Spirit of the North: Lerwick Walk & Distillery
Spirit of the North: Lerwick Walk & Distillery
Your experience begins with a short shuttle transfer from Mairs Pier to Victoria Pier, where you meet your guide and begin a walking exploration of Lerwick’s historic Old Town. The route leads past the Old Tolbooth, dating from 1770, and continues along the waterfront to view the distinctive Lodberries, historic houses and warehouses built directly over the sea so goods could be loaded from boats during the town’s prosperous herring trade. As you walk through the narrow streets, you pass St. Magnus Church before continuing toward Hillhead, where the town’s network of winding lanes climbs the hillside.
At the top of Hillhead stands Lerwick Town Hall, known for its stained-glass windows that illustrate Shetland’s Norse heritage. From here, the walk continues to Lerwick Distillery, Shetland’s first malt whisky distillery. Inside the distillery, you will learn about the whisky-making process, including the selection of ingredients, distillation techniques, and how the island’s maritime climate influences maturation. During the visit, a tasting is offered, including two drams, a small whisky taster, and a highball featuring one of the distillery’s signature whiskies.
Following the distillery visit, the walk returns toward the harbor along Commercial Street, Lerwick’s traditional shopping street, where local craft and knitwear shops line the route. This final stretch offers time to observe the town’s active waterfront and commercial center before returning to Victoria Pier. At the pier, the shuttle bus awaits to transfer guests back to the ship, concluding the walking exploration of Lerwick’s historic streets and local whisky-making traditions.
Notes: The tour includes approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking through Lerwick, including steep streets, stone steps, narrow streets, and sloping lanes typical of the town’s historic Old Town. A metal walkway is present around the distillery floor. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to be served alcoholic beverages during the tasting.
This Yachting Land Adventure must be booked prior to the beginning of the voyage however, bookings may still be accepted once guests board the yacht, up to the time of arrival, subject to availability. This tour has very limited capacity. Please note that this tour is non-refundable once the voyage has commenced. A minimum number of participants is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. Please book on the Seadream.com website, or onboard, early to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on board.
Port: Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland
Duration: 3.5 hours
Current Price: 229 USD
Voyages where this land adventure may be found: