The Ultimate Guide to Up Helly Aa on Shetland
Oct 23, 2025
Experience Shetland’s fiery Up Helly Aa festival on our 6-day tour from Edinburgh – Viking parades, longship burning, and unforgettable island adventures await.
Are you ready for one of the most fiery, exhilarating, and unique festivals in the world? The Up Helly Aa festival on Shetland is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Whether you're a Norse history buff, a fan of unique festivals, or simply curious about Shetland’s traditions, our 6-Day Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this unforgettable event. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your Up Helly Aa experience.
About Shetland's Viking Festival Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa (meaning ‘Up Holy Day All’), held annually in Lerwick, Shetland's capital, is a celebration of the islands' Viking past. The main event is the procession of the Jarl Squad - locals dressed as Vikings who lead the festivities, ending with the burning of a full-size Viking longship which has been built throughout the year. It’s a day of fire, history, and sheer spectacle, where the entire community comes together to celebrate. The festivities culminate in a night of music in local halls, with visitors and Shetlanders joining together to dance until dawn.
But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a single evening affair. The festivities kick off early, with the procession starting in the morning, followed by a full day of celebrations across Lerwick. From halls filled with music, song, and dance, to the grand finale in the evening – it’s practically a 24-hour event. And that’s where Highland Explorer Tours steps in - to give you an immersive, hassle-free experience with everything taken care of.
Essential Tips for Travelling to Up Helly Aa
To make the most of your time at Up Helly Aa, here are some top tips:
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Wrap Up Warm: Shetland in January can be chilly (to put it mildly!). Be sure to bring plenty of layers, a good waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat. Standing outside during the torchlit procession will be much more enjoyable if you’re warm and cosy. Don’t worry, though - we’ll make sure there’s plenty of time to warm up indoors with a local dram!
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Plan for All Weather: The weather in Shetland can be unpredictable. One minute it’s clear skies, the next, you might be battling gusty winds and rain. Packing in such way that allows you to easily shed when indoors is key to staying comfortable.
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Book Early: Up Helly Aa is incredibly popular, and accommodations fill up quickly. The advantage of joining our tour is that all accommodation, ferry crossings, and transfers are included, so you don’t need to worry about finding a place to stay.
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Don’t Miss the Junior Jarl Squad: Before the main parade in the evening, the younger generation of ‘Vikings’ takes to the streets for the Junior Jarl Squad parade. It’s an admirable and impressive sight that adds a special touch to the day. Be sure to catch it!
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Join in the Festivities: After the longship is set ablaze, the real party begins in the local halls. Tickets are limited and not easy to come by, but as part of our tour, you’ll have the opportunity to join the celebrations. Expect traditional Shetland dancing, music, and the chance to mingle with locals who’ve celebrated this festival for generations. Get your most comfortable shoes on – there’s plenty of dancing to be joined!
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Be Ready for the Viking Spirit: Up Helly Aa is more than just a spectacle. Get ready to embrace Shetland's Viking spirit in its full form. Don’t be shy - dress up in Viking gear if you fancy, join in the singing, and absorb the lively, friendly atmosphere.
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Stock Up on Snacks Up Helly Aa takes place on the last Tuesday of January, and the following day is a public holiday for much of Shetland. Be sure to grab your snacks before Wednesday, as most shops will be closed!
Why Experience Up Helly Aa with Highland Explorer Tours?
Our 6-day Up Helly Aa tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and immersion into the Up Helly Aa festival, all guided by a local expert who holds a close connection to Shetland’s people and way of life. Here’s a wee break down of the tour:
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Day 1: Meet your guide in Edinburgh and journey north through Scotland’s scenic countryside and along its east coast, stopping at some incredible landmarks before boarding an overnight ferry to Shetland.
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Days 2 to 5: Once on Shetland, you’ll spend 4 days immersing yourself in the island’s Viking heritage and otherworldly landscapes. Explore ancient sites dating back to the Iron Age, stroll along rugged coastlines, and experience Up Helly Aa firsthand. With our expert team by your side, you’ll be right in the heart of the action, making sure you don’t miss a single highlight!
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Day 6: As we make our way back to Edinburgh, relax and enjoy some more of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery, wrapping up an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing Scotland’s Viking heritage firsthand, there’s no better way than at Up Helly Aa. Our 6-day Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Book your place on the tour here, and we’ll see you on Shetland for an unforgettable time!
Up Helly Aa is held on the last Tuesday of January each year in Lerwick, Shetland.
The main celebrations happen over one day and night, but events and preparations take place throughout the week.
Yes – visitors are welcome to watch the torchlit procession, longship burning, and join the lively celebrations across Lerwick
You don’t need tickets to see the parade, but entry to the evening hall celebrations is limited and usually arranged locally.
It’s cold and windy in January, so pack warm layers, waterproofs, gloves, and sturdy shoes for standing outdoors.
Most visitors travel by overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick – included and arranged on Highland Explorer Tours’ 6-day trip.
Accommodation books up quickly, so booking well in advance or joining a guided tour ensures you have everything organised in advance.
It’s a daytime parade led by younger Vikings before the main evening procession – a great family-friendly highlight.
The daytime events are family-friendly, but the late-night festivities may be better suited to adults.
The 6-day tour includes transport from Edinburgh, ferry crossings, accommodation, a local guide, and access to key festival events.