Valhalla tours

Welcome to Shetland – and welcome to Valhalla Tours.

My name is Ian Walterson, and Shetland has been my home since I was a young child. Over the years, my journey has taken me far beyond these islands. I served 22 years in the British Army, followed by a further six years working with the United States Military in Iraq and Afghanistan. My career and personal travels have taken me to many parts of the world, giving me a wealth of experience, an appreciation for different cultures and, perhaps most importantly, a real love of meeting people from all walks of life.

Now I want to bring that experience home.

Valhalla Tours is my way of sharing the Shetland I know and love.

I offer private executive minivan tours, walking tours, or a combination of both, giving visitors the freedom to explore Shetland at their own pace. These are not large coach tours where you simply follow the crowd. They are personalised experiences designed around you – your interests, your time and the places you really want to see.

For cruise ship passengers with just one day on the islands, I can help you make every minute count. For visitors staying longer, I strongly recommend taking a few days to explore further. Shetland has far more to offer than can be seen in a single day, and some of its most memorable places are well away from the usual tourist trail.

From dramatic coastlines and spectacular wildlife to prehistoric monuments, Viking heritage, military history and fascinating island traditions, Shetland is an extraordinary place to explore. And beyond the famous landmarks are the hidden gems, quiet roads, remote beaches and viewpoints that many visitors never get to discover.

That's where Valhalla Tours comes in.

Leave the crowds behind. Get off the beaten track. Discover Shetland your way.

Whether you want to photograph puffins, explore ancient archaeological sites, walk along breathtaking cliffs, discover Shetland's Viking and Norse heritage, or simply experience the landscapes and communities that make these islands unique, I'll do my best to make your visit something you will remember long after you've left.

My own interests include history – particularly military history – fishing, both sea and freshwater, and walking, so there's a good chance I'll be just as enthusiastic about exploring Shetland as you are.

Most of all, I want you to leave Shetland feeling that you have seen more, experienced more and discovered something genuinely special.

I look forward to welcoming you to Shetland and showing you the islands through the eyes of someone who is proud to call them home.

Valhalla Tours

Discover the Isles, your way.