Getting Here
Although situated on the most northern extremity of the British Isles, on the wild and rugged outer edge of Europe, Unst is surprisingly easy to visit.
Location
Where is Saxa Vord? See our location on Google Maps (centred on Valsgarth, near Saxa Vord) or on our Shetland map page.
Step 1 - Getting to Shetland
.jpg "Click to load a PDF map showing how to get to Shetland")
Daily flights from Scotland’s major cities and twice weekly flights from London land at Sumburgh Airport on the southern tip of Shetland, and from there a magnificent drive takes you north to Unst. Find out about flights to Shetland.
Alternatively, you can take the car ferry to Lerwick, Shetland’s county town, either from Aberdeen or from the North Coast of Scotland via Orkney. Find out more about the ferry to Shetland.
However you choose to get to Unst, you will be richly rewarded with magnificent views and a journey to remember.
Step 2 - Getting To Saxa Vord From Air or Ferry Port
The drive from Sumburgh Airport on the southern tip of Shetland to Saxa Vord at the northern tip, a journey of 78 miles, is a wonderfully memorable trip in itself. The roads, recently modernised, are very easy to drive and the wide, open vistas are spectacular: everything from rolling pasture and small farms to wild, exposed heathery hills, and mighty, rocky coastal headlands to small sheltered bays: and hardly a tree to be seen anywhere. There is so much to explore on Shetland and you have all the time in the world, so don’t rush – relax and enjoy it!
Lerwick, Shetland’s county town, and location of the main Ferry Terminal, lies 22 miles north of Sumburgh and is well worth a visit. In particular, a walk round the fascinating and informative New Shetland Museum and Archives, which opens in Spring 2007, will prepare you beautifully for your stay on Unst. See Shetland Museum And Archives
The two ferries linking Mainland to Yell and Yell to Unst are another great treat. Look out for otters, porpoises and other cetaceans – and the hot chocolate in the vending machine on the Mainland to Yell ferry is highly recommended! Find out more about Shetland's inter-island ferries.