Port information & tips for Foula (Shetland Islands)
Foula is the most remote jewel of the Shetland Islands and impresses as a fascinating "Island at the Edge of the World" with its untouched, rugged nature. The atmosphere is characterized by majestic cliffs, a deep-rooted Nordic history, and an incomparable silence that immediately captivates travelers. Absolute highlights include the spectacular Da Gaada rock arch, the massive sea cliffs of Da Kame, as well as the world's largest colonies of great skuas and puffins. Cruise ships anchor in the picturesque bay and guests can easily reach the small pier of Ham Voe by tender boat. This is located directly in the settlement of Ham, allowing the archaic island world and its hiking trails to be explored directly on foot thanks to short distances.
Traveling to the remote cruise port of Foula in the Shetland Islands is a special experience, as the island itself offers no direct international connections. Foula is primarily a tender port for smaller expedition cruises. Accessibility is via the Scottish mainland and then via the main island of the Shetlands.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, the journey first leads via a direct flight to a major British airport, such as London, Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA). From there, there are convenient connecting flights to Sumburgh Airport (LSI) on the Shetland main island, which is located around 56 kilometers from the coastal region from which the connections to Foula depart. Loganair offers regular connections from Scottish cities to Sumburgh, with a flight from Aberdeen (ABZ) taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Alternatively, inter-island flights from Tingwall Airport (LWK) near Lerwick can be used to reach Foula.
Local Connection to Foula
Onward travel to Foula from the Shetland main island is possible by ferry or island flight. A passenger ferry, the "New Advance", operates several times a week from the village of Walls on Mainland Shetland to Foula, with a crossing of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A booking is absolutely necessary, and the ferry does not transport vehicles. In addition, Airtask offers scheduled flights from Tingwall Airport (LWK) to Foula Airfield (FOA). This 15-minute flight often even allows for a day trip and offers breathtaking views at the same time. However, local connections are highly weather-dependent. On Foula itself, there is no public transportation; however, transfers to and from the landing point can be organized by arrangement with locals.
Pre-Cruise Stay in the Shetland Islands
Due to Foula's remote location and the heavy weather dependence of local transport, a pre-cruise stay of at least one night on the Shetland main island is strongly recommended. This creates a valuable buffer for possible delays and allows for a relaxed start to your cruise. The town of Lerwick offers charming hotels and restaurants for this purpose. On Foula itself, accommodation options are very limited and restricted to self-catering units; furthermore, there are no shopping facilities.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Traveling to the remote cruise port of Foula in the Shetland Islands is a special experience, as the island itself offers no direct international connections. Foula is primarily a tender port for smaller expedition cruises. Accessibility is via the Scottish mainland and then via the main island of the Shetlands.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, the journey first leads via a direct flight to a major British airport, such as London, Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA). From there, there are convenient connecting flights to Sumburgh Airport (LSI) on the Shetland main island, which is located around 56 kilometers from the coastal region from which the connections to Foula depart. Loganair offers regular connections from Scottish cities to Sumburgh, with a flight from Aberdeen (ABZ) taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Alternatively, inter-island flights from Tingwall Airport (LWK) near Lerwick can be used to reach Foula.
Local Connection to Foula
Onward travel to Foula from the Shetland main island is possible by ferry or island flight. A passenger ferry, the "New Advance", operates several times a week from the village of Walls on Mainland Shetland to Foula, with a crossing of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A booking is absolutely necessary, and the ferry does not transport vehicles. In addition, Airtask offers scheduled flights from Tingwall Airport (LWK) to Foula Airfield (FOA). This 15-minute flight often even allows for a day trip and offers breathtaking views at the same time. However, local connections are highly weather-dependent. On Foula itself, there is no public transportation; however, transfers to and from the landing point can be organized by arrangement with locals.
Pre-Cruise Stay in the Shetland Islands
Due to Foula's remote location and the heavy weather dependence of local transport, a pre-cruise stay of at least one night on the Shetland main island is strongly recommended. This creates a valuable buffer for possible delays and allows for a relaxed start to your cruise. The town of Lerwick offers charming hotels and restaurants for this purpose. On Foula itself, accommodation options are very limited and restricted to self-catering units; furthermore, there are no shopping facilities.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the pier in Ham Voe, the secluded beauty of Foula can be experienced directly and authentically. Thanks to the island's compact size, you can reach the most important natural spectacles comfortably and directly from the port.
On Foot
Getting around on foot is the preferred choice on Foula and takes you directly into the island's impressive hilly landscape. You can reach the small center of Ham in a few minutes, and the vast paths to the spectacular cliffs begin right at the pier.
Tender Service
As cruise ships drop anchor in the bay, the ship's own tender boats or zodiacs will take you safely to the quay at Ham Voe. This short crossing is also a wonderful opportunity to admire the massive cliff formations and sea birds from up close.
Nature Trails and Hiking Paths
A system of easily accessible paths and quiet roads connects the port with the island's most striking viewpoints. Thanks to clear landmarks, you will find your way effortlessly and also enjoy the complete peace of this largely untouched Scottish island world.
To make the most of your day on the remote island of Foula, we recommend exploring the spectacular coastlines and the small settlement of Ham directly at the pier.
Ham and the Island Fields
The tranquil main settlement of Ham offers authentic insights into secluded island life and, thanks to the free-roaming Foula ponies and the warm atmosphere, is an ideal starting point for any shore excursion.
The Kame
As one of the highest cliffs in Great Britain, this monumental rock face offers an overwhelming panoramic view across the Atlantic and is also home to numerous rare seabirds such as Great Skuas and Puffins.
St Magnus Church
The small island church forms the cultural heart of the community and, thanks to its idyllic location, is a wonderful place to learn more about the unique traditions and the eventful history of the islanders.
The Cliffs of Da Kame & Gaada Stack
Directly from the pier in Ham Voe, the impressive natural scenery of Foula, the most remote inhabited island in Scotland, opens up before you. A hike toward the majestic cliffs of Da Kame and the striking rock arch of Gaada Stack offers spectacular photo opportunities and the unique chance to observe rare seabirds such as puffins and skuas in their natural habitat. The atmosphere is characterized by untouched wilderness and a fascinating silence; additionally, the local island community often invites visitors for an authentic exchange over a cup of tea in the small Community Hall. Ideally, start your tour immediately after arrival in the morning to experience the full splendor of the landscape in clear light, and plan your return walk to the harbor comfortably for lunchtime to be back on board safely and on time.
The return journey to the small pier in the Ham bay is straightforward on this original island and can be planned in a relaxed manner thanks to the manageable paths and the good visibility of the coastline.
Tender service
Since cruise ships lie at anchor off the island of Foula, the return transport to the ship is conveniently carried out using the ship's own tender boats from the pier in Ham. Plan a small time buffer for the return to the pier and have your boarding pass ready for check-in at the pier to ensure you reach the last specified tender trip.
On foot
The hiking trails from the cliffs or the Da Sneug lead via the only paved road on the island directly back to the Ham bay. The path is easy to find and, thanks to the settlement's exposed location, offers excellent orientation, so that you can see the port area clearly from almost any point on the island.
Orientation point Ham
The small community hall or the post office in Ham serve as central meeting points in the immediate vicinity of the pier. Thanks to the warm atmosphere on the island, you will find your way around quickly and reach the tender boats from the center of the settlement in just a few minutes directly on foot.
