Port information & tips for Papa Stour (Shetland Islands)
Papa Stour is a fascinating natural paradise in the Shetland Islands and is considered an absolute insider tip for expedition cruises off the Scottish coast. The island impresses with its dramatic cliffs, impressive volcanic rock formations, and a pristine solitude that offers visitors a magical atmosphere. Highlights include famous sea caves such as Kirstan’s Hole, as well as the historical remains of a Norse longhouse and the diverse birdlife on the cliffs. Ships anchor in the sheltered bay, and guests reach the pier of Housa Voe directly by tender boat. From this central landing point, the untouched landscape with its idyllic hiking trails and coastal paths can be easily explored on foot thanks to the short distances and immediate proximity to the heart of the settlement.
Papa Stour, one of the picturesque Shetland Islands, is not a classic cruise port for the direct embarkation of large ships, but is usually visited by expedition ships or local ferries. Arrival for guests from the DACH region requires a combination of flight and local transfers via the Shetland main island.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Sumburgh Airport (LSI) at the southern tip of the Shetland Islands. From Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you can reach LSI with at least one stopover, usually in Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA), from where regular flights are offered. Please note that flight times may vary due to connecting flights and arriving the day before is recommended to ensure a relaxed onward journey.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Sumburgh Airport (LSI), the drive to the largest town, Lerwick, takes about 30 minutes. From Lerwick or directly from the airport, you can reach the ferry terminals on the Shetland mainland that offer connections to Papa Stour, such as the pier in Aith or West Burrafirth. The drive to these ferry terminals can take between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on location and traffic. Taxis and local bus connections are available, but it is advisable to book transfers in advance, especially outside of peak travel times.
Local Ferry
After arriving on the Shetland mainland and transferring to one of the local ferry terminals (e.g., Aith or West Burrafirth), the onward journey to Papa Stour takes place via the island ferry. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and already offers first impressions of the rugged beauty of the Shetland Islands. It is advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance, as the frequency can vary depending on weather conditions, and arriving early at the ferry terminal is recommended to avoid waiting times.
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 cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
