An exceptionally quiet North Sea meant that sea sicknesses
was not a large problem on the crossing from Bergen to Lerwick, the capital of
the Shetland Islands. The islands have a strong historical connection with
Norway from Viking times, but even in modern times the link is strong. During
the Second World War more than 200 sailings were made by mostly small fishing
vessels transporting people escaping from Norway, and taking military equipment
and personnel from the Shetlands. The most famous of the captains on this
activity was nick-named Shetland-Larsen and he was one of the most decorated people
of the whole allied marine forces.
The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than 100
islands. The islands – most are unsettled – have app. 22.000 inhabitants and
they are famous for an abundance of wildlife - especially at this time of the
year for sea birds.
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Most of our passengers choose the opportunity to examine the
older history of the islands. They went to the Jarlshof, a remarkable
archaeological site, with Neolithic remains and settlements from the Bronze and
Iron Ages and remains of an old Viking settlement.
Others left for a visit to
the little island of Mousa. Mousa is very famous for its Iron Age Broch, a
stone-built house that looks a bit like a round tower. These brochs can be
found all over on the Shetland Islands and the rest of the Scottish country.
They are at least 2000 years old, historians are still not sure about the real
age. For us it was nice to climb up the inside stairs of this 43feet high
building to have a good view over Mousa Island. But Mousa is not only famous
for the Broch, it is especially well known for its amazing wildlife that we
also could enjoy on our walk around the island.
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| FriedaPhoto |
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| FriedaPhoto |
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| FriedaPhoto |
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All excursions came back so early that there was still time
for everybody to learn the city of Lerwick.
The day ended with FRAM’s famous fashion show well presented by the captain, his officers and the expedition team.
