Arthur's Seat & Holyrood
Arthur's Seat — the Volcano
Arthur's Seat is a 251-meter-high extinct volcano in the middle of Edinburgh — and one of the reasons why the city is so unique. Where else in the world can you climb a volcano from a medieval old town and see a metropolis, the sea, and the Highlands simultaneously from the summit?
The Hike
The ascent to the summit is moderate and doable for everyone — no climbing equipment needed, but sturdy footwear is recommended (rocks can be slippery). The main route from the Palace of Holyroodhouse takes 45–60 minutes and leads over rocky paths with increasingly spectacular views.
- Main Route (from Holyrood): Start at the palace, past the Salisbury Crags, then up the ridge. The most direct route, but steep at the end.
- Dunsapie Route (from the east): Gentler ascent from Dunsapie Loch. More family-friendly, slightly longer.
- Salisbury Crags Walk: If you don't want to reach the summit — the path along the cliffs offers breathtaking views over the city without the full hike.
The View from the Summit
360-degree panorama: Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town to the west, the Pentland Hills to the south, the Firth of Forth and the sea to the north, and on a clear day, the Highlands on the horizon. At sunrise, the summit is most magical — the city awakens below you as the first light gilds the towers.
Tipp
Come at sunrise — you'll have the summit almost to yourself, and the light over Edinburgh is indescribable. In summer, this means getting up at 4:30 AM (sunrise at 5 AM!). Alternatively: sunset, but then it's more crowded. In strong winds: The last passage to the summit can be unpleasant — check the storm warning on the Met Office app.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch — located at the lower end of the Royal Mile, at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Since the 15th century, it has been the seat of Scottish kings, and the palace is especially associated with one figure: Mary, Queen of Scots.
What you see
- Mary's Chambers: The rooms where Mary Stuart lived — and where her private secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566 before her eyes (allegedly with 56 stab wounds, by a group of nobles led by her own husband Lord Darnley). The bloodstain on the floor is legendary — whether real or repainted, no one knows anymore.
- The Great Gallery: 44 meters long, with 96 portraits of Scottish kings (real and legendary), painted by Jacob de Wet in the 17th century. Many of the portraits are fictional — but they tell the story Scotland wanted to tell itself.
- Holyrood Abbey: The ruin of the adjacent Augustinian abbey (founded in 1128) is atmospheric and photogenic — the open roof gives a view of the sky, the Gothic arches stand like skeletons. Included for free with the palace ticket.
- Queens Gallery: Changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection — art collected by the monarchy over centuries.
Calton Hill
The Calton Hill (103 m) at the eastern end of Princes Street is Edinburgh's most beautiful viewpoint — and the spot for THE classic Edinburgh view you know from every postcard. The climb takes only 10 minutes via stairs from Waterloo Place.
What you'll find at the summit
- National Monument: The unfinished columns of a Greek temple (1826, modeled after the Parthenon) — the money ran out, and so it stands today as a fragment. The locals lovingly call it "Edinburgh's Disgrace" or "Scotland's Folly." In fact, it is beautiful, especially at sunset.
- Nelson Monument: A tower in honor of Admiral Nelson, overlooking the city. Climbable for a small fee (£8).
- Dugald Stewart Monument: The round temple that frames the most photographed view of Edinburgh: Castle, Old Town, and Arthur's Seat in the background. THE photo motif.
- City Observatory: The historic observatory (1818) is now an art center and café — exhibitions and coffee with a view.
Sunset
Calton Hill is THE sunset spot in Edinburgh. In summer (June/July), the sun sets behind the Castle, and the entire Old Town is bathed in golden light. Bring a jacket (the wind is stronger at the top than at the bottom) and a camera. The moment when the sun sinks behind the towers of the Old Town and the National Monument glows golden is unforgettable.
Tipp
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and find a spot at the Dugald Stewart Monument — this is the place for THE Edinburgh photo. In summer (June/July), sunset is around 9:30–10:00 PM, in winter around 3:30–4:00 PM. Lesser known: the sunrise over the sea in the east is also spectacular.
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament (opened in 2004) at the foot of the Royal Mile, opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is one of the most controversial and fascinating buildings in the UK. Designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles (who died before its completion), it was meant to "grow out of the land" — a connection of architecture and Scottish landscape.
The Architecture
The building is an architectural statement: organic shapes, concrete, steel, granite, and oak. The facade is inspired by overturned boats (the Scottish maritime tradition), the windows by Henry Raeburn's painting "The Skating Minister." The construction costs exploded from an estimated £40 million to over £414 million — a scandal that kept the building under criticism for years. Today, it is largely recognized as an architectural masterpiece.
Visiting
- Guided Tours: Free 45-minute tours of the building, the Debating Chamber, and the Garden Lobby. Register in advance!
- Debate Days: When the parliament is in session (Wed–Thu during sitting periods), you can listen to the debates from the public gallery — free of charge. Scottish politics live.
- Exhibition: A permanent exhibition on the history of the Scottish Parliament — from its founding in 1235, through its dissolution in 1707, to its restoration in 1999.
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