After landing in Scotland, we headed to Edinburgh, where we spent two days exploring the city.

Our first stop was a pilgrimage site for Outlander fans: the printing house where Jamie and Claire reunite after many years. It's located in the small alleyway Bakehouse Close. A magical place for fans, and for everyone else, just an old alley with beautiful houses. Afterward, we strolled along the famous Royal Mile toward the castle.

We were particularly struck by the statue of the philosopher David Hume. The man wears a rather unusual hat—a traffic cone—but even more interesting are his toes. Legend has it that touching them brings good luck.

Just before the castle, we turned off at the spot where witches were once burned. Edinburgh doesn't just have a beautiful past, but also a rather dark one in some parts.

Next stop: Calton Hill.

Edinburgh was built on seven hills, and Calton Hill is one of the most famous. The climb is short, but the view is all the more impressive. From up here, you can see across the entire city all the way to the sea.

Next, we headed to Victoria Street. A beautiful, winding street with colorful facades, small shops, and plenty of charm. You immediately understand why it's one of Edinburgh's most photographed streets.

Our next stop was the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a small dog who, after his master's death, is said to have waited at his grave for years.

Our last stop was Frankenstein.

After two well-deserved Tennents, we finally made our way back home.

We slept surprisingly well and started the day with a proper breakfast.

Afterward, our paths diverged. Our young couple headed off to a bag-making class, while the older folks embarked on an educational spree with Mugg. After all, you never stop learning. Especially not in Scotland, where most museums are free. A concept that could definitely be exported.

Since the National Museum of Scotland is practically around the corner from our accommodation, today's destination was quickly decided.



Since the National Museum of Scotland is practically around the corner from our accommodation, today's destination was easy to find.
... Around midday, we'd learned enough and our knowledge was temporarily exhausted. So we all met back at the apartment.

After a quick brainstorming session about the rest of the day, we decided to explore the city again.

First, I wanted to check with a kilt rental place to see how much a real Scottish kilt cost. The answer came quickly and unexpectedly directly:

£395. For a used one.

After hearing this, I made an orderly retreat. For that kind of money, I could buy half a wardrobe back home—or several crates of Tennents.

We continued our stroll past the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace, the official summer residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland. The £26 entrance fee per person didn't quite convince us, though. So we admired the palace, as experts would have it, from the outside.

Afterward, we headed toward Arthur's Seat.

After a leisurely walk, we made our way back to the Royal Mile. Back in the Old Town, we browsed a few more shops. Souvenirs, whisky, kilts, and all sorts of things you don't really need, but still find interesting.

Of course, we couldn't miss the culinary side of Scotland. So we treated ourselves to a generous portion of fish and chips, which tasted absolutely delicious.

Afterward, we headed back to Victoria Street.

Then we continued on to Vennel Viewpoint. This rather unassuming viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.

On the way back, we strolled through Greyfriars Kirkyard. Yes, that cemetery with the famous bobby. Among old gravestones, weathered monuments, and crooked walls, there's a very special atmosphere. A little spooky, a little fascinating, and somehow quintessentially Edinburgh.

After another Tennents at Frankenstein, we returned to our accommodation, where we ended the evening relaxing with a game. And because scientific studies, as we all know, require several attempts, we naturally sampled yet another Tennents.

After that, we fell into bed, tired but happy.

Tomorrow, our Scottish adventure would finally leave the city limits. But that's another story.

#vacation #roadtrip #holiday #scotland #edinburgh