Up Helly-Aa

The abiding influence of the Vikings, who arrived in Shetland just over 1000 years ago, is celebrated on the last Tuesday of January every year, by the largest fire festival in Europe - 'Up Helly Aa'.

After a torch-light procession of up to a thousand 'guizers' through the streets of Lerwick a full-size replica Viking longship is ceremonially burned. The 'guizers' and onlookers then repair to local halls for a night of revelry, dancing and partying.

 

Forthcoming Dates 

2010
Tuesday, 26th January
 
2011
Tuesday, 25th January
 
2012
Tuesday, 31st January
 
2013
Tuesday, 29th January
 
2014
Tuesday, 28th January 

 

Summer visitors can get a flavour of this mid-winter extravaganza at the Up Helly Aa exhibition in Lerwick where the regalia, props, costumes and a replica longship are on display.

Up-Helly-Aa Exhibitions
An exhibiton devoted to this unique fire festival when, every last Tuesday of January, the darkened streets of Lerwick provide a background for a long torchlit procession, terminating by burning of a replica galley. Visitors can see relics, photographs, costumes and mainly the ship.

Address
St Sunniva Street
Lerwick
Scotland, UK

Opening Times

Mid May to mid September
Tuesday, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Friday, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Saturday, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

 

Admission 

Free 

W  Up Helly Aa 

     Visit Shetland 

 

Additional Information 

Shetland Tourist Office 

Market Cross

Lerwick

Shetland, ZE1 0LU

Scotland, UK