What do you think of when it comes to Scotland? Is it the dreamy lakes, the endless meadows? Historical ruins, majestic castles? Or do you have the exciting life in the big cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh in mind? Quite a lot of pictures! Why not spend your next holiday in Scotland? The country in the north of the British Isles may not have the best reputation in terms of weather – but there is always a lot to see.
A holiday in Scotland because of the beautiful nature, its wild romance and the many historical sights. is recommended to everyone
General information for a holiday in Scotland
- What can you expect when holidaying in Scotland? First of all: lots of nature. In an area of around 78,000 square kilometers you can immerse yourself in the landscape with Nordic flair. Less than 5.5 million people live here. Remember to exchange money before your trip. In Scotland the pound sterling is used to pay. A GBP is worth approximately 1.14 euros.
- Scotland is the land of historic castles, traditional highland games and beautiful lochs. But also away from the hidden fortresses and castles in the mountains, the world-famous whiskey distilleries and the dark and menacing lakes, which are called Lochs here, there is plenty to see and experience. In addition to the north of the British Isles, Scotland includes several archipelagos. Along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom.
- When you reach your holiday destination in Scotland, you need to turn the clock back one hour. The landscape of your holiday destination is characterized by long coastal regions, deep lakes, raging rivers, the impressive Highlands and many smaller islands. More than three quarters of the area is used for agricultural purposes.
Arrival to Scotland
- With the plane you can reach Scotland very relaxed. For example, choose a direct flight from Berlin to Glasgow. Or you decide for a stopover in Amsterdam or London. The direct connections from Hamburg, Frankfurt or Düsseldorf to Edinburgh will also get you on holiday in Scotland quickly.
- As you probably know, only hand luggage is included in the cheapest fare. Since the hand luggage regulations have been relaxed, at least at Ryanair (1 piece of hand luggage up to 10kg plus a small bag), it would even be possible to get by for a week without checked luggage. Otherwise, of course, you pay extra for it.
- Do you fancy an unusual journey? Then book a ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle. You have to plan about 14 hours for the crossing. The English city of Newcastle is about an hour’s drive south of the Scottish border. You can take your car with you. You can also get through the Euro Tunnel to the British Isles with your own car. If you are traveling in a car or mobile home yourself, please note that traffic is on the left. Important: The speed limits on the signs along your route are in miles per hour, not kilometers per hour.
- It is also possible to travel by long-distance bus or train – but this is only for people who really plan a lot of time for the route and would like to experience a long journey.
Weather, climate and best travel time for a holiday in Scotland
Scotland has a temperate oceanic climate. of the country – measured against the northern location – The mild temperatures on the west coast are due to the Gulf Stream, on the east coast it is significantly cooler.
during your holiday in Scotland Be prepared for changeable weather conditions. Extreme temperatures are not to be expected. In midsummer, in July and August, maximum temperatures of 20 degrees are reached. In winter, the average temperature in the cooler east of the country is around 3 degrees. Snowfall is also in the Highlands at this time of year. to be expected
Since the days are very short in winter, the best time to visit Scotland is between April and September. In addition, many of the accommodations, attractions and parks will be closed from October. The most consistent weather is achieved in the months from May to September.
The culture of Scotland
Scotland is known for its cuisine, which – apart from the classic fish ‘n’ chips and British breakfast – differs greatly from English cuisine. Mainly fish, meat, cereals and crops are served.
A real specialty is haggis. The ingredients may seem a bit strange, but you should definitely try it. Haggis consists of sheep offal that is cooked in the sheep’s stomach together with onions and oatmeal. And of course you will also taste the traditional whiskey of the country, the Scotch.
Accommodation in Scotland
Holidaymakers in Scotland spend their holidays in both hotels and holiday homes. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or the tourist stronghold of Fort William offer a wide choice. Hostels are a cheap, good alternative.
However, hotels are scarce in the high season, especially away from the big cities, so you should take care of them in advance. In addition, you don’t waste your valuable vacation time driving from one “No vacancy” sign to the next.
For a round trip, our hotel price comparison is particularly useful for finding accommodation. Here you can also filter by rating, sort by price or have the hotels displayed on the map.
Car hire in Scotland
Of course, Scotland is best explored with a set of wheels. You can get a small car with fully comprehensive cover for a whole week for just €119, which is just €59.50 per person. But beware – there is left-hand traffic!
If possible, always choose an offer with fully comprehensive cover (without excess) and the “full/full” fuel tank policy. If you’re under 25, be sure to check the fine print. There are sometimes fees for younger drivers and additional drivers that other rental companies do not have.
The most important information about Scotland summarized
- Entry: The travel document must be valid until the end of the trip. German nationals can enter with their identity card or passport. Further information.
- Climate : As a rule of thumb for climate, the west is warmer but also wetter than the east. This is particularly true of the North West Highlands. In spring you can expect temperatures between 10-14 degrees and an average of 6 hours of sunshine a day. The ideal conditions for a discovery tour. Don’t forget weatherproof clothing!
- Currency : Sterling (£). ATMs are common. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language : The official languages of Scotland are English, Gaelic and Scots.
- Popular souvenir : A classic souvenir is a kilt or just about anything with a tartan pattern. Please note that a proper kilt costs around £300-400 and is made from heavy fabric. However, many shops only sell thin, inauthentic kilts.
- National dish: haggis. It consists of finely chopped sheep’s heart, liver and lungs and is cooked in the sheep’s stomach. Today it is mostly served in plastic stomachs. It is served with mashed potatoes and mashed turnips.
- Nightlife : It’s easy to meet new people in the many bars and pubs. The Scots are very hospitable and it is not uncommon for you to be invited for a pint of beer. Of course there is also whiskey.
Where in Scotland should you holiday?
You’ve decided to go on holiday to Scotland – good. The only question is which part of the country you want to visit. Of course, Scotland is ideal for a round trip – for example with a rental car or via the well-developed railway network with its beautiful routes. Various destinations are recommended for a holiday in one place.
A holiday on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland
The Firth of Clyde is an estuary in southwest Scotland. If you spend your holiday in this region, not only do you have the chance, with a little luck, to see seals, harbor seals or even porpoises and dolphins in the wild, but you can also see the ruined castle of Dunure Castle, which is perched on a rocky outcrop at the coast of Dunure stands. The old pigeon tower from the 16th or 17th century, which you can see about fifty meters away, looks almost like a beehive.
Holiday near the legendary Highlands
The Highlands are not only for hikers and hobby mountaineers a suitable holiday destination. For example, you can spend your holidays in Scotland near Buachaille Etive Mòr in the west of the mountains. The prominent north-east face with its pyramid shape has made the 1,021 meter high massif famous – and a popular photo motif. You can find accommodation in Fort William. There is also a large shopping street and numerous bars.
Holidays on the Isle of Skye in North West Scotland
A highlight in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. The island is located off the west coast of the mainland and is easily accessible by rental car. To do this, take route from Inverness via the E87 motorway the westbound. For example, you choose Portree as your destination. The picture book setting of the largest city on the island will cast a spell over you.
The “Scottish Route 66”
The north coast of Scotland presents you with incredible views of cliffs, sea and waves. To get an unforgettable impression here, you make an exciting road trip along the coast. The NC500 is often referred to as the “Scottish Route 66”. Starting in Inverness, you’ll pass through Blackisle, Easter Ross, Cathness, Sutherland and Wester Ross, among others, before heading back to the Highland capital. The official promo song for the route is “I’m gonna be (500 Miles)” by the Scottish band The Proclaimers. No wonder – the entire route is 500 miles long, i.e. over 800 kilometers. The cult catchy tune should not be missing as the musical accompaniment to your road trip. And now everyone: “Da d-da da, da d-da da”.
Experience Scotland’s stunning cities
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland
Do you prefer something more urban? Then choose one of the big cities as your destination. The number one attraction for a city trip is the capital, Edinburgh. Here you can visit Edinburgh Castle or one of the many museums. Popular are:
- the National War Museum of Scotland,
- the Museum of Childhood, which exhibits children’s toys, and
- the National Gallery of Scotland, featuring the work of European painters, spread over five galleries across the city.
Glasgow: the largest city in Scotland
The largest city in the country is Glasgow. For a long time this was primarily considered an industrial location, but this image has changed in recent years. Today Glasgow is also very interesting for tourists.
Glasgow has a very special appeal for football fans. The rival clubs Glasgow Rangers and Celtic Glasgow are based here. during your stay. Visit Ibrox Stadium in the Rangers district of the same name and Celtic Park on Kerrydale Street
Our tip : A real sporting treat and emotional highlight of every season is the clash between the two clubs in the legendary “Old Firm” derby. Get your tickets for this event in good time.
Highlights – the sights of Scotland
There are some highlights in Scotland that you should not miss when holidaying in the respective region.
Fort Williams – great sights close by
The highest mountain in Scotland can be found near Fort William: Ben Nevis is 1,344 meters high. The summit is often covered in fog. You can get to the top via the tourist route. Make sure you have the right equipment. are also very beautiful The railway routes in the region.
Our tip: take the train across the striking Glenfinnan Viaduct. The rustic building is known to film fans from the Harry Potter series and the James Bond film “Skyfall”.
On the trail of the Loch Ness Monster
the legendary Nessie, You’ve probably heard of the monster in the lake. Get to the bottom of the legend with a visit to the freshwater lake Loch Ness near Inverness. Nessie fans are drawn to the town of Drumnadrochit.
The finest castles and palaces in Scotland
Donan Island
The fact that Eilean Donan is our number 1 will probably come as no surprise, after all the castle in the Scottish Highlands is considered one, if not the most beautiful castle in Europe. You have certainly seen the small but fine castle before, as it is the most photographed motif in Scotland and can also often be seen in film and television. Eilean Donan is idyllically situated on a small island connected to the mainland by an old stone bridge. It’s great to get to on a road trip through Scotland, as it’s just off the A87 on the way from Glasgow to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye.
Our tip : The castle looks particularly impressive and romantic at sunset and you are guaranteed Instagram-worthy pictures.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is also said to be the grandest of all Scottish castles and therefore cannot be left out of this list. As the name suggests, the castle is located in Stirling, in the middle of the old town on “Castle Hill” (Castle Hill), a hill of volcanic origin. However, Stirling Castle is not only of great importance as a national monument today. In the past Due to its strategic location on the River Forth it was extremely important to Scotland and was therefore besieged or attacked at least sixteen times.It was also the home of the Scottish kings from around 1100 to 1685.
Culzean Castle & Country Park
Situated between Maybole and Maidens, the beautiful Culzean Castle was built between 1777 and 1792 by Scotland’s most celebrated architect, Robert Adams. Not only the romantic castle is simply gorgeous, but also everything around it: It stands directly on the sea on a steep cliff and is surrounded by a two-hectare castle park with a swan lake, adventure playground and forest paths. No wonder it has now become one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions in the Ayr area, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle isn’t on your Scotland holiday list yet? Then you should change that quickly, and not just because the property is breathtakingly beautiful. No, Glamis Castle is the home of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, childhood home of Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mum) and birthplace of Princess Margaret. It’s also featured on the Royal Bank of Scotland’s £10 note… how could you miss a visit to Glamis Castle in Angus?
Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle is a beautiful four storey castle in Inveraray on Loch Fyne, some 95km north of Glasgow. What is interesting is that Inveraray was demolished specifically for the construction of the castle and rebuilt a mile further to make room for the estate. However, this has more than paid off, because the castle is really breathtaking and therefore also the backdrop for many films and series such as Downton Abbey or James Bond 007: Skyfall. In addition to visiting the castle, you should also plan enough time to explore the beautiful garden.
3. Station: Cliffs of Moher
Today you make a small detour in the direction of the famous Cliffs of Moher, true to the motto: the journey is the reward. The steep cliffs, some of which are vertical, rise several kilometers out of the Atlantic and are in places more than 200 meters high. If you want to experience them from a completely different perspective, we recommend a one-hour boat trip from the Scotland village of Doolin. The fishing village itself is definitely worth a visit.
