Shetland Islands

In the north-east of Great Britain - between the Northand the Norwegian Sea - the Shetland Islands are located. They are a fairly large archipelago. To date, they include more than a hundred different in shape and size of the islets, of which only twelve are inhabited. In its form, this archipelago has a striking similarity in Orkney, but, unlike it, is located at a farther distance from Britain. The most important and largest island is Mainland, and the administrative center is Lerwick.

Climatic conditions

Shetland Islands are surrounded by warm Arcticthe ocean. This is why the subarctic marine temperate climate prevails here. The water temperature in the early spring is about 5 degrees, in the summer - no more than fifteen. In winter, air rarely cools below 0. In summer it is comfortable and easy, as the temperature does not rise above 20 degrees. In general, the climate is rather humid, precipitation, as a rule, falls out more than 200 days a year. From April to August, the driest period comes, just at this time the light day lasts 23 hours a day. In winter - no more than four. In the summer time, strong fogs are not uncommon, but there is practically no snow here. If, after all, it falls out, then more than one day does not stay on the surface of the earth.

Landscape

These picturesque islands of the UK are ruggeddeep gorges, reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords. Their relief is dominated by plateaus and hilly plains. Since strong winds are constantly blowing from the ocean, there are practically no trees on land. The landscape consists of pastures with low and rather stiff grass, hills.

sights

Shetland Islands attract many touristsThis is the original town of Jarlshof, located not far from Samburg. This ancient settlement arose in the distant Bronze Age. Jarlshof is the most studied prehistoric monument and the most important archaeological heritage of Great Britain. Connoisseurs of art simply have to visit the art galleries of Mainland and the museum in Lerwick, and admirers of natural beauties - in unique reserves.

Flora and fauna

Shetland Islands are located next to the warmCurrent Gulf Stream, which brings to the coast a huge amount of nutrients and plankton. They feed small fishes - the favorite food of birds. That's why the islands are home to a huge number of birds. On high cliffs, stretching along the coast, you can see arctic birds: skuas and dead ends. The South Shetland Islands are a favorite habitat for seals. From mammals here you can see dolphins, whales, porpoises. Rabbits, hedgehogs and rabbits were brought to the islands by a man. But the otter, which feels quite comfortable both in water and on land, is an aboriginal inhabitant of local places.

Shetland Islands are buried in vegetation andnumerous colors. On the slopes of streams you can see small birches, alders, willows and low bushes. Conifers, found on land, were usually planted artificially to decorate the landscape.

How to get there

From the airport in Aberdeen in a relatively short time you can reach the Shetland archipelago. You can get from the Orkney Islands only by ferry.