up helly aa

Up Helly Aa is all about the explosions of fire and burning torches, the parades and Viking songs. What is less known is that it’s ALSO about some legendary after-parties. After the burning of the galley, there are 10 official Up Helly Aa parties around town.  These parties last from 9:00 PM to roughly 9:00 […]

After a day of Vikings, parades, and traditional music, it was time for the main event: Up Helly Aa, Shetland’s Viking Fire Festival!  Fire, torches, parades and glory! It began at 5:00 PM with the children’s Up Helly Aa.  Did you know that the kids get an Up Helly Aa of their own? Just like

While the fire-filled festivities of Up Helly Aa take place in the evening, the festivities begin with parades during the day. Shortly after we arrived off the ferry in Shetland the day before, our Haggis Adventures guides Tony and Dougie took us to see the galley being built for Up Helly Aa 2012.  It would

I just got back from a five-day trip that I will never forget — ever.  I traveled with Haggis Adventures to the remote Shetland Islands, northeast of Scotland, to experience Up Helly Aa, the Viking Fire Festival held in Shetland every January. This may have been my best trip…EVER. Seriously.  I am still reeling from