Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands in Scotland, is often nicknamed “Little Norway” because of its historical links to the Scandinavian country. The town, which was part of the Kingdom of Norway until 1469, offers visitors a winter getaway that resembles Norwegian coastal towns without leaving the UK.
Historical Ties to Norway
The name “Lerwick” means “bay of clay” in Norwegian. During World War 2, the town served as an operational hub for the “Shetland bus - Little Norway” operation, where small Norwegian fishing boats arrived to run clandestine missions and rescue refugees from Nazi-occupied Norway.
The town features distinctive Scandinavian architecture with colourful timber-framed houses, making it a picturesque destination for those seeking idyllic Norwegian scenery.
Visitor Impressions
On Facebook, some visitors said that “the landscape looks much more like Norway than Scotland”. One Tripadvisor reviewer noted that Lerwick has “numerous fascinating buildings including old warehouses which go right down to the edge of the water”.
Another visitor commented that Shetland is “a fantastic set of islands with wonderful scenery”. A third added: “Shetland is wonderful. It's all about scenery. Along with Orkney, it has a completely different feel to the rest of Scotland with its Norse heritage. (They both belonged to Norway until 1472.) The Shetland Museum in Lerwick is excellent.”
Exploring the Town
According to Shetland’s official website, there is much to do in the town, which is perfect to explore on foot. Some of the most interesting buildings are the Lodberries overlooking Lerwick Harbour.
The website adds: “Lerwick is a stunning town full of history and beautiful buildings, all telling a story. Some of the most interesting buildings are the Lodberries overlooking Lerwick Harbour. Lerwick offers many opportunities for beautiful walks, exploring fascinating historical attractions and enjoying fun family activities.”
Other UK towns with similar European nicknames include Clacton-on-Sea, often called “Little Spain”, and Lynmouth, dubbed “Little Switzerland” for its scenery.
