Up Helly Aa

Up Helly Aa is a winter festival that takes place annually in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, usually on the last Tuesday of January. The festival celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage, marking the end of the Yule season. It features a series of events leading up to and including the main day of celebration.

The centerpiece of Up Helly Aa is the torch-lit procession led by the Guizer Jarl, or chief guiser, and his squad. Participants, known as guizers, dress up in themed costumes and march through the town or village, culminating in the torching of a Viking longship, or galley.

The burning of the galley symbolizes the passing of the Viking era, while also providing a spectacular finale to the procession.

Following the torch procession and galley burning, participants and spectators often gather for private and public parties and dances that last into the early hours of the morning. The festival is characterized by a strong community spirit and involves meticulous planning and preparation by the locals.

There are several Up Helly Aa celebrations across the Shetland Islands, but the largest and most famous one takes place in Lerwick, the archipelago’s capital. This Lerwick Up Helly Aa has grown significantly since its modern inception in the 19th century and attracts visitors from around the world.

Up Helly Aa is a unique cultural event that blends historical reverence with contemporary celebration, showcasing the pride that the Shetland Islanders have in their Norse heritage.

How to get to the Lerwick for the Up Helly Aa?

To get to the Shetland Islands for the Up Helly Aa festival, you’ll typically start your journey by reaching mainland Scotland, since the islands are located about 100 miles north of the Scottish mainland.

From Within the UK

By Air
The most direct way to reach the Shetland Islands is by air. Shetland’s main airport is Sumburgh Airport, located at the southern tip of the main island. There are daily flights to Sumburgh from major Scottish airports, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, operated by airlines like Loganair.

By Sea
NorthLink Ferries operates overnight ferry services from Aberdeen to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, with the journey taking approximately 12-14 hours. This option allows you to bring a vehicle with you, which can be very useful for exploring the islands.

From Outside the UK

International Flights
If you’re coming from outside the UK, you’ll first need to fly into one of Scotland’s main airports. Edinburgh and Glasgow are the largest and offer the widest range of international flights. From there, you can catch a domestic flight to Sumburgh Airport in Shetland.

Connecting Through Aberdeen
Another option is to fly into Aberdeen, which has some international connections. From Aberdeen, you can either take a flight or the NorthLink ferry to Lerwick.

Tips for the Journey

Book Early
Both flights and ferry tickets can sell out quickly, especially around the time of Up Helly Aa. It’s wise to book as early as possible.

Consider Staying Overnight in Aberdeen
If you’re taking the ferry or have a connecting flight, consider spending a night in Aberdeen to ensure you don’t miss your connection due to delays.

Travel Around the Islands
If you want to explore more of Shetland beyond Lerwick, consider renting a car. While there is public transport on the islands, having your own vehicle provides more flexibility.

Up Helly Aa is a popular event, and accommodation in Lerwick and surrounding areas can fill up quickly, so alongside your travel arrangements, make sure to secure your lodging well in advance. Enjoy your trip to one of the most unique cultural festivals in the world!