Remote, wind-scoured, and astonishingly compact, Shetland packs nearly three billion years of Earth history into one small archipelago. Often described as Scotland’s geology in miniature, it brings together ancient continental crust, fragments of ocean floor, volcanic systems, major fault zones, and fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks, earning Shetland its UNESCO Global Geopark status. Exposed along dramatic coastlines and rugged landscapes shaped by the full force of the North Atlantic, Shetland offers one of the most legible and rewarding geological stories in Europe, where big tectonic ideas are brought vividly to life in the field.
We offer two Shetland geology tours. Our five-day tour is primarily designed as an extension to our Scotland Geological Tour, but it can also be booked as a standalone option for those wanting a shorter visit. It is entirely possible to see Shetland’s geological highlights within this timeframe. The seven-day tour is designed for those who wish to spend longer in Shetland itself, allowing more time across the islands to experience the landscapes, coastlines, and geology in greater depth. For a place as geologically rich, remote, and distinctive as Shetland, the longer itinerary gives the islands the time they deserve, particularly for travellers who have come a long way to be there.
