© Getty Images

Some places in the world touch travelers on a deep, less rational level - almost as if you fall in love with them. Scotland, the land shrouded in myth, buffeted by the Atlantic, dangerous in some places and yet generally more reminiscent of a safe haven, has this effect on most people: wild and gentle, modern and yet sometimes so wonderfully rooted in the past, it is a place where you can take a break from the everyday life of European cities.

A room at the Rucksacks St Andrews Hotel © beigestellt

Most visitors start their journey in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital since the 15th century. After Glasgow, it is the second largest city in the country, with 525,000 people calling it home. Poets refer to this city as the "Athens of the North", and the writer Robert Louis Stevenson even said: "Edinburgh is what Paris should be." As someone who was born here, Stevenson's statement may be biased, but the beauty of the city cannot be denied: it is situated on seven hills, crowned by the majestic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle; built on an extinct volcano, it is the heart of the city. From the top you can enjoy wonderful views - if you want to feel like you're in a historical drama, take a stroll along the Royal Mile, which connects the castle with Holyrood Palace, passing medieval and elegant Georgian taverns.

Highlights in the Highlands

From Edinburgh, the journey continues north, where the rugged Highlands have one breathtaking natural beauty after another to offer. Firstly, of course, there is Loch Ness, probably the most famous lake in the world - if you look long enough at its deep black water and have enough Highland Spirit (whisky) in you, you might even meet Nessie. Ancient castle ruins, including Urquhart Castle, picturesque villages and wide valleys dominate the landscape. The history of Scotland, shaped by numerous heroic stories, can be encountered here at every step: the Glencoe valley is now an impressive stretch of land, surrounded by steep mountain slopes and criss-crossed by clear streams - but where hikers and nature lovers happily stroll along today, a massacre took place in the 17th century that is one of the saddest chapters in Scottish history. Apart from that, this is the location of the family estate of James Bond's clan, to which the agent returned in "Skyfall" (2012, played by Daniel Craig). Fans will recognize the "Three Sisters" mountains in particular, as well as Eilean Donan Castle. Towering above it all is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the UK at 1345 meters. It is the declared destination of all those who take on the 154-kilometre hiking trail of the famous West Highland Way. A detour to the Glenfinnan Viaduct is also a must - the railroad bridge became world-famous as the film location for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct © Getty Images

Another famous bridge is the one that connects the Scottish mainland with the Isle of Skye further west. Framed by dramatic mountain ranges such as the Cuillin Hills and rugged coastlines, picturesque villages and photo opportunities such as the Old Man of Storr rock formation can be found here - no wonder heroic dramas such as "Highlander" were filmed on the Isle of Skye.

The bar of the iconic Rocco Forte hotel The Balmoral © beigestellt

It is also home to some of the world's most famous whisky distilleries, such as Talisker. In addition to tours of the production facilities, they also offer tastings and, conveniently, a store. A visit to the country would not be complete without a tour of a whisky distillery - or, to paraphrase Mark Twain: "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough." It is not just a drink, but the "water of life" and an experience that is deeply rooted in Scottish culture.

Gourmets and Glasgow

The Michelin-awarded cuisine at Cail Bruich© provided

At least as well-known as whisky, but far less often tried, is the Scottish national dish haggis. It tastes all the better the less you realize that you are eating sheep's stomach filled with heart, liver, lungs and kidney fat from the sheep as well as oatmeal, onions and pearl barley. Traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (turnips and potatoes), sheep in sheep tastes really good and is extremely hearty. National dishes like this make it hard to believe that Scotland has become a gourmet hotspot in recent years - but in fact there are eleven restaurants with a total of 13 stars in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as plenty of excellent pubs, restaurants and inns.

Aside from all the gourmet delights, Glasgow also offers plenty of history. You only need to take a walk to feel it, but attractions such as the free Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum go one step further and bring history to life. Glasgow, the largest city in the country, is considered a creative hub and lively center for art, culture and architecture; modern galleries, numerous high-end stores and boutiques as well as sights make the city much more than just the starting point for the legendary West Highland Way. Worth mentioning in this respect are the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral from the Middle Ages, the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery, and the Glasgow Science Centre; the latter provides insights into science and technology.

However, if you are in the mood for shopping, you should head to Buchanan Street: it is considered the best shopping street in the UK outside London. The offer ranges from menswear and kilts at Hector Russell to the House of Fraser with designer fashion from Armani to Valentino. Scotland is truly a land of contrasts in this respect too.