Mietwagenrundreise "Schottlands Höhepunkte"

About the destination: As the capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most stunning city in Northern Europe. It remains the hub of Scotland's autonomous administrative institutions, managing to avoid becoming overly modernized or excessively large. The city is a blend of medieval alleyways surrounding a majestic castle, elegant 18th-century townhouses encircling lush parks, and a thriving cultural scene. The undisputed centerpiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle, can be seen from miles away, peeking around street corners. Within its walls is the 11th-century Queen Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. As you walk towards the palace, you'll pass Gladstone's Land, a medieval dwelling, and Lady Stair's House, a 17th-century townhouse that houses memorabilia of Scotland's literary trinity: Burns, Scott, and Stevenson. The final stretch of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth, which houses the People's Story Museum and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. For a panoramic view of the city, climb Arthur's Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill also offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than just sightseeing. For a taste of urban life, visit Stockbridge, a charming community filled with students, coffee shops, and great pubs. Every August, the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, a three-week celebration of the finest music, theater, opera, and dance. Thousands of culture enthusiasts flock here, and the city goes above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.

About the destination: Inverness serves as the hub and tourist hotspot of the Highlands. This thriving port city, situated on the scenic banks of the Ness River, is an excellent starting point for exploring this Scottish region, home to some of Britain's most breathtaking landscapes. However, the city itself is also worth a visit. Inverness is a fascinating and appealing city with a wide array of attractions and activities, ranging from ancient castles to dining establishments, a Loch Ness cruise, or a riverside walk. The city is small, compact, and easy to navigate. The city's castle, majestically overlooking the river, is a prominent feature of the skyline. The castle's current structure is a formidable 19th-century Neo-Norman red stone fortress, still encircled by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery provides a comprehensive overview of the Highlands' evolution, while medieval Church Street houses the town's oldest surviving buildings. Contrary to popular belief, Inverness Castle is not the site of Macbeth's murder of King Duncan; the actual location is the dreamlike Cawdor Castle, complete with a moat and drawbridge, situated just east of Inverness. The stunning gothic structure is certainly worth a visit, if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national symbol and one of the region's most photographed sites, are located on the Loch's northern side. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have been reported. Today, Inverness is a modern city, equipped with all the contemporary conveniences and facilities you would expect from a major city. There are numerous charming riverside restaurants and lively sidewalk cafes, as well as a variety of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether you're wandering the city streets or venturing out into the Scottish Highlands for a day trip, Inverness is undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: The northernmost town on the Scottish mainland, Thurso, serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding rural areas. There's a wealth of attractions and activities in and around the charming town of Thurso. The town is bustling with quaint traditional shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Other must-see attractions include the round wellhouse of Meadow Well, an excellent public library, and the striking Janet Street that overlooks the River Thurso near Thurso Bridge. Be sure to visit the Swanson Gallery, which hosts year-round exhibitions of fine art, or explore the enchanting world of Glass Creations by artist Ian Pearson. Caithness Horizons is also worth a visit, with its intriguing museum exhibits and a rotating annual gallery program. Thurso is also a significant surfing hub and a top-tier cold surf destination that hosts surfing championships, including two World Championships for Kayak surfing. The abundant reefs, points, river mouths, and beaches, coupled with the consistent year-round surfing opportunities, make this location a haven for watersports enthusiasts. To the west of Thurso is the Dounreay nuclear power station, and its history is detailed in an exhibition at the Caithness Horizons visitor center. The dramatic northern coast extends to the west, while inland lies the expansive area of peat bog known as the 'Flow Country'.

About the destination: Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands of Scotland, with around 10,000 inhabitants. It is a major tourist center, with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the north, and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. The town is a hub for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains. It is also known for its nearby downhill mountain bike track. Be sure to visit the West Highland Museum, an old-fashioned museum of Highland history located just off High Street. It's open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and entrance is free.

About the destination: Located in Lanarkshire on Scotland's west coast, Glasgow is a lively and trendy city, boasting a freshness and style that few other UK cities can rival. Glasgow is renowned for its art and culture. The city features internationally acclaimed art galleries and museums, the best shopping in the UK outside of London, and the finest nightlife Scotland has to offer. With over 800 bars and pubs to choose from and a vast array of nightclubs, Friday and Saturday nights see the streets bustling with people moving from one entertainment venue to another. Music enthusiasts will love Glasgow's atmosphere, thanks to the numerous festivals and live gigs held throughout the city. With a rich array of cultural and entertainment options available, visitors will find Glasgow a city to remember. The city is easily accessible, with many train and bus stations scattered around the city center, offering very reliable public transportation.