Why spring is the best-kept secret in Shetland

Shetland is a destination for all seasons, but for travellers drawn to space and a slower pace of travel, spring – known locally as voar – is a good time to visit. March and April sit between Shetland’s dramatic winter weather and its busy summer months, creating a rare pause in the calendar. The islands feel expansive and unhurried as nature slowly reclaims the landscape.

1. A landscape to yourself

One of voar's greatest luxuries in Shetland is space. Roads are quiet, accommodation is easier to secure, and on many days, you may find yourself alone with the elements. Coastal paths wind past cliffs and geos with no one else in sight; beaches lie empty except for seabirds and the tide. With fewer people around, Shetland’s geology, archaeology and maritime heritage come into sharp focus. It’s easier to slow down here, and once you do, the islands begin to reveal themselves.

2. Spring wildlife arrives in waves

Spring doesn’t burst into Shetland all at once; it arrives gradually. March can still feel like winter’s echo, with cool air and dramatic skies that shift constantly. But by early April, everything changes.

This is when puffins return from the open Atlantic, reclaiming their clifftop burrows for the breeding season. Known locally as Tammie Norries, their arrival is one of the true turning points of the year. Seeing them in spring – before the summer rush – feels intimate and unspoiled. At places like Sumburgh Head or the northern cliffs of Unst, you may find yourself watching their comings and goings with only the wind for company.

Great skuas return too, fiercely defending their territories, while seabird cliffs begin to thrum with life and sound. Towards the end of April, lambs appear on the moors and the first wildflowers brighten roadsides and fields. It’s a season of renewal that unfolds slowly, and beautifully, if you take the time to notice.

3. Light, weather and atmosphere like nowhere else

Spring light in Shetland is unforgettable. The days lengthen quickly, offering more time for exploration, while the skies remain gloriously dramatic. Sun breaks through heavy cloud without warning; rain passes in minutes; colours shift constantly across sea and land.

For photographers, artists and lovers of wild places, voar offers some of the most compelling conditions of the year. The pared-back landscape, still largely untouched by summer growth, highlights textures of rock, peat and water. Even a simple walk can feel cinematic.

4. Culture and community without the crowds

Spring is also a rewarding time to experience Shetland’s living culture. Museums, galleries and creative spaces are open, but without the bustle of peak season. There’s time to linger, talk and ask questions.

In March, visitors may even catch the final fire festivals of the winter, such as Delting Up Helly Aa or South Mainland Up Helly Aa – these are smaller and more local than the main Lerwick celebration, yet still excellent fun. These events offer a glimpse into Shetland’s strong sense of community, storytelling and Norse heritage.

Elsewhere, places like Mareel in Lerwick host music, film and exhibitions year-round, while cafes, pubs and restaurants provide warm refuges at the end of blustery days. Spring evenings are perfect for sampling local seafood, island-brewed beer and listening to stories from those who know the islands best.

5. A season for slow, curious travel

Perhaps the greatest reason to visit Shetland in spring is the pace. Voar invites a slower kind of travel that values conversation and connection over ticking boxes.

This is the ideal time to explore with a knowledgeable local guide, uncovering lesser-known sites and hearing the stories behind the scenery. It’s a season that rewards curiosity: stopping when something catches your eye, following a single-track road just to see where it leads or sitting quietly as seals bob on the shore.

If you’re drawn to wild landscapes, meaningful encounters and moments of solitude, Shetland in spring offers a rare and deeply rewarding experience.