Sumburgh Beach is a stunning beach located near the Lerwick cruise port in Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds.
// Lerwick fun facts
Lerwick is Home to the Shetland Pony
The Shetland pony is a breed of small horse native to the Shetland Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. It is a hardy breed, able to survive in harsh conditions, and is popular as a riding and driving pony. The breed is also popular as a show pony, and is known for its gentle temperament and intelligence.
Lerwick is the UK's Most Northerly Town
Lerwick is the most northerly town in the United Kingdom, located on the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland. It is the only town on the islands and has a population of around 7,500 people. It is a popular tourist destination, with its picturesque harbour and historic buildings, as well as its unique culture and traditions.
Lerwick is Home to the Up Helly Aa Festival
The Up Helly Aa festival is an annual event held in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a celebration of the islands' Viking heritage, and involves a torch-lit procession of up to 1,000 'guizers' (participants in costume) and a replica Viking longship. The festival culminates in the burning of the longship, and is a popular event with locals and tourists alike.
Lerwick cruise port shopping
3 in our guideS
Shetland Jewellery
Shetland Jewellery is the perfect place to find a unique and special souvenir from your visit to the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of jewellery, from traditional Shetland designs to contemporary pieces. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, keyrings, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the cruise port.
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Shetland Textiles
Shetland Textiles is the perfect place to find a unique and special souvenir from your visit to the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of hand-crafted textiles, from traditional Shetland designs to contemporary pieces. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, keyrings, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the cruise port.
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Shetland Soap Company
The Shetland Soap Company is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of handmade soaps, lotions, and bath products, all made with natural ingredients. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, keyrings, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the cruise port.
// Lerwick Cruise Port Terminals
Which Lerwick cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
2 piers in Lerwick
Pier 1 of 2
Lerwick Cruise Terminal
Victoria Pier, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, ZE1 0LLLerwick Cruise Terminal is the main cruise port in the Shetland Islands. It is located on Victoria Pier in the heart of Lerwick and offers a range of services for cruise ships. The terminal has a modern passenger lounge, a baggage handling area, and a range of shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Shetland Museum and Archives, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the islands.
Pier 2 of 2
Shetland Islands Cruise Terminal
Havre des Pas, St. Helier, Jersey, JE2 4UHThe Shetland Islands Cruise Terminal is located in the port of St. Helier in Jersey. It is a modern facility that offers a range of services for cruise ships, including a passenger lounge, baggage handling area, and a range of shops and restaurants. The terminal also provides access to the nearby attractions of St. Helier, including the Maritime Museum and the Elizabeth Castle.
Wi-Fi
The Lerwick Port Authority offers free wifi access to passengers and visitors at the Lerwick Cruise Terminal. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.
Safety
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The crime rate in the Shetland Islands is very low, and the local police force is highly visible and active in the area. The port is well-maintained and monitored, and there are no known security threats in the area.
Port address
Lerwick HarbourCommercial RoadLerwickShetland IslandsZE1 0LYUnited Kingdom
Lerwick cruise port car rental
The closest car rental option near the Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to larger family cars, vans, and luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as 24-hour roadside assistance, free pick-up and drop-off, and a loyalty program. Other car rental options in the area include Avis, Budget, and Hertz. All of these companies offer similar services and vehicles, so it is best to compare prices and services to find the best deal.
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
// Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port excursions
Most Popular Lerwick Cruise Port Tours
14 excursions · book direct with the operator
Independent shore excursions in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.
Best Lerwick shore tours
Curated from 14 · not a search result
Worry-free4.9(49)$1,129
Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland
Worry-free4.9(40)$493
Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick
6h 30mWalking Tours
View Details for Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick (opens in a new tab)
5.0(7)$992
4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick
4hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for 4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick (opens in a new tab)
5.0(7)$821
Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof
5.0(6)$821
Cliffs and Rocks of the North
5hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for Cliffs and Rocks of the North (opens in a new tab)
4.6(5)$219
Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway
5.0(4)$1,026
Shetland TV Locations Private Full Day Tour
5.0(3)$1,161
Private Half Day Tour in Shetland South Mainland
// Weather
Lerwick Cruise Port Weather
Europe - Western Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Lerwick
54°
Avg · °F
Cool, frequent showers
- High
- 60°F
- Low
- 46°F
- Rain
- 3.8 in
// Year-round in Lerwick
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Avg temp °FRainfall in
// Lerwick cruise ship schedule
Lerwick Cruise Port Traffic Today
No cruise ships are scheduled in Lerwick today, Thursday, September 17, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Schedule updated
Planning around the crowds?
- Lerwick cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
- Slowest & busiest day analysis
- Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
// Keep exploring
Also on your cruise
71% of Lerwick cruises also call at one of these.
// Questions
Lerwick cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Lerwick.
Where is Lerwick cruise port located?
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is located in Europe. Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands, located in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland. The port is situated on the east side of the island of Mainland, the largest of the Shetland Islands. It is a natural deep-water harbour and is the most northerly port in the United Kingdom. The port is well-equipped to handle cruise ships, with a range of facilities including a passenger terminal, a marina, and a range of shops and restaurants. The port is also close to a number of attractions, including the Shetland Museum and Archives, the Shetland Textile Museum, and the Shetland Bus Museum.
Is Lerwick a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a great cruise port. It is the largest town in the Shetland Islands and offers a variety of attractions, including historic sites, museums, and wildlife watching. The port is also a popular stop for cruise ships, with many vessels offering excursions to nearby islands and attractions.
How safe is Lerwick cruise port for passengers?
Lerwick cruise port has a safety score of 9.1 out of 10, ranking #116 of 1018 ports in Europe. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The crime rate in the Shetland Islands is very low, and the local police force is highly visible and active in the area. The port is well-maintained and monitored, and there are no known security threats in the area.
What is the weather like at Lerwick cruise port in September?
In September, Lerwick cruise port has average high temperatures of 60°F (16°C) and average lows of 46°F (8°C).
How many excursions are available at Lerwick cruise port?
There are currently 14 excursions and tours available at Lerwick cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at Lerwick cruise port?
Lerwick cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Hiking, Whale Watching, Birdwatching. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the breathtaking views of the islands, and experience the unique culture of the Shetland Islands. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife. Visitors can also explore the local history and culture, with a range of museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs to enjoy, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
Can I rent a car at Lerwick cruise port?
The closest car rental option near the Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to larger family cars, vans, and luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as 24-hour roadside assistance, free pick-up and drop-off, and a loyalty program. Other car rental options in the area include Avis, Budget, and Hertz. All of these companies offer similar services and vehicles, so it is best to compare prices and services to find the best deal.
What is the WiFi situation at Lerwick cruise port?
The Lerwick Port Authority offers free wifi access to passengers and visitors at the Lerwick Cruise Terminal. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.
Where is the cruise terminal at Lerwick cruise port?
The address of Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is:Lerwick HarbourCommercial RoadLerwickShetland IslandsZE1 0LYUnited Kingdom
What is the Lerwick Cruise Port cruise schedule?
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Lerwick today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Lerwick on any past or future date.