Up Helly Aa – Lerwick

Up Helly Aa is a spectacular, world-famous fire festival that celebrates the deep Viking heritage of the Shetland Islands. It takes place in the coastal town of Lerwick in Shetland, and the main celebrations use the postcode ZE1 0JN.

What to Expect and Enjoy

This is a breathtaking, high-energy festival that feels like stepping right into a Norse saga. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of local people coming together to light up the dark winter night with blazing torches and traditional songs.

• The Jarl Squad: Watch the main group of marchers, led by the “Guizer Jarl” (the Viking Chief), parade through the streets in incredibly detailed, custom-made Viking armor, shields, and winged helmets.
• The Viking Longship: A beautiful, full-sized replica of a Norse longship is hand-built by local craftsmen over many months just for this event. It is dragged through the streets by the torch-bearers during the grand procession.
• The Fiery Procession: As night falls, nearly a thousand torch-bearers light massive paraffin torches. They form a giant, glowing snake of fire through the darkened town, singing traditional island anthems.
• The Burning of the Ship: The procession ends in a dramatic circle around the longship. On a signal, all the marchers hurl their blazing torches into the ship, creating a massive, roaring bonfire that lights up the entire sky.
• All-Night Parties: After the fire dies down, the squads head into local halls across the town for traditional dances, skits, and celebrations that keep going until the sun comes up.

Best For and Time Spent

This event is fantastic for adults, groups of friends, photography lovers, and older families who want to witness one of the most unique and thrilling cultural festivals in the world.

• Duration: The main street processions take place during the morning and evening. The main fiery spectacle lasts about 1 to 2 hours, but the indoor community parties keep going all night long.
• Tone: High-energy, proud, and incredibly welcoming. The islanders are full of passion for their heritage, and the mood is wonderfully celebratory.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

• When It Happens: The festival takes place annually on the last Tuesday of January. The following day is a official public holiday in Shetland to let everyone recover from the late-night dancing!
• Parking & Traffic: The streets of central Lerwick are completely closed to vehicles for the processions. Finding a parking space nearby can be very tricky, so arriving early or walking from your accommodation is essential.
• Food & Drink: Local pubs, fish and chip shops, and cafes are absolutely packed during the festival. It is a smart idea to grab a hot drink or snack from a local bakery early to keep you warm while standing on the pavements.
• Weather Warning: It is the middle of winter on a remote Scottish island! It can be freezing cold, windy, or wet, so packing heavy winter coats, thermal layers, hats, and gloves is absolutely vital.
• Booking Ahead: Because thousands of tourists travel from all over the world for this, you must book your flights or ferries to Shetland, as well as your accommodation, many months or even a year in advance.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

While you are on the islands for the festival, you can take a drive south to visit the incredible ancient ruins at Jarlshof – Shetland. It is also a great opportunity to explore the rugged cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery that the Shetland archipelago is famous for.