This morning, National Geographic Explorer arrived at anchor off the shore of Unst, the third largest of the Shetland Islands and the northernmost inhabited point in the UK. Clouds dispelled to reveal some blue skies as the guests arrived at the dock by Zodiac. Half the group chose to hike to Hermaness Hill at the northernmost tip of the island. Guests encountered spectacular, sweeping views of the landscape, as well as the extensive gannet colony on the cliffs of the Neap. Local sheep also shared in guests’ views of the rugged landscape. The other half of the group embarked on a morning coach tour of some of Unst’s most scenic locations. This offered insight into both the geology and history of the island. The heritage centre and the Boat Haven represent the distinctive lifestyles enjoyed by residents of the island for centuries. A highlight of the tour was a reconstructed Viking longhouse and longboat, which offered a fascinating look back at the Norse heritage of the island. After lunch on board, National Geographic Explorer sailed to Lerwick while guests enjoyed a presentation from the expedition diver. The early evening offered a walking tour and free time in Lerwick, during which guests explored the sights to learn about the history of the city and its Iron Age roots.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 28 Jun 2023
Unst and Lerwick, Shetland Islands, 6/28/2023, National Geographic Explorer
- Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
- Europe & British Isles
Matthew Whyte, Historian
Born and raised in the south of Ireland, Matthew Whyte is an Art Historian specializing in the visual and cultural history of Italy from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. He has lectured in University College Cork (UCC) since 2014, and his cur...
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