The idyllic town features traditional Scandinavian architecture and breathtaking scenery
The village looks similar to coastal Norwegian towns, featuring the Scandinavian architecture.(Image: Getty)
Lerwick, located on the Shetland Islands in Scotland, is frequently dubbed “Little Norway” thanks to its historical connections with the Scandinavian nation. The town remained under the Kingdom of Norway until 1469, with the name “Lerwick” translating to “bay of clay” in Norwegian.
During World War 2, Lerwick functioned as a crucial base for the “Shetland bus – Little Norway” operation, with small Norwegian fishing vessels docking in the town to carry out secret missions and evacuate refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Norway. Lerwick resembles Norwegian coastal towns, showcasing traditional Scandinavian architecture and red timber-framed houses.
Lerwick is a charming, scenic town and an ideal winter destination for those seeking authentic Norwegian landscapes without venturing abroad.
On Facebook, some visitors said that “the landscape looks much more like Norway than Scotland”.
Another visitor said on Tripadvisor that Lerwick has “numerous fascinating buildings including old warehouses which go right down to the edge of the water”.
Another one commented that Shetland is “a fantastic set of islands with wonderful scenery”. And a third one 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.”
According to Shetland’s official website, there’s plenty to do in the town, and it’s ideal to discover on foot.
“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 gorgeous UK towns that look like famous European destinations include Lynmouth, often nicknamed “Little Switzerland” due to its scenic beauty.
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