Donan castle, Scotland, UK by Andrew Urquhart / License: Creative Commons

At the start of 2013, The Office of National Statistics reported that international tourism to Scotland has risen to 2.3million. Also in 2011, over 6.9 million trips were made to Scotland by both domestic and international tourists according to a report by the Great Britain Tourism Survey. These figures are indicative of Scotland’s growing popularity among holidaymakers.

There is so much to do and see in Scotland. Due to a rising visibility in blockbuster films, Scotland has begun to attract visitors of all ages and from all over the world. If you are thinking about visiting Scotland here are some of the top attractions that the country has to offer:

Scottish Highlands and Northern Islands

The word ‘rugged’ takes on a new meaning when you visit the Scottish Highlands, believed by many to be the heart of Scotland’s craggy character. From Britain’s deepest lake in Loch Ness to its highest peak on Ben Nevis, the Scottish Highlands offers you visions of crumbling castles and heather covered moors. Recently, James Bond’s latest film “Skyfall” showed the Highlands, especially Glencoe, in all of their chiselled beauty to a worldwide audience. Fort William is a must see due to its centuries of history intermingled with the latest outdoor activities. Many claim that Fort William is the outdoor capital of the world and a walker’s paradise due to its scenic walks, mountain bike tracks, and challenging ski slopes. 2013 has also been declared as the Year of Natural Scotland and many special events have been organised to highlight Scotland’s natural beauty. Whiskey enthusiasts can find a range of traditional distilleries in the Scottish Highlands such as the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest producers of single malt Scotch whisky.

Glencoe, Scotland, UK by Thierry Gregorius / License: Creative Commons

Outer Hebrides

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles for the amazing number of eagles, whales and dolphins that can be found on the 119 islands, out of which only 5 can really be called inhabited. The HebCelt music festival on the Isle of Lewis in July, is one of the most popular summer attractions in the Outer Hebrides. This year’s line-up includes Van Morrison, The Travelling Band and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Edinburgh and Glasgow

For history lovers, these two major Scottish cities offer visitors glimpses into Scotland’s turbulent history as well as containing fantastic shops, museums, art galleries and stunning architecture. Don’t miss the historic Edinburgh Castle and Glasgow’s wide range of shops in the city centre. In the summer, art and comedy fans can experience the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which features a wide range of acts as well as a cascading firework show and spectacular music from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In 2014, Glasgow will be the destination of choice amongst sports enthusiasts as the city will be host to the Commonwealth Games.

View of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh / License: Creative Commons

Golf Holidays

Scotland is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, the Fife town of St. Andrews is commonly known as the Home of Golf. The old course built before 1574 is considered sacred by the true golfers. In 2014, Scotland will be an unmissable destination for golfers due to the prestigious Ryder Cup tournament at the PGA Centenary Golf Course at Gleneagles in Perthshire. There are many other famous golf courses to see in Scotland, including the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Fiona writes for LHH Scotland, leading provider of luxury self-catering accommodation across Scotland.

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Lake Königssee, Germany by Bobak Ha’Eri

The Lake Königssee is considered to be the third deepest lake in the entire country. It is known, that the lake was formed during the last ice age by glacial erosion, and as such the lake is 7.7 km long while only being 1.7 km wide. The lake is also popularly known to mountain climbers who make their way to the area declared one of the tallest vertical ascents in northern Europe.

The lake itself, is very clear and is considered by many to be one of the cleanest lakes in all of Germany. In order to ensure that the lake stays clean and clear for future generations, transportation on Lake Königssee is limited to electric powered vessels with the proper permits. This regulation has actually been in place since the beginning of the 1900s.

An electric boat, Königssee Lake, Germany by Nachtgiger

The views afforded to anyone who chooses to visit the Lake Königssee is simply awe-inspiring. As a result, not only is the region very popular for mountain climbers, but is also very popular for ecotourists. The large lake is surrounded by parkland which is considered by many to be some of the most beautiful and picturesque in the entire country. There are a number of popular hiking trails around the lake.

Due to the many sheer rock faces that surround Lake Königssee in every direction, there is an amazing echo that can be heard no matter where you are. As a result, those who choose to take a boat to travel the length of the lake, will notice that the boat stopped midway and either play a flugelhorn or a trumpet. Passengers on the boat will notice that there is a distinct echo that can be heard more than seven times bouncing back and forth from one side to the other. In the past, the echo was created by shooting a cannon; however due to safety reasons this is no longer perform.

St. Bartholomä church, Lake Konigssee, Germany by gravitat-OFF

At the midpoint of Lake Königssee, there is a small peninsula that sticks out into the lake, which also has on it a smaller lake of its own. The smaller lake which is known by the name of Lake Obersee, has also become a very popular attraction in the area on account of its 470 m tall waterfall known as Röthbach. Unfortunately, there are no hiking trails that can reach the waterfall, and as such many people choose to take boat instead. Along the shores of Lake you will also find the famous St. Bartholomä church which attracts countless visitors as well.

While there are many things to see and do when you choose to visit Germany, if you want to really see the true beauty of the country then you have to make your way to Lake Königssee and the Berchtesgaden National Park region.

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When the High Tatras National Park was first established, it was the first national park of its kind in all of Slovakia. Shortly after its establishment, Poland followed suit and established a similar protective area on their side of the border. Today, both the Polish and the Slovakian portions of the High Tatras National Park are considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Štrbské Pleso, High Tatras National Park, Slovakia by Petr Vilgus

So the most interesting species that can be found within the High Tatras National Park include many different plants which can only be found along the highest summits of the mountains in the region. There are also a number of rare animal species which call the national park their home including the eagle, bear as well as the marmot. But perhaps the most precious of all species that lives within the High Tatras National Park is that of the chamois which lives in complete isolation among the glaciers of the park; there are more than 1000 chamois currently alive there.

The High Tatras National Park is also a home to some of the tallest mountains in all of Europe. One of the highest peaks that can be found within the mountain range is that of the Gerlachovský štít which stands at an amazing 2655 meters above sea level. There are also more than 100 different lakes and waterfalls that can be found throughout the High Tatras National Park. The largest, as well as the deepest lake that can be found within the mountain range is that of Veľké Hincovo pleso covering an area of 20 hectares, 53 metres deep. The highest situated lake is that of Modré pleso which is situated 2192 meters above the sea. Then of course there are also Popradské pleso and Štrbské pleso lakes which are located at lower altitudes, and as a result are some of the most visited lakes in the mountains. Zelené pleso lake is considered to be the most beautiful place in High Tatras mountains as well as in all of Slovakia.

Zelené pleso, High Tatras National Park, Slovakia by Michal Kabát

It is interesting to note that while there are a number of excellent caves that can be found throughout the High Tatras National Park, there is only one which is open to the public today. Anyone choosing to visit the mountain range can stop by and also check out this cave known as Belianska jaskyňa. It can be found in the resort of Tatranská Kotlina.

Due to the altitude of many of the summits and peaks of the High Tatras National Park, many of the hiking paths throughout the uppermost regions of the Park are closed between November and June. This is done so for safety reasons on account of the extreme winters that can be experienced in the mountain range, but also to protect the nature and animals in the park. For the remainder of the year, one can visit just about any part of the mountain peaks with the help of mountain guides and officially marked routes.

There are many towns and resorts to stay at when you choose to visit the High Tatras National Park which includes that of Štrbské pleso, Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica as well as Ždiar. Tatranská Lomnica is also home to the only museum dedicated to the park; which first opened up back in 1957. You can also visit cities of Poprad and Kežmarok that are found nearby.

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