In the northeast of Great Britain - between the North and Norwegian Sea - are the Shetland Islands. They represent a fairly large archipelago. To date, they include more than a hundred islands of various shapes and sizes, of which only twelve are inhabited. In its form, this archipelago bears a striking resemblance to Orkney, but, in contrast to it, is located at a farther distance from Great Britain. Mainland is considered the main and largest island, and Lerwick is the administrative center.
Climatic conditions
The Shetland Islands are surrounded by the warm Arctic Ocean. That is why the subarctic marine temperate climate prevails here. The water temperature in early spring is about 5 degrees, in the summer - no more than fifteen. In winter, the air rarely cools below 0. In summer, it is comfortable and easy, since the temperature does not rise above 20 degrees. In general, the climate is quite humid, with precipitation usually falling more than 200 days a year. From April to August, the driest period begins, it is at this time that
daylight hours last 23 hours a day. In winter - no more than four. In summer, heavy fogs are not uncommon, but there is practically no snow here. If, nevertheless, it falls out, then more than one day does not linger on the surface of the earth.
Landscape
These picturesque islands of Great Britain are indented by deep gorges reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords. Their relief is dominated by plateaus and hilly plains. Since strong winds constantly blow from the ocean, there are practically no trees on land. The landscape consists of pastures with low and rather hard grass, hills.
sights
The Shetland Islands attract many tourists with the original town of Jarleshof, located near Samburgh. This ancient settlement originated in the distant
Bronze Age. Jarleshof is the most studied prehistoric monument and the most important archaeological heritage of Great Britain. Art lovers are simply obliged to visit the Mainland art galleries and museum in Lerwick, and fans of natural beauty - in unique reserves.
Flora and fauna
The Shetland Islands are located next to the warm Gulf Stream, which brings a huge amount of nutrients and plankton to the shores. They feed small fish - the favorite food of birds. That is why a huge number of birds live on the islands. On high cliffs, stretching along the coast, you can see Arctic birds: skuas and puffins. South Shetland Islands - Seals' favorite habitat. Of the mammals you can see dolphins, whales, porpoises. Hares, hedgehogs and rabbits were brought to the islands by humans. But the otter, which feels quite comfortable both in water and on land, is the original inhabitant of these places.
The Shetland Islands are surrounded by vegetation and numerous flowers. On the slopes of streams you can see small birches, alders, willows and low shrubs. Conifers found on land, as a rule, were planted artificially to decorate the landscape.
How to get there
From the airport in Aberdeen in a fairly short time you can reach the Shetland archipelago. Orkney Islands can only be reached by ferry.