Up Helly Aa
One of Europe's largest fire festivals, where over a thousand torch-bearers in Viking dress parade and then burn a Viking longship.
Up Helly Aa began as a New Year celebration in the 19th century and is held in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January. During the day, a squad of armoured men led by the Guizer Jarl parades through the streets. After nightfall, nearly a thousand torch-bearers march in procession and finally throw their torches onto a full-size Viking longship, which blazes skyward, followed by all-night celebrations in the halls. The parade is free to watch, but hall parties require tickets. In summer, the Galley Shed exhibition displays the armour, longships and photographs from past years. Accommodation during the festival is extremely scarce, so book several months ahead.
Opening hours
Closed last Tuesday of January; Galleria pavilion exhibition hall open in summer
Nearby sights
- Shetland Museum and Archives
- Fort Charlotte
- Lerwick Old Town & Commercial Street
- Broch of Clickimin
- Scalloway Castle & Museum
- Isle of Noss
- Broch of Mousa
- Weisdale Mill & Bonhoga Gallery