Holiday in Scotland
Region in the United Kingdom — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇧
Country
United Kingdom
Type
Region
Best time to travel
May to September, longest days in June with up to 18 hours of daylight
Budget/day
100-170 € (good hotel, restaurant)
Getting there from Germany
Direct flight to Edinburgh takes about 1.5-2 hours, rental car recommended for the Highlands
Deals for Scotland:
What makes Scotland special as a destination?
Scotland is a land of rugged beauty, ancient myths, and warm hospitality – a destination that captivates every visitor with its wild nature, rich history, and legendary whisky. From the dramatic Highlands with their mist-covered peaks to the mystical lochs and the vibrant cultural scene of Edinburgh: Scotland offers an astonishing variety of experiences in a relatively small area. Edinburgh, the capital, sits atop volcanic rocks and combines the medieval Old Town with the Georgian New Town – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur's Seat provide history and panoramas in one breath. Every August, the city transforms during the Edinburgh Fringe into the world's largest stage for arts and comedy. But true Scotland begins north of the Highland boundary. Glen Coe, the "Valley of Tears," is a natural spectacle of rugged peaks and dramatic light, having served as a backdrop for Harry Potter and James Bond. The Isle of Skye enchants with its surreal rock formations, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools. Loch Ness attracts not only monster seekers but also hikers and kayakers to one of the most beautiful lake landscapes in Europe. The Whisky Trail route through Speyside leads to the most famous distilleries in the world – Glenfiddich, Macallan, Balvenie. Each tasting is a journey through peat, heather, and centuries-old craftsmanship. The North Coast 500, Scotland's answer to Route 66, stretches 830 kilometers along the northern coast through a landscape reminiscent of Norway – only with bagpipes. There are direct flights from Germany to Edinburgh and Glasgow in under two hours. A rental car is the best way to explore the Highlands. The best travel time is from May to September, although one should always be prepared for all four seasons in a day in Scotland. The midges (small biting insects) can become a nuisance in the summer in the Highlands – don't forget insect repellent.
What are the top highlights in Scotland?
The top highlights in Scotland include Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile, Isle of Skye, Glen Coe, Whisky Distilleries of Speyside, North Coast 500.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile
Scotland's most iconic landmark on volcanic rock with the historic Royal Mile
Isle of Skye
Mystical island with surreal rock formations, Fairy Pools, and dramatic coastlines
Glen Coe
The breathtaking Valley of Tears – one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe
Whisky Distilleries of Speyside
Home of single malt with Glenfiddich, Macallan, and dozens of other distilleries
North Coast 500
Scotland's legendary coastal road – 830 km along the wild northern coast
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
The mysterious lake with the castle ruins and the eternal search for the monster
Hotels in Scotland
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Scotland
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland is May to September, longest days in June with up to 18 hours of daylight. Mild, 14-20°C, long days, changeable weather, rain always possible In winter: Cold and dark, 2-7°C, short days, snow in the Highlands, atmospheric in Edinburgh
Recommended travel time
May to September, longest days in June with up to 18 hours of daylight
Summer
Mild, 14-20°C, long days, changeable weather, rain always possible
Winter
Cold and dark, 2-7°C, short days, snow in the Highlands, atmospheric in Edinburgh
How much does a holiday in Scotland cost?
Budget travellers: 60-90 € (B&B, pub meals)/day, mid-range: 100-170 € (good hotel, restaurant)/day, luxury: 200-400 € (castle hotel, fine dining)/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60-90 € (B&B, pub meals)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100-170 € (good hotel, restaurant)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200-400 € (castle hotel, fine dining)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Scotland?
Direct flight to Edinburgh takes about 1.5-2 hours, rental car recommended for the Highlands
Book a package holiday to Scotland
Compare thousands of package holidays to Scotland and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Scotland?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Always pack a rain jacket and layers – the weather changes several times a day
Plan at least 5-7 days for the North Coast 500, don't rush – the roads are narrow and winding
Midge spray (Smidge brand) is essential in the Highlands during summer, especially in the evenings
Edinburgh in August is the Fringe Festival – great, but book hotels months in advance
Don't forget to drive on the left – clockwise in roundabouts, practice in the airport parking lot
What should you eat in Scotland?
Typical specialities in Scotland: Haggis, Neeps and Tatties – Scotland's national dish made from spiced sheep offal pudding with turnips and potatoes, Cullen Skink – creamy smoked fish soup from the fishing village of Cullen on the Moray coast, Scottish Salmon – fresh or smoked salmon of world-class quality from the Highland rivers, Scotch Pie – savory filled meat pie, the perfect snack on hikes, Cranachan – heavenly dessert made from cream, raspberries, oats, and a splash of whisky.
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Scotland?
Plan your Scotland holiday now with our free tools.
