Northern Lights: Shetland
Nature has an amazing ability to create breathtaking spectacles that evoke wonder and awe. Among these captivating phenomena is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis or mirrie dancers by Shetland locals. Scotland's northern landscapes provide a unique vantage point to witness this celestial dance of colours. In this article, we explore the magic of the Northern Lights in Scotland, particularly in the Shetland Islands, where to witness this phenomenon, and how to plan an enchanting Northern Lights holiday amidst the rich tapestry of Shetland's offerings.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, a mesmerising natural light display, are created by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth's magnetic field. This interaction leads to the emission of vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple, transforming the night sky into a canvas of ethereal beauty. This enchanting dance is also known as the Aurora Borealis, derived from the Greek words “Aurora” meaning ‘sunrise’ and “Boreas” meaning ‘wind’.
Where to see the Northern Lights in Scotland
For those wondering where to see the Northern Lights, Scotland's Shetland Islands offer an ideal destination. The Shetland Islands, located in the northernmost reaches of Scotland, provide an optimal combination of factors essential for observing the Aurora Borealis. With limited light pollution and a relatively remote location, Shetland creates an idyllic setting to experience the Northern Lights in all their glory and is the perfect destination for a Northern Lights holiday.
The Mirrie Dancers: Shetland's Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are lovingly referred to as the “mirrie dancers” in the Shetland dialect. This term, with the word ‘mirr’ meaning ‘to shimmer’, beautifully encapsulates the mesmerizing movements of the lights across the night sky. In Shetland's rich folklore, mirrie dancers hold cultural significance, weaving tales of mystery and wonder, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience.
When to see the Northern Lights in Shetland
The best time to witness the Northern Lights in Scotland, including the Shetland Islands, is during the winter months from mid-October to mid-March, where longer nights and darker skies provide the ideal backdrop for the vivid colours of the Aurora Borealis to shine. For the best view, make sure to steer clear of times when there is a full moon.
Planning a Northern Lights holiday in Shetland
Shetland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and wildlife encounters, ensuring a fulfilling holiday even before the Northern Lights grace the sky.
The weather in the Shetland Islands can be unpredictable, but that's part of the adventure. As the appearance of the Northern Lights is heavily influenced by solar activity and weather conditions, make sure to plan other things to do in Shetland and enjoy the array of other activities the islands have to offer to complement your Northern Lights holiday.
While awaiting the luminous dance of the mirrie dancers, explore the stunning landscapes where you’ll find an abundance of Shetland wildlife. Spot puffins and a plethora of other bird species through birdwatching, hike the rocky coastlines to encounter fascinating sea life including otters, seals and orcas or find iconic Shetland ponies grazing in fields along the roadside as you travel. For more information about wildlife activities to be enjoyed on Northern Lights holidays, check out our blog all about wildlife in Shetland.
Looking to learn more about Shetland’s rich and diverse history? Delve into The Shetland Islands’ compelling history as you visit ancient ruins and engaging museums. From the arrival of the Vikings to Shetland’s vital role in WW1 and WW2, our blog about the History of the Shetland Islands has all you need to know about Shetland’s history that spans thousands of years.
How do you get to the Shetland Islands?
The most common ways to travel to the islands are either arriving by ferry or by getting flights to Shetland. At Airtask, we offer Shetland inter-island flights, operating passenger services between Lerwick, departing from Tingwall Airport, to both Foula and Fair Isle. For more information and flight scheduling, please click here.
Looking for something adventurous?
A Northern Lights holiday in the Shetland Islands isn't just about witnessing a natural phenomenon; it's about immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscape too. Why not view all of the magnificent sights of the Shetland Islands from above? Among the most awe-inspiring things to do in Shetland, is to take in the magnificent lochs, stunning beaches, historical sites and more from an aerial perspective. Call 01595 840246 or email lwk.ops@airtask.com to secure your place on the only scenic flights available in Shetland.