A Complete Guide to Foula: Shetland Island’s Remote Gem
Nestled on the western edge of the Shetland archipelago, Foula is a place like no other. Rugged, remote, and remarkably untouched, this small island offers a rare glimpse into life ‘on the edge of the world’. With dramatic cliffs, a deep Norse heritage, and some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the UK, Foula, Shetland Islands is a true hidden gem for travellers seeking wild beauty and solitude.
Whether you're planning your next off-grid adventure or simply curious about life on this enigmatic island, this comprehensive guide will help you uncover the best of Foula Island, Shetland - from how to get there to where to stay, what to do, and what makes this island so special.
Key Takeaways
Foula is one of the UK’s most remote inhabited islands, located around 20 miles west of Shetland Mainland.
Foula island has a population of around 35 residents, primarily based in the crofting communities of Ham and nearby Hametoun.
You can reach Foula by ferry, but many consider the most convenient way to reach the island to be by air, with flights operated by Airtask from Tingwall Airport
Best visited between May and August, when weather is mild and seabird activity is at its peak.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring ancient Norse heritage sites.
A Brief History of Foula
The name Foula comes from the Old Norse Fuglaey, meaning “bird island” - a tribute to the vast seabird colonies that still dominate the cliffs and skies today.
Archaeological evidence suggests that people have lived on Foula for thousands of years - carving out lives in one of the most remote and weather-exposed landscapes in Britain. From Bronze Age settlers to Iron Age communities, early inhabitants chose this isolated island not for ease, but for its fertile valley lands, rich grazing, and commanding views across the Atlantic.
By the 8th or 9th century, Norsemen conquered Foula and the island became part of the Viking world that stretched from Scandinavia to the Hebrides. Their influence endures not just in language and legend, but in the very topography of the island: many of Foula’s crofts, hills and fields still bear Norse names. But unlike much of the British Isles, where Norse culture was eventually diluted, Foula, Shetland Isles held tightly to these roots. For centuries, the island's residents spoke Norn - a language descended from Old Norse - long after it had died out elsewhere. In many ways, the sea isolated Foula; but culturally, it also preserved it.
When Shetland was transferred from Norway to Scotland in the 15th century, Foula became part of a west Shetland estate, yet its connection to the mainland remained minimal. Crofting and seasonal fishing formed the backbone of life here, and with little modern infrastructure, the island community remained largely self-reliant well into the 20th century.
By the 1930s, the population had started to decline, a trend seen across many remote communities in Scotland. Economic shifts and the pull of opportunity elsewhere led many to leave.
Today, Foula is home to around 35 residents, and while the population is small, the island remains alive with history. Foula continues to observe the Julian calendar - marking Christmas on 6 January and New Year on 13 January - an enduring sign of its independence of thought and custom. Stories, music, and traditions still flourish here, passed down in quiet homes and croft houses nestled between hills and sea.
How to Get to Foula
Many may wonder ‘can you visit Foula Island?’. The answer is yes. Despite its remoteness, Foula island is accessible, though travellers should be prepared for weather-dependent travel and minimal infrastructure.
Flights to Foula
The most efficient way to reach the island is by air. Airtask provides scheduled inter-island passenger flights from Tingwall Airport (near Lerwick) to Foula Airport, usually operating several times a week. The flight takes approximately 15 minutes and offers jaw-dropping aerial views of the Shetland archipelago.
You can book directly here or contact us at 0845 805 7465 or via email at enquiries@hebridean.com.
Ferry to Foula
Alternatively, BK Marine operates a ferry service from Walls on the Shetland Mainland to Foula. The journey takes around two hours and typically runs twice a week (with additional summer sailings). It’s a scenic crossing across the Atlantic, but again, weather can affect the schedule, especially in the off-season.
When to Visit Foula
The best time to visit Foula, Shetland Islands is during the late spring and summer months—May through August. This period sees longer daylight hours, relatively stable weather, and an abundance of wildlife activity, especially birdlife.
While winter visits are technically possible, stormy seas and unpredictable flight schedules can complicate logistics. Additionally, daylight is limited, and some services may be unavailable.
For more information on how Shetland’s weather varies throughout the year and how it might shape your travel plans, check out our full guide to weather in the Shetland Islands.
Where to Stay: Foula Accommodation
You won’t find a Foula Island hotel as such, but a few excellent small-scale options are available for those seeking Foula accommodation.
Ristie Self-Catering
Located at the north end of the island, Ristie offers a traditional croft house and smaller studio units with incredible views of the Atlantic and the dramatic Gaada Stack. Ideal for families, solo adventurers, or small groups, Ristie offers a rustic yet cosy base for exploring Foula Shetland Isles.
The Burns Cottage
A charming self-catering option near the main settlement, The Burns Cottage offers simple, comfortable accommodation with easy access to Foula’s walking routes and coastline. It’s well-suited for those looking to experience island life at their own pace, with basic facilities and a peaceful, off-grid setting.
Leraback Bed & Breakfast
This homely B&B provides warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and a hearty breakfast each morning. With no restaurants or pubs on the island, many guests choose to request evening meals from their hosts in advance—a wise move, given the lack of shops and dining facilities.
For more details on staying in Foula, visit selfcateringfoula.co.uk.
If you’re planning a day trip to the island, or prefer to base yourself elsewhere, the Shetland Mainland offers a much wider selection of accommodation. For recommendations on where to stay, explore our guide to some of the most popular places to stay in Shetland.
Things to do in Foula
Despite its small size and population, Foula offers plenty of things to do for nature lovers, walkers, and cultural explorers.
Hike the Five Peaks
The island’s rugged topography is defined by five striking peaks: The Sneug (418m), The Kame (376m), Da Noup (376m), Soberlie (350m), and Hamnafield (344m). The cliffs at The Kame are among the highest in the UK—plunging 1,200 feet straight into the Atlantic. A hike across Foula is both challenging and immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views and sightings of puffins, bonxies, and perhaps even orcas offshore.
Birdwatching
Often dubbed “Britain’s most dramatic seabird colony,” Foula island is a hotspot for ornithologists. It boasts one of the largest colonies of great skuas (bonxies) in the UK, alongside guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and thousands of puffins during the breeding season (April to August). With no crowds and uninterrupted views, it’s birdwatching at its finest.
Explore Local Heritage
From stone dykes to crofting ruins, the island is steeped in history. The small but informative island museum showcases items from past centuries, including insights into Foula’s Norse roots and crofting lifestyle. Visitors often ask, “What do people do on Foula?” The answer lies in a blend of traditional crofting, sheep farming, and community maintenance - with a growing appreciation for tourism and conservation.
Dining & Supplies
Visitors often wonder, “Is there a pub in Foula?” or “Where can you eat?” The answer is simple: you’ll need to be self-sufficient. There are no restaurants, cafes, or pubs on the island.
Most travellers bring provisions with them or coordinate meals with their accommodation hosts. Make sure to communicate in advance - many hosts are happy to prepare home-cooked meals with notice.
Nearby Areas to Explore
Given Foula’s remote location, many visitors pair a trip here with time on Shetland Mainland. From the bustling cultural scene in Lerwick to ancient sites like Jarlshof and Scalloway Castle, the Shetland Mainland is rich with history and modern convenience.
Travellers can also take inter-island flights or ferries to places like Fair Isle, Yell, or Unst to further explore the unique character of the Shetland Islands Foula belongs to.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Foula is an experience of natural beauty and cultural resilience. As one of the most isolated parts of the UK, Foula, Shetland Isles offers something few places can: true solitude, raw nature, and an authentic way of life that has stood the test of time.
Whether you're tracing Norse history, scaling windswept cliffs, or marvelling at nesting puffins, it’s a destination that will stay with you long after you’ve left its rugged shores.