Scotland – The Land of Lochs, Glens, and Castles

Scotland may be small, but it packs a serious punch!

Home to just over 5 million people and about the size of the Czech Republic, this rugged, enchanting country overflows with natural beauty, rich history, and wild adventure.

From misty Highlands and ancient glens to dramatic coastlines and fairy-tale castles, Scotland’s landscapes feel unreal. There is so much to do – hike to windswept peaks, explore centuries-old ruins, chase waterfalls, or simply cozy up in a pub with a bit of whisky and live folk music.

At the heart of Scottish culture lies warmth, wit, and pride in heritage. Locals are famously crazy friendly, with a love for storytelling, music, and laughter – all part of what makes traveling here so unforgettable.

The official currency is the British Pound Sterling (£). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though it’s always handy to keep a bit of cash for small shops, local markets, or rural villages. Tipping is appreciated (around 10–15% in restaurants) but not mandatory.

Tap water in Scotland is clean and safe to drink, but Matze and I found that you could taste the chlorine in the tap water in almost all regions! I will say, though, we are used to our extremely pure Bavarian tap water (considered one of the best in all of Europe!), so perhaps we just have sensitive pallets, haha. Others we we met (from the US) did not notice it much, but we did end up having to buy bottled water most of our trip, as it was so bad for us.

Regarding the weather – this can change in a heartbeat in Scotland, but that’s part of the adventure! Expect mild summers (15–20°C / 59–68°F), cool winters (2–7°C / 36–45°F), and a fair share of mist and drizzle year-round. Mosquitos are very present in Scotland in the summer, with peak season being July and August.

Whether you’re here for a history-filled city break, a scenic Highlands road trip, or a week chasing castles and coasts, Scotland promises an extraordinary mix of beauty, culture, history, and adventure!