Inverness in Scotland: Your ultimate travel guide

Why Inverness is a must for travelers to Scotland

Inverness, Scotland, often referred to as the capital of the Highlands, offers visitors a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning a holiday in Inverness, Scotland, there are many sights and activities you shouldn't miss. Learn more about the top things to do in Inverness here. Scotland Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is rich in history, nature, and Scottish culture. Be sure to explore the imposing castle, which stands high above the River Ness, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. Stroll along the waterfront and discover hidden gems that will amaze you. Learn more about the region's rich history and experience the fascinating stories of times gone by. Explore mysterious sites that will transport you to another world.

Scotland Inverness in video

 

Enjoy the unspoilt nature and explore the picturesque landscape of the Highlands. Let yourself be inspired by majestic mountains, deep lochs and secluded valleys. Also feel the warm hospitality of the locals, taste traditional Scottish dishes and learn about the fascinating culture.

Scotland's Inverness offers a unique blend of history, nature, and the Scottish way of life. In Inverness, Scotland, you can relax, experience new adventures, and make unforgettable memories.

City map of Inverness Scotland

 

Top attractions in Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands in Scotland. Inverness is a city in Scotland that is part of the United Kingdom. It is the only place in the Highlands to have “city” status. Inverness is a place with a long history. There is evidence of prehistoric settlement. Where the Old High Church of Inverness now stands was one of the main Pictish castles in the 6th century. Macbeth reigned in the castle in the 11th century. However, he did not do this quite as bloodthirsty as Shakespeare portrayed him. The surrounding area is also steeped in history. Not far from here, at Culloden, the last battle between Jacobites and English government troops took place in 1746. We want them points of interest & sights from Inverness discover Scotland.

An Inverness Scotland vacation is Nessie and more

Inverness in Scotland was the starting point for our trip to Loch Ness Scotland. The city is interesting not only because of the legends of Nessie. It is also the largest city in the Scottish Highlands and the starting point for many Sights in Scotland. It lies on the Moray Firth. This is a bay that extends inland from the North Sea. The River Ness flows into this. With average temperatures ranging between 4 and 14 degrees Celsius all year round, the climate is warm and temperate. There is rarely snow. However, rainfall is high, even during the driest month in April. You can see this in the vegetation. The city's almost 47.000 residents appreciate this. Visitors also like to take advantage of these conditions to travel to the region all year round.

 

 

Explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, with us

We take a stroll through Inverness and explore Scotland's capital of the Highlands. We've collected all the tips and tricks you need to find the perfect attractions in this vibrant city. A real Scot accompanies us. Cameron knows the city well as he lives there. He also shows them to guests from all over the world. Apparently he's very well known in his town. Not only that people from the city constantly greet him and shake his hand. No, even overseas visitors get excited when they see it. "You are THE Cameron? Wow! I did not expect to see you in person, “says one of his fans, who has apparently just arrived from the United States. No wonder! Cameron stands out. Because he proudly wears his kilt on this September morning when it is drizzling. A Scot as it is in the book. Finding a better travel guide is difficult.

 

 

Discover Inverness in the footsteps of a local

From its lively pubs to interesting sights, Inverness offers the perfect opportunity to explore Scotland's Highland capital. With a range of attractions and activities on offer, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or just wanting to soak up the atmosphere, you can experience first-hand why locals love this city.

A stroll through Inverness Scotland

Historical sights in Inverness

Inverness is packed with historical and cultural attractions, from the Castle to St Andrews Cathedral. Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town and soak up the atmosphere on the streets for a glimpse of the city's past. You can also take a guided tour of some of Scotland's most famous monuments. There is something for everyone in this cultural capital!

 

 

We begin our tour of Inverness at

the Scotland Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle is perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness. Today it houses the Sheriff's Court of Inverness. However, there are plans to open the castle to the public. So far, only the North Tower as a lookout tower and the parks are accessible. From here you have a good view of the river and the city.

Note: Inverness Castle is currently undergoing extensive renovations and will remain closed to the public until 2025. It is scheduled to reopen later this year, although exact dates have not yet been confirmed.

The Castle and Macbeth

The castle, as it stands today, was created in 1836. Before that, however, there were other castles and palaces that stood at this point from 1057. Malcolm III. built the first castle, after Macbeth killed his father Duncan I in a castle about a mile from here.

 

 

Mary Stuart and the Castle

The castle also played a role in the life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. She visited the castle in the year 1562. However, she found the gates locked. This was done by order of George Gordon, the Fourth Earl of Huntly. Only when the clans of Munros and Frasers flocked to the queen, the tide turned. They besieged the castle and finally conquered it after three days. Mary spent four nights at the castle and then moved on with her train. Alexander Gordon, who had denied her access, was executed for treason.

From the castle our way leads past the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery to the High Street. The Town House, the city council, is on the corner of High St. and Castle Wynd.

We follow Church Street and come by Hootanany, a pub that plays live music in the evenings.

 

 

We turn off to the cemetery at the

Old High Church

It is one of the churches in Inverness. It is remarkable because its pulpit is located between the two entrances to the church, not - as is usual - in the front part of the church building. In the church cemetery there are graves whose tombstones are damaged. These are the graves of people who committed some crime in their lifetime for which they were not held accountable. In Inverness in Scotland they make sure that they do not find eternal rest.

At the back of the church we reach the shore of the River Ness. There the

Bouncing Bridge

or the Greig Street Bridge, how it is officially called, turns to the right. Its nickname is well picked. The closer we get to the center of the bridge, the more we feel the swinging of the bridge.

 

 

Myths and Legends in Inverness Scotland

Our guide Cameron - a rascal - tells us the story of St. Columba, who is said to have been the only one to have seen the Loch Ness monster in 565. The monk, who came to the region from Ireland to convert the Picts, watched the monster try to devour one of them as he swam across the River Ness. He struck the sign of the cross and instructed the monster: "You will not move any further and you will not touch this man. Back off immediately.” The monster ostensibly obeyed and continued swimming into Loch Ness. "Who knows, maybe things are still going on there today - or something?" Says Cameron with a wink.

On the other bank of the river we turn left. We pass the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Center, where you can find out more about the craft of kiltmaking. From there our path leads to Strathness House. The Beatles stayed at this hotel in the early 60s. It is said that they wrote one of their songs here. Opposite is the

 

 

St. Andrew's Cathedral

The cathedral was inaugurated in 1869. It was built at the instigation of Bishop Robert Eden and was built according to plans by Alexander Ross. Worth seeing is the church interior, which impresses visitors with its light effects. The Episcopal Church offers services. Several times a year they take place in Gaelic. Since 2017, the Scottish Episcopal Church offers ecclesial marriage to homosexuals.

 

 

Abertarff House

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Inverness, Abertarff House was built in 1593 and restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Today, it serves a variety of purposes, and the garden is open to the public.

Culinary highlights in Scotland: Discover Inverness

When it comes to enjoying some of Scotland's finest delicacies, immerse yourself in the exciting flavors and experiences that Inverness has to offer. For example, take a break for a traditional food at a Highland pub – try dishes like Cullen Skink or Haggis with neeps and tatties. You can also do some of the best whiskeys of Scotland sample in local bars and pubs – keep an eye out for exclusive brands like Glenmorangie, made in nearby Tain. Afterwards, end your evening with live music in one of the city's cozy traditional pubs.

Our route takes us from St. Andrew's Cathedral back to the Ness Bridge, over which we once again reach the city centre. Just in time for a lunch break

 

 

Number 27

a pub restaurant where we enjoy our lunch: pork belly on pumpkin puree in a red wine sauce. This gives us strength for exploring Loch Ness in Scotland and Urquart Castle and around Inverness. If you want to know more about Scottish food and drink, you can find a blog post about it here.

Visit some of Inverness Scotland's unique boutiques and galleries

If you are looking for something special, Inverness has many unique boutiques and galleries to explore. Be sure to take a stroll through the city center to discover some hidden gems like the Kensington Art Gallery or the Fringed Kilt Boutique. Both shops have a range of beautiful artwork and designs from local makers. Why not grab a souvenir to remember your Scotland Inverness vacation?

Current events and new openings:

• Uile-Bheist Brewery & Distillery: This brewery and distillery offers tours where visitors can learn more about the myths and production of craft beers and whiskeys.
• MacGregor's Bar: This popular Inverness bar was once again named Scotland's Best Music Venue in 2024. It features regular live music and an impressive selection of whiskies.

 

Enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful Highlands

If you're looking for outdoor fun, Inverness and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take a riverside stroll to the Ness Islands, for example, or challenge yourself on the Inverness Sky Trail - the longest ropes course in Scotland! There are several mountain walks to explore, from moderate climbs up Craig Phadrig or Tomnahurich Hill to more challenging routes to Sgurr na Coinnich and Beinn Fhada in the Inverness area of ​​Scotland. Of course, no trip to Scotland is complete without fishing - visit local rivers like the River Ness and River Lochy if you fancy catching salmon.

Fort George

This impressive 18th-century fortress, located northeast of Inverness, is considered one of the most important original fortifications of this period. It was built after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745/1746 and served to pacify the Scottish Highlands.

North Coast 500

For travelers seeking a scenic route, the North Coast 500 begins and ends at Inverness Castle. This approximately 500-mile route runs along the north coast of Scotland and is often referred to as "Scotland's Route 66."

Great Glen Way

For hiking enthusiasts, the Great Glen Way offers a 117 km route between Fort William and Inverness, which runs parallel to the Caledonian Canal and leads through the Scottish Highlands.

Inverness Stone Circle

The city would not be in Scotland if there were not a stone circle near it. This one is even one that made it into the novel “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon. He achieved film fame in the film adaptation of the novel. The Inverness stone circle with the split stone is almost 20 kilometers outside the city and is signposted. From Inverness you can take a tour to the locations of the Highland saga. Destinations.ch shows you where you can find the region on the trail of Jamie and Claire If you want to read the story of Jamie and Claire, you can find it in the Outlander saga by Diana Gabaldon. Information about stone circles in Scotland and near Inverness can be found here.

 

 

Discover Scotland Inverness on your own

The city has a lot to offer and there are many ways to explore on your own. First of all, you should get a map so you don't get lost. If you like walking, I recommend a walk along the River Ness. There you can enjoy the landscape and admire the architecture.

Another highlight of the city is the Castle of Inverness. It was built in the 19th century and is an impressive building. Near the castle you will also find Inverness Cathedral, which is a fine example of Gothic architecture. If you want to learn more about the history of Inverness, you can visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. There you will find many exhibitions about the city and the region.

And if you get hungry, Inverness has plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can sample local specialities. Just have a look in the old town, you will definitely find something that you like.

Overall, Inverness is a great city with a lot to offer. If you want to explore them on your own, the best way to do this is by taking a walk!

Nature & excursions in the surroundings of the Scottish Highlands near Inverness

Inverness is on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. This makes it a good starting point for excursions in the region.

 

 

Take a trip to nearby Loch Ness

Spend the day exploring one of Scotland's most iconic locations - Loch Ness. Just a short distance from Inverness, this lake is home to a variety of stunning scenes and offers some fantastic photo opportunities. For example, take a boat tour around the lake to explore the beauty of the surrounding waters and stop at Urquhart castle for some magical moments. A walk along the coast can be very peaceful, especially on a sunny day!

 

Sights in the Scotland Highlands

• • If you want to learn a little more about the history of the region, then a visit to the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center. Corinne from Reflections Enroute presents this in detail in her blog.
  • Among other things, we present what we have discovered in the region in this post .
  • You can also find more excursions to sights in the Scottish Highlands here:

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