▲Fair Isle, which lies halfway between mainland Shetland and Orkney, is the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲Among the many species regularly spotted are warblers. Pictured is a melodious warbler. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲It's also one of the most exciting destinations in the United Kingdom to observe migrant birds, whether common or rare. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲An unusual attraction on Unst is the John Peel Memorial Traffic Island. Peel was a celebrated British disc jockey and radio presenter, and is credited with discovering bands and musicians who later found worldwide fame. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲The most northerly military fortification in the British Isles, Muness Castle dates back to the late 16th century. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 2.0)

▲A semi-ruin, Muness Castle is an island landmark and cared for under the auspices of Historic Scotland. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲Here's a quirky fact: the most northerly post office in the United Kingdom is found in Baltasound, the island's largest settlement. Mail a postcard from here and impress your friends. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲Baltasound is also famous for its decorative bus shelter. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-Nd 2.0)

▲Mainland is Shetland's largest island. The view pictured here draws the eye south over Jarlshof and the West Voe. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

▲Jarlshof features remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, and Viking age periods. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲In 1958, a local schoolboy unearthed one of the most remarkable hoards of Scottish early medieval silver metalwork ever found: the St Ninian's Isle treasure. The original pieces are housed in the Museum of Scotland, but you can see replicas in the Shetland Museum & Archives in Lerwick. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲The entire island of Noss was designated a National Nature Reserve in 1955. Lofty sea cliffs harbor over 100,000 breeding seabirds. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲Scalloway Castle, a tower house located at Scalloway, was built in 1600 by Shetland nobleman Patrick Stuart, who briefly ruled the islands. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0)

▲The collective name for two Shetland islands, the ancient parishes of West and East Burra feature examples of a singular architectural style—cottages with decorative shell facades. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲To get an idea of what it was like to live and work as a 19th-century island crofter, take time to browse the Croft House Museum at South Voe in Boddam. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0)

▲A carefully restored example of an Iron Age drystone hollow-walled structure known as a broch (round tower), Clickimin Broch near Lerwick is certainly worth a diversion. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲A visit to the Shetland islands will bring you into close contact with one of its most endearing residents, the adorable Shetland pony. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲The hardy Shetland is a small, wool producing breed of sheep noted for the numerous shades of its coat. Shetland wool is used to produce the islands' famous knitwear and traditional knitted lace shawls.

▲Located on Mainland (the main island of Shetland), Lerwick was founded in the 17th century, although evidence of human settlement in the area dates back 3,000 years.

▲The Shetland Museum & Archives in Lerwick chronicle Shetland's heritage and culture with a series of collections that relate to all aspects of the islands' history.

▲A panorama over the Bay of Scousburgh and Loch Spiggie near south Mainland. Shetland has some stunningly picturesque beaches!

▲Lerwick, the main port of the Shetlands, is also the Scottish islands' largest settlement.

▲The Shetland Islands host no less than 12 annual midwinter fire festivals known as Up Helly Aa, a unique blend of traditional Scottish and Scandinavian revelry. The biggest festival takes place in Lerwick. Pictured are "Vikings" marching on the town.

▲The town, or burgh, is an obvious base for visitors planning to explore Shetland for any length of time: Lerwick is the region's principal transport hub.

▲The Hermaness National Nature Reserve in Unst is a refuge for thousands of seabirds. This is also Britain's most northerly point.

▲Jarlshof, located on Mainland, is the best-known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland.

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The fiery climax of Up Helly Aa is the burning of a Viking longship. The flaming spectacle is simply jaw-dropping.

▲In addition, the island's interior supports hundreds of pairs of great skua. Noss is accessed by dinghy from Bressay.

▲The island is also known for its "beach," which is a tombolo (or narrow sandbar) that connects St Ninian's to the mainland. It's visible during the summer months.

▲A view of Old Lerwick, which includes the Town Hall, built in 1884.

▲The small uninhabited island of Mousa is where to admire the Broch of Mousa, the finest preserved example of an Iron Age broch anywhere.

▲This colorful and comical-looking bird is seen on the islands during spring and summer (up to mid-August). The best time to visit a colony is early morning or early evening.

▲The island is known for its traditional style of knitting, used to create patterns with multiple colors. A Fair Isle jumper makes a wonderful souvenir.

▲The island has a permanent bird observatory, and is one of the best places to find rare birds in Britain. Pictured is a calandra lark. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Lying 104 miles (168 km) off Scotland, the remote Shetland Islands are Britain's most northerly outpost. Once under Norse rule, local way of life reflects the Scottish and Scandinavian heritage of the isles. A haven for wildlife, and home to the adorable Shetland pony, the destination is also known for a collection of truly remarkable ancient archaeological sites.

Browse this gallery and marvel at the surprise that is Shetland.