<P> The Northern Isles , known to the Norse as the Norðreyjar , are the closest parts of the United Kingdom to Norway and these islands experienced the first and most long - lasting Norse influence of any part of Scotland . Shetland is some 300 kilometres ( 190 mi ) due west of Norway and in favourable conditions could be reached in 24 hours from Hordaland in a Viking longship . Orkney is 80 kilometres ( 50 mi ) further to the south west . </P>
<P> The Northern Isles , known to the Norse as the Norðreyjar , are the closest parts of the United Kingdom to Norway and these islands experienced the first and most long - lasting Norse influence of any part of Scotland . Shetland is some 300 kilometres ( 190 mi ) due west of Norway and in favourable conditions could be reached in 24 hours from Hordaland in a Viking longship . Orkney is 80 kilometres ( 50 mi ) further to the south west . </P>
where did the vikings first land in scotland
where did the vikings first land in scotland
Northern Isles
Northern Isles