Port information & tips for Isle of Noss (Shetland Islands)
The Isle of Noss is a spectacular natural jewel of the Shetland Islands and is one of Europe's most significant bird reserves thanks to its untouched wilderness. The uninhabited island impresses with a mystical atmosphere of rugged sandstone cliffs, vast grasslands, and the raw beauty of the North Atlantic. Highlights include the massive breeding colonies at Noup Cliff, the Noss National Nature Reserve, and the close-up observation of rare gannets and puffins. Since the island has no fixed pier for large ships, access is via zodiac or tender boat at the Noss Sound Landing Point. From this natural landing stage, a picturesque hiking trail leads through the protected area, while vibrant Lerwick on the main island of Mainland serves as the central starting point.
The Isle of Noss is an impressive nature reserve in the Shetland Islands and is usually visited by cruise ships as a tender port or for scenic passages. Direct embarkation is not possible here. For travelers from the DACH region, the route to the Shetland Islands leads via the Scottish mainland, with Lerwick serving as the main port of call for onward travel or local excursions.
Airplane
Sumburgh Airport (LSI) is the main airport of the Shetland Islands and is located about 40 kilometers south of Lerwick. It offers regular flight connections to Scottish cities such as Aberdeen (ABZ), Glasgow (GLA), and Edinburgh (EDI). For onward travel to Lerwick, buses are available that operate in line with flight times, or taxis can take you comfortably to your desired destination.
Ferry (with car or rail connection)
Arriving by ferry from Aberdeen offers the possibility of taking your own vehicle or traveling comfortably to Aberdeen by train. NorthLink Ferries operates regular overnight services from Aberdeen to Lerwick. In Aberdeen, there are parking facilities directly at the ferry terminal for short and long-term parking. The ferry journey takes about 12 to 14 hours and provides a comfortable crossing to the islands.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and specific ferry and flight times, an overnight stay on-site is recommended. A pre-cruise hotel in Aberdeen allows for a relaxed arrival at the ferry. Alternatively, an overnight stay in Lerwick after arrival in the Shetland Islands is a good option to continue your journey or start a local excursion well-rested and on time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Isle of Noss is an impressive nature reserve in the Shetland Islands and is usually visited by cruise ships as a tender port or for scenic passages. Direct embarkation is not possible here. For travelers from the DACH region, the route to the Shetland Islands leads via the Scottish mainland, with Lerwick serving as the main port of call for onward travel or local excursions.
Airplane
Sumburgh Airport (LSI) is the main airport of the Shetland Islands and is located about 40 kilometers south of Lerwick. It offers regular flight connections to Scottish cities such as Aberdeen (ABZ), Glasgow (GLA), and Edinburgh (EDI). For onward travel to Lerwick, buses are available that operate in line with flight times, or taxis can take you comfortably to your desired destination.
Ferry (with car or rail connection)
Arriving by ferry from Aberdeen offers the possibility of taking your own vehicle or traveling comfortably to Aberdeen by train. NorthLink Ferries operates regular overnight services from Aberdeen to Lerwick. In Aberdeen, there are parking facilities directly at the ferry terminal for short and long-term parking. The ferry journey takes about 12 to 14 hours and provides a comfortable crossing to the islands.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and specific ferry and flight times, an overnight stay on-site is recommended. A pre-cruise hotel in Aberdeen allows for a relaxed arrival at the ferry. Alternatively, an overnight stay in Lerwick after arrival in the Shetland Islands is a good option to continue your journey or start a local excursion well-rested and on time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Arrival at the uninhabited Isle of Noss takes place directly in the pristine nature of the National Nature Reserve, thanks to maneuverable tenders or a small passenger ferry.
Inflatable boats and tenders
Expedition ships usually use their own Zodiacs for landing on the protected coast. These flexible boats also provide a spectacular perspective of the massive bird colonies from the water and bring you comfortably to the small landing site.
Noss Ferry
A small passenger ferry connects the neighboring island of Bressay with the reserve across the narrow Noss Sound, weather permitting. Taxis are available on the main island in Lerwick as well as on Bressay and will take you directly to the departure point on the shore for an easy crossing.
On foot
The entire island is car-free and can be perfectly explored via the well-marked circular hiking trail. The hike starts directly at the landing site and leads you in a short time to the impressive viewpoints at the Noup of Noss, while you can simultaneously observe the unique wildlife.
To experience the untouched wilderness of the Isle of Noss to the fullest, we recommend focusing on the monumental bird cliffs and exploring the coastal landscape around the central landing point.
Noss National Nature Reserve
The gigantic sandstone cliffs house one of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the North Atlantic and, thanks to well-developed hiking trails, offer breathtaking views of thousands of nesting gannets and guillemots.
Gungstie and the historic farmhouse
The island's picturesque arrival point fascinates with its listed 17th-century farmhouse and, thanks to the surrounding green meadows, is the perfect starting point for an exploratory tour to the summit of Noss Head.
Nesti Voe
This sheltered bay with its bright sandy beach is the ideal place for a short breather and, thanks to its crystal-clear water, also provides a perfect backdrop for nature observations directly on the shore.
Noup of Noss
The Isle of Noss is a spectacular nature reserve, usually accessed by tender boat or Zodiac directly from the ship, and is home to the majestic Noup of Noss, one of the most impressive seabird colonies in the North Atlantic. A hike to the over 180-meter-high sandstone cliffs allows for fascinating observations of thousands of gannets and puffins and also leads past the historic Gressy hut, which today serves as an informative visitor center. Thanks to the untouched wilderness, you will experience a unique tranquility and a wide view over the ocean here, making the stay perfect for nature and photography enthusiasts. Ideally, take one of the first excursions in the morning to capture the special lighting at the cliffs, and plan your return to the pier about one hour before departure.
The way back to the landing point at Gungstie beach is simple thanks to the clear path and allows for a punctual return to the ship.
On Foot
From the cliffs of the Noup, the well-trodden grass path leads directly back to the Gungstie house and the landing stage there. The route is straightforward and also offers an excellent view of the waiting boats in Noss Sound, so you can always keep an eye on the return schedule.
Ferries and Tenders
The crossing from the landing site is comfortably done with the ship's own zodiacs or the small island ferry, which takes guests to the opposite shore of Bressay. These boats operate regularly in good weather and ensure a safe connection between the nature reserve and the cruise ship.
Taxi and Local Transfer
Should you end your excursion via the neighboring island of Bressay, taxis from Lerwick can be ordered directly to the parking lot at Noss Sound. The journey to the port of Lerwick takes only a few minutes, and thanks to the reliable island ferry between Bressay and Lerwick, you will reach your terminal punctually and comfortably.
