{"id":10570,"date":"2022-06-20T23:20:05","date_gmt":"2022-06-20T23:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/how-to-see-an-authentic-viking-festival-cute-ponies-in-scotland\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:27:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:27:33","slug":"how-to-see-an-authentic-viking-festival-cute-ponies-in-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/how-to-see-an-authentic-viking-festival-cute-ponies-in-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Experience Up Helly Aa: Scotland’s Viking Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yup, Up Helly Aa<\/em> is as fierce as it looks. Hoards of angry Vikings and their burning ships surround the Shetland Islands on an annual basis; bringing mayhem to the local community that just can’t get rid of those pesky Vikings. Or, so I assume if we had lived 1,200 years ago. It’s one epic way to experience Up Helly Aa in Scotland<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Well, thankfully, the age of angry and chaotic Vikings has long since passed; but the tradition of Up Helly Aa<\/em> has stayed as strong as ever.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

The whole festival is incredible and a perfect excuse to explore some of the best places in Scotland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When does “Up Helly Aa” start?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

For hundreds of years, The Shetland Islands in Scotland have continually celebrated Up Helly Aa around mid-winter time. In the last few decades, this has been on 28th January.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

This all signifies the end of the Yule season (which is the traditional Scottish Christmas period) and the best time to experience Up Helly Aa. <\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

I can’t think of a more useful way to burn off those extra Christmas-induced calories than by hauling a 4 ton Viking boat around some islands. Ha!<\/p>\n

What do “Vikings” do at this festival?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Thousands of participants known as guizers take to the streets of many of the main towns in the Shetlands to celebrate this awesome tradition!<\/p>\n

Every single year a new Viking vessel is built and produced (especially for Up Helly Aa), by local residents, who (during the festival) become fondly known as The Jarl Squad.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

During the twilight hours on the 28th of January, the excitement begins to mount.<\/p>\n

Thousands of traditional torches are lit and fires burn across the islands and it’s totally one of the best ways to experience Up Helly Aa. <\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Locals and visitors are welcome to partake (responsibly) in the event – which makes it an amazing experience for all involved. Each of the \u201csquads\u201d that partake in the event regularly chooses them for themselves, some; scary, some funny, some traditional.<\/p>\n

It all depends on the individual group.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

After the town becomes ablaze with excitement, the ship is dragged to its final resting place where traditional Up Helly Aa songs are sung.<\/p>\n

Finally, and for you pyromaniac Vikings, the whole town throws their torches into the vessel. Setting the whole boat and festival-spirit alight.<\/p>\n

What to drink at Up Helly Aa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Be prepared for the brisk and chilly Scottish winter with a warm Scottish tipple.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

After a few hours of singing, hot toddy’s will begin to flow! A piping hot cocktail of traditional Scotch whiskey, hot water, lashings of honey, cinnamon and lemon juice.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Residents and visitors take to the various halls to celebrate together; sometimes inside, sometimes in the streets.<\/p>\n

Read more: Scottish foods and drinks to try<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

How to get there?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Up Helly Aa<\/em> is a great way to experience a truly authentic tradition in Scotland! Although the Shetland Islands are some 600 miles or so north of London (the same distance as flying to Milan from London).<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Honestly, there are many ways to get to experience Up Helly Aa and visiting doesn’t need to be a barrier, it’s pretty well connected. <\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

From direct flights from London to a ferry journey from Aberdeen<\/a> or Orkney. The Shetland Isles can also be a stop on some Nordic cruise ship excursions.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t fret if you can\u2019t make it to the Shetlands the local government streams the whole tradition live on their website<\/a>; a perfect way to see the festival from your warm snuggly bed.<\/p>\n

Don’t Forget…<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

No visit to the Shetland Isles would be complete without saying hello to their most famous inhabitants. Shetland Ponies of-course. <\/p>\n

Well, after you experience Up Helly Aa<\/em> that is! <\/p>\n

Read more: Best islands in Scotland to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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12 Best Places In The Scottish Islands To Visit<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n