Up Helly Aa 2027
Viking Fire Festival and magnificent seaside scenery on the remote Shetland island.
Check In Time: 7:45
Departure Time: 8:00
Return Time: 15:00
Last Updated: 19/05/2026 14:59:12 by Kirsty Tough
| # | Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Product ID | XF2 | ||
| 2 | Name | Up Helly Aa 2027 | ||
| 3 | Duration | 7 | ||
| 4 | Description Headline | Viking Fire Festival and magnificent seaside scenery on the remote Shetland island. | ||
| 5 | Description Short | Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our annual Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh takes you to the remote islands of Shetland off the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. On the last Tuesday of January this traditional winter festival marks the lengthening of the days and the dawn of another year. Lively Scottish dancing, traditional Shetland music, the boat burning ceremony and torchlight procession makes for an unforgettable experience. | ||
| 6 | Description | Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our annual Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh takes you to the remote islands of Shetland off the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. On the last Tuesday of January this traditional winter festival marks the lengthening of the days and the dawn of another year. Lively Scottish dancing, traditional Shetland music, the boat burning ceremony and torchlight procession makes for an unforgettable experience. | ||
| 7 | Web Url | https://www.highlandexplorertours.com/3-6-day-tours/6-day-tour-up-helly-aa | ||
| 8 | Start Location | 60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh | Long: -3.186111 | Lat: 55.950264 |
| 9 | Start Map | |||
| 10 | End City | 60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh | Long: -3.186111 | Lat: 55.950264 |
| 11 | End Map | |||
| Booking Engine | ||||
| 12 | Filters | Tour | ||
| 13 | Tags | 2 to 10 Day Tours | ||
| Addons | ||
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| ID | Name | Link to Product Page |
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| ID | Name | Link to Product Page |
| Similar Products (For cross Sale) | ||
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| ID | Name | Link to Product Page |
| ABE | Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye | Link |
| X5P | Winter Wonders of Scotland | Link |
| IE6 | Isle of Skye Community & Outdoor Adventure | Link |
| X6D | Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides | Link |
| X8O | Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 | Link |
Itinerary
Name: Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Short Description: We leave Edinburgh and head north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, stopping in the village of Falkland before continuing to St Andrews, the home of golf. You’ll have time to explore the town and grab lunch near the cathedral ruins and the famous Old Course. In the afternoon, we visit the Masters of Mayhem at Angus Alchemy for a distillery tour and tasting, then continue to Aberdeen to board the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Description: We leave Edinburgh and head north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, stopping in the village of Falkland before continuing to St Andrews, the home of golf. You’ll have time to explore the town and grab lunch near the cathedral ruins and the famous Old Course. In the afternoon, we visit the Masters of Mayhem at Angus Alchemy for a distillery tour and tasting, then continue to Aberdeen to board the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Highlights
- St Andrews(Andrews)
- Falkland (1940s Inverness)(Falkland)
- Ferry Ride to Shetland(FerryShetland)
Name: Lerwick
Short Description: Arriving in Lerwick, we begin with a short drive around town to get your bearings, before heading north to Hillswick. From here, we explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes of Eshaness, stopping near the lighthouse to take in the Atlantic views. We then cross Mavis Grind, where the North Sea and Atlantic almost meet, before lunch at Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. In the afternoon, we visit Lunna Kirk, a quiet peninsula with a wartime past, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick
Description: Arriving in Lerwick, we begin with a short drive around town to get your bearings, before heading north to Hillswick. From here, we explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes of Eshaness, stopping near the lighthouse to take in the Atlantic views. We then cross Mavis Grind, where the North Sea and Atlantic almost meet, before lunch at Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. In the afternoon, we visit Lunna Kirk, a quiet peninsula with a wartime past, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick
Highlights
- Lerwick (Lerwick)
- Eshaness(Eshaness)
Name: Lerwick
Short Description: Today takes us south to Sumburgh Head, with a walk up to the lighthouse with sweeping coastal views. We then visit Jarlshof, where thousands of years of settlement history sit side by side. After lunch and time to browse craft shops in Hoswick, we finish the day at St Ninian’s Isle, a wide sandy tombolo leading to a tidal island. Overnight: Lerwick
Description: Today takes us south to Sumburgh Head, with a walk up to the lighthouse with sweeping coastal views. We then visit Jarlshof, where thousands of years of settlement history sit side by side. After lunch and time to browse craft shops in Hoswick, we finish the day at St Ninian’s Isle, a wide sandy tombolo leading to a tidal island. Overnight: Lerwick
Highlights
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse(Sumburgh)
- Jarlshof(Jarlshof)
- St Ninian's Isle (Ninian)
Name: Lerwick
Short Description: We start the day at Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age site set beside a loch just outside Lerwick. From here, we travel to Meal Beach for a beach clean, spending time outdoors while giving something back. In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
Description: We start the day at Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age site set beside a loch just outside Lerwick. From here, we travel to Meal Beach for a beach clean, spending time outdoors while giving something back. In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
Highlights
- Clickimin Broch(Clickimin)
Name: Lerwick
Short Description: Today’s the day, the highlight of the trip. In the morning, we walk together to the parade route near the Islesburgh Centre to watch the Jarl Squad form ranks, then follow sections of the main parade through Lerwick. After some free time, we regroup at Mareel for the Fiery Sessions concert. You get more free time in the afternoon before gathering in the evening at the War Memorial for the lighting ceremony. Your day ends with the torchlit procession, galley burning, and celebrations inside the Town Hall. Overnight: Lerwick
Description: Today’s the day, the highlight of the trip. In the morning, we walk together to the parade route near the Islesburgh Centre to watch the Jarl Squad form ranks, then follow sections of the main parade through Lerwick. After some free time, we regroup at Mareel for the Fiery Sessions concert. You get more free time in the afternoon before gathering in the evening at the War Memorial for the lighting ceremony. Your day ends with the torchlit procession, galley burning, and celebrations inside the Town Hall. Overnight: Lerwick
Highlights
- Up Helly Aa(Helly)
Name: Lerwick to Aberdeen
Short Description: It was likely to have been a late and lively night, so we take it easy with a late-morning guided walking tour of Lerwick, followed by free time to explore the Shetland Museum. After an amazing few days experiencing Up Helly Aa and the stunning Shetland Islands, we head to the ferry terminal and board the overnight sailing back to the mainland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Description: It was likely to have been a late and lively night, so we take it easy with a late-morning guided walking tour of Lerwick, followed by free time to explore the Shetland Museum. After an amazing few days experiencing Up Helly Aa and the stunning Shetland Islands, we head to the ferry terminal and board the overnight sailing back to the mainland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Highlights
This item has no highlights added
Name: Aberdeen to Edinburgh
Short Description: We arrive in Aberdeen first thing and travel south along the coast, stopping at the cliff-top ruins of mysterious Dunnottar Castle. Next we visit Dundee, with free time to explore the waterfront, the V&A Museum, or the RRS Discovery, before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
Description: We arrive in Aberdeen first thing and travel south along the coast, stopping at the cliff-top ruins of mysterious Dunnottar Castle. Next we visit Dundee, with free time to explore the waterfront, the V&A Museum, or the RRS Discovery, before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
Highlights
- Dunnottar Castle (Dunnottar)
- V&A Dundee (Dundee)
Inclusions
Item 1: Passionate Local Guide
Item 2: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Item 3: Guided Tour of Shetland
Item 4: Four-Night Stay at a Three-Star Hotel (Twin-Share Room)
Item 5: Two Overnight Ferries (Quad-Share Cabin)
Item 6: Breakfast Every Morning
Item 7: Three Evening Meals
Item 8: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Item 9: Free Time in Lerwick
Item 10: Distillery Visit
Item 11: Lunna Kirk
Highlights
Name: Up Helly Aa
NameShort: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is an annual fire festival, which pays tribute to Shetland’s Norse heritage. Vikings roam the streets, hundreds of torches illuminate the night sky, and a handcrafted Viking galley is set ablaze. A festival unlike any other.
Up Helly Aa is an annual fire festival, which pays tribute to Shetland’s Norse heritage. Vikings roam the streets, hundreds of torches illuminate the night sky, and a handcrafted Viking galley is set ablaze. A festival unlike any other.
Image Name: Up Helly Aa
Image Alt: Up Helly Aa
Name: Shetland
NameShort: Shetland
The wild and rugged Shetland islands are the most northerly in Scotland. Vikings ruled Shetland from the 9th century until 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland for a marriage agreement; we obviously decided not to give them back!
The wild and rugged Shetland islands are the most northerly in Scotland. Vikings ruled Shetland from the 9th century until 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland for a marriage agreement; we obviously decided not to give them back!
Image Name: Shetland
Image Alt: Shetland Harbour
Name: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
NameShort: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Towering proudly atop Sumburgh Head, the lighthouse has watched over Shetland's coastline since 1821. It's well worth the walk up to the lighthouse to enjoy the sweeping views of the North Sea.
Towering proudly atop Sumburgh Head, the lighthouse has watched over Shetland's coastline since 1821. It's well worth the walk up to the lighthouse to enjoy the sweeping views of the North Sea.
Image Name: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Image Alt: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Name: Eshaness
NameShort: Eshaness
Eshaness, on Shetland's north-west coast, is a favourite for its dramatic cliffs and ancient volcanic rocks. Called the wild west of Shetland, its rugged scenery and stunning views capture the raw, untamed beauty of the island.
Eshaness, on Shetland's north-west coast, is a favourite for its dramatic cliffs and ancient volcanic rocks. Called the wild west of Shetland, its rugged scenery and stunning views capture the raw, untamed beauty of the island.
Image Name: Eshaness
Image Alt: Eshaness
Name: Jarlshof
NameShort: Jarlshof
Jarlshof is a fascinating archaeological site on Shetland showcasing over 4,000 years of continuous human settlement. The layered ruins, which were home to many communities over the centuries, include a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and a Norse longhouse.
Jarlshof is a fascinating archaeological site on Shetland showcasing over 4,000 years of continuous human settlement. The layered ruins, which were home to many communities over the centuries, include a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and a Norse longhouse.
Image Name: Jarlshof
Image Alt: Jarlshof
Name: Clickimin Broch
NameShort: Clickimin Broch
Clickimin Broch is a historical marvel. Dating back over a millennium, it likely served as a residence for one of Shetland's local chiefs or noble family during the Iron Age. It provided a fortified dwelling, offering protection and prestige to its inhabitants.
Clickimin Broch is a historical marvel. Dating back over a millennium, it likely served as a residence for one of Shetland's local chiefs or noble family during the Iron Age. It provided a fortified dwelling, offering protection and prestige to its inhabitants.
Image Name: Clickimin Broch
Image Alt: Clickimin Broch
Name: Ferry Ride to Shetland
NameShort: Ferry Ride to Shetland
Embark on an exhilarating ride across the North Sea! Experience breath-taking sea views, catch glimpses of wildlife, and relax in cosy cabin accommodation. A thrilling journey to Scotland's northernmost frontier and a perfect start to your Shetland adventure.
Embark on an exhilarating ride across the North Sea! Experience breath-taking sea views, catch glimpses of wildlife, and relax in cosy cabin accommodation. A thrilling journey to Scotland's northernmost frontier and a perfect start to your Shetland adventure.
Image Name: Ferry Ride to Shetland
Image Alt: Ferry Ride to Shetland
Name: Lerwick
NameShort: Lerwick
Lerwick is Shetland’s main town, and its quaint streets are home to cosy cafes, lively pubs and gift shops. Visit the Shetland Museum, and enjoy a drink with locals and live music in the lead up to Up Helly Aa.
Lerwick is Shetland’s main town, and its quaint streets are home to cosy cafes, lively pubs and gift shops. Visit the Shetland Museum, and enjoy a drink with locals and live music in the lead up to Up Helly Aa.
Image Name: Lerwick
Image Alt: Lerwick
Name: St Ninian's Isle
NameShort: St Ninian's Isle
St Ninian’s Isle is famous for its sandy causeway – known as a tombolo - which connects the island to Shetland Mainland. The popularly photographed tombolo is a unique spectacle, and one of the most beautiful beaches on Shetland.
St Ninian’s Isle is famous for its sandy causeway – known as a tombolo - which connects the island to Shetland Mainland. The popularly photographed tombolo is a unique spectacle, and one of the most beautiful beaches on Shetland.
Image Name: St Ninian's Isle
Image Alt: St Ninian's Isle Shetland
Name: Dunnottar Castle
NameShort: Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is arguably the most striking coastal castle in Scotland. The structure been raided by Vikings, attacked by William Wallace, and visited by Mary Queen of Scots. Its history is as dramatic as the clifftop location!
Dunnottar Castle is arguably the most striking coastal castle in Scotland. The structure been raided by Vikings, attacked by William Wallace, and visited by Mary Queen of Scots. Its history is as dramatic as the clifftop location!
Image Name: Dunnottar Castle
Image Alt: Dunnottar Castle
Name: St Andrews
NameShort: St Andrews
St Andrews is a charming little town, famed as the ‘Home of Golf’, and the place where Prince William and met Kate at university. The town is also home to quaint cafes, an impressive cathedral, and a coastal castle.
St Andrews is a charming little town, famed as the ‘Home of Golf’, and the place where Prince William and met Kate at university. The town is also home to quaint cafes, an impressive cathedral, and a coastal castle.
Image Name: St Andrews
Image Alt: St Andrews
Name: Cairngorms National Park
NameShort: Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Image Name: Cairngorms
Image Alt: Cairngorms National Park
Media
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa Viking parade with men in detailed Viking costumes, wearing helmets and cloaks, carrying axes
Meta Data
Name: Shetland
Shetland
Eshaness coast on Shetland with rugged cliffs and crashing waves, illuminated by bright sunshine
Meta Data
Name: Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle
Highland Explorer Guide in a kilt and bonnet posing with the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched on a coastal cliff
Meta Data
Name: Viking Torchlight Procession
Viking Torchlight Procession
Two men dressed as Vikings with red cloaks and helmets during the Up Helly Aa torchlight procession
Meta Data
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa Viking parade in Lerwick with the Jarl and squad in detailed Viking attire, carrying shields and flags
Meta Data
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Viking parade with men in fur coats and helmets, carrying decorated shields
Meta Data
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa Viking longboat with intricate carvings and dragon figurehead, displayed in daylight before the burning ceremony
Meta Data
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa Viking long boat burning ceremony at night
Meta Data
Name: Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa Viking parade in Lerwick carrying shields and flags
Meta Data
Name: Shetland
Shetland
Shetland pony standing with rugged landscape in the background, under a cloudy sky
Meta Data
Name: Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle perched on a cliff, with the sea stretching out in the background under a dramatic sky
Meta Data
Name: Shetland Lighthouse
Shetland Lighthouse
Blue Highland Explorer bus parked at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse in Shetland, with the rugged coastline and the North Sea
Meta Data
Name: 7 Day Up Helly Aa Tour itinerary Map
6 Day Up Helly Aa Tour itinerary Map
Itinerary Map of Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh