Top 10 Best Hostels in Shetland Islands

Budget Accommodation With Character

Exploring Shetland on a budget is easier than many travellers expect. Alongside a small number of hostels, the islands are famous for their camping böds, simple traditional buildings converted into basic accommodation. Historically, a böd was a building used by fishermen to store gear and shelter during the fishing season. Today, these böds offer walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and adventurous families an affordable way to stay in some of the most atmospheric locations in Scotland.

Facilities vary from hostel-style comforts to simple bunks and a stove, so it is worth checking what is provided before you travel. Here are the ten best hostels and böds in Shetland.

The Top 10 Hostels and Böds in Shetland

1. Islesburgh House Hostel

Islesburgh House Hostel occupies a grand building in the heart of Lerwick. Its central location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, the ferry terminal and bus routes, making it a convenient base for exploring the islands on public transport.

2. Gardiesfauld Hostel

Gardiesfauld Hostel at Uyeasound on Unst is a welcoming, community-run hostel overlooking the sea. It is ideal for visitors exploring Britain's most northerly island, with its Viking sites, beaches and the seabird cliffs of Hermaness.

3. Betty Mouat's Böd

Located near Scatness in the South Mainland, Betty Mouat's Böd is named after a remarkable local woman who survived an extraordinary drift across the North Sea to Norway in the nineteenth century. It is close to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head.

4. Johnny Notions Böd

Johnny Notions Böd in Hamnavoe, Eshaness, is the birthplace of a self-taught local inoculator who protected islanders from smallpox. It is perfectly placed for walking the spectacular Eshaness cliffs and exploring Northmavine.

5. The Sail Loft

The Sail Loft in Voe is a former fishing station building beside the pier. It offers larger group accommodation and is a good base for exploring the Central and North Mainland.

6. Windhouse Lodge

Windhouse Lodge on Yell sits near the ruins of Windhouse, said to be one of Shetland's most haunted houses. The lodge provides comfortable budget accommodation and easy access to Yell's peatlands, otter-rich shores and ferry links to Unst.

7. Grieve House Böd

Grieve House on Whalsay was once the summer home of the celebrated Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid. Staying here offers a literary connection and an insight into the island's strong fishing community.

8. Böd of Nesbister

The Böd of Nesbister near Whiteness sits right at the water's edge, offering a peaceful and scenic stay. It is popular with kayakers and those who enjoy quiet coastal settings within easy reach of Lerwick.

9. Voe House, Walls

Voe House in Walls is a restored traditional building overlooking the village and voe. It offers a great base for exploring the West Mainland and catching the ferry to the island of Papa Stour or Foula.

10. Fair Isle Bird Observatory

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory offers lodge-style accommodation on one of Britain's most famous islands for bird migration. Guests can join daily bird recording, learn from wardens and enjoy the friendly community atmosphere of this remote island.

What to Expect From Böd Accommodation

Böds are deliberately simple. Many offer bunk beds, a kitchen area and a stove or heater, while some have showers and electricity and others are more basic. Guests usually need to bring their own sleeping bags, cooking supplies and toiletries. Booking in advance is essential, particularly in summer when walkers and cyclists fill the most popular böds.

The simplicity is part of the charm. Böds are typically located in peaceful, scenic spots, and many have fascinating local stories connected to their history. They offer a genuine sense of island life and a strong connection with the landscape.

Tips for Budget Travel in Shetland

Shetland's bus network covers much of the Mainland and connects with inter-island ferries, making car-free travel possible with some planning. Cycling is popular in summer, though strong winds can make it challenging. Buying groceries in Lerwick, Brae or local community shops and cooking your own meals helps keep costs down. Many of the islands' best experiences, from cliff walks to beach visits, are completely free.

Best Times to Visit

From May to August, long daylight hours and seabird colonies make Shetland especially rewarding. The simmer dim, when the sun barely sets in midsummer, creates magical evenings for walking and photography. Spring and autumn migration seasons bring rare birds and fewer crowds. Many böds operate seasonally, so check opening dates before planning winter visits.

Trends in Budget Travel

Sustainable and slow travel is boosting interest in hostels and böds. Visitors increasingly combine public transport, walking and cycling to reduce their environmental impact. Community-run accommodation is also gaining popularity, with travellers appreciating that their spending directly supports island communities.

Final Thoughts

Shetland's hostels and böds offer something no luxury hotel can replicate: simple comfort in places steeped in history and surrounded by wild beauty. Pack your sleeping bag, book ahead and get ready to experience the islands in their most authentic form.