Combining breathtaking landscapes, unique art and science museums, and castles like nowhere else in the world, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take a second to enjoy these great photos and discover 10 stops you shouldn’t miss on a trip or expedition through Scotland.
Loch Ness and the Great Glen
A geological fault split the country from coast to coast, dividing Scotland in two. Glaciers deepened the trench and today the result is a long valley of steep walls, dark forested mountains, and mysterious lakes. Castles and forts abound, testifying to the strategic importance of the Great Glen and adding to its dramatic nobility full of intrigue and nostalgia. Of course, there’s also the legendary, elusive, but inevitable Loch Ness Monster that always attracts the interest of scientists. Keep your camera handy, you never know.
Edinburgh Castle
Towering over the city skyline as it has for over 800 years, this castle is a national icon and rightfully the most popular and visited attraction in the country. Din Eidyn, ‘Eidyn’s Fortress’, from which Edinburgh takes its name, was a key possession in the wars of Scotland. The Royal Palace has played different roles: barracks, prison, and parliament, all of which have helped shape this castle, which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the legendary Stone of Destiny.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Scotland’s most-visited collection is more popular than ever since a £ 27.9 million refurbishment brought even more pieces from its fascinating collection of art and artifacts on display. Some 8,000 works of major international importance are exhibited in a 3-storey gallery. The diverse collection encompasses ancient cultures from around the world, gives an overview of European and Scottish art across the centuries, and provides insight into Glasgow life in the 20th century. Contrasting displays in open spaces demonstrate Kelvingrove’s quirky and fun feel.
Isle of Skye
Resulting from violent geographical upheavals, the “foggy island” is justly famous for its imposing jagged mountains and its wild coastline. Add to that a colorful patchwork of small farms, waterfalls, exceptional whisky, a fairytale castle, and the historic idyll of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and you’ll find on Skye all the ingredients that best symbolize the Highlands.
Glasgow Science Center
This £75 million millennium project is pure delight. The heart of the complex is the Science Mall, a silver, glass-fronted three-story crescent of interactive exhibits, presentations, and special effects. Right next to the Centre, the only rotating tower in the world has an IMAX cinema that projects gigantic 3D films.
Glen Coe
Nowhere else is the traveler so suddenly confronted with the severity of the Scottish mountains. The road twists under the imposing mass of these impressive peaks, sometimes dark and deceptive, sometimes clear and alluring. This famous and ancient pass is also steeped in history: cattle rustling, clan feuds, and – most notoriously – the ‘Massacre of Glen Coe’ in 1692. In summer the area is a favorite with hikers and climbers. In winter, it is one of the main ski centers.
National Gallery of Scotland
A stunning neo-classical building halfway along Edinburgh’s Princess Street, the National Gallery dares you to miss it. Highly regarded as one of the finest small galleries in the world, this collection is a reasonable concentration of excellence. Here are presented works by the greatest names in Western art – Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet, to name a few – as well as the most comprehensive display of masterpieces. Scottish artwork. While some galleries tend to intimidate the visitor, this one is pleasantly intimate.
The Cairngorms
The highest range in the British Isles includes a stunning range of peaks, wild lakes, and ancient forests, as well as bird sanctuaries, nature reserves, and sports facilities. It is a region of exceptional landscapes and habitats that has not been crisscrossed by roads. Activities take place on its fringe, but the heart is open only to those who travel on foot or skis. It’s this relative isolation that makes it so appealing both to the area’s wildlife and to the people who toil on the grounds.
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