Edinburgh Castle
One of the main attractions of the Scottish capital
Edinburgh Castle, the old, monumental structure that can be found on the striking “Castle Rock”, is always an attractive destination for tourists. Regardless of whether it is study trips or normal trips, this old castle is extremely worth seeing due to its historical importance. However, it is unclear when Edinburgh Castle was built at all. However, it is safe to say that the castle was first mentioned in writing in the 14th century in the Chronicle of Scotland. In that one speaks of a castle from the year 1093, which most likely must be this Edinburgh Castle. However, the structure has not been preserved in its original form, as it was destroyed in many wars and battles in the following centuries and then rebuilt. A very interesting aspect is that nowadays you can find components from almost all centuries on the castle, due to the numerous new buildings and extensions over the centuries. The castle was also modified in the 21st century as it is still used by British infantry units.
Other striking sights of Edinburgh Castle
Those who visit this castle on the Scottish east coast will be able to see other exciting features. For example, the so-called “One O’Clock Gun”, a cannon that is fired every day from Monday to Saturday at 1 p.m., is spectacular. This tradition dates back to the age of the seafarers who had to orientate themselves on the cannon. The cannon is still very popular as a tourist attraction, so it is always ignited on New Year’s Eve. For tourists, there are also various cafés, restaurants and shops in the castle, where you can stock up on numerous merchandise or information items. Various exhibits can also be found on the site, and costumed employees ensure that the historical flair of the building is conveyed very well.
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh, the Festival City
Edinburgh, always worth a study trip with sights such as the castle and the Scottish National Gallery, is considered the leading festival metropolis in the world. 12 major festivities take place each year in the Scottish capital, in which artists and talents from a third of all world states take part. The “Edinburgh Festival” was originally founded in 1947 to bring some humanity and a sense of community back into the world after the Second World War.
The Edinburgh International Festival
The “International Festival”, which takes place for three weeks in August together with the “Festival Fringe”, the “Art Festival”, the “International Book Festival” and the “Royal Military Tattoo”, now attracts over two million guests. The “Edinburgh Fringe” has become the centerpiece of the event and unites the most important theater and comedy artists with the greatest talents. The performances take place not only in the big theaters of the metropolis, but also in churches or private apartments. The “Fringe” is also a model for many other festivals in the European and Anglo-American region. The English south coast invites you to the “Brighton Fringe” every summer. The “Royal Military Tattoo”
And more festivals
Festival fans can also visit Edinburgh for the rest of the year. About the “Hogmanay”, probably the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world, it is said that this event is one of the 100 things that you should have done once in a lifetime. From December 30th to January 1st, the streets of Edinburgh will be practically partying – and hip live bands and DJs will be honored to do so.
If that’s still not enough: The “International Science Festival” takes place in March and the “International Film Festival” in June. In July it is the turn of the Jazz & Blues artists and in October they meet for the “International Storytelling Festival”.
Royal Scotsman
The journey in the Royal Scotsman
The reception at the train station in Edinburgh is already impressive: a bagpiper and a red carpet await the travelers! There is certainly no more sophisticated and relaxed way to travel on European railways than with the legendary luxury train Belmond Royal Scotsman. Between April and October it runs between Waverley Railway Station in Edinburgh and the heart of Scotland, the Highlands. In three or eight-day study trips, the aristocrat takes the European trains past breathtaking Scottish landscapes with country houses, hunting lodges, flocks of sheep, mountains, forests and crystal clear lakes. The Royal Scotsman is accompanied by a coach that takes guests on excursions to salmon smokers and whiskey distilleries.
Equipment and service at the Royal Scotsman
The neat burgundy-red wagons of the Royal Scotsman combine the intimate atmosphere of a British club with the elegance of a country house from the Edwardian era of the early 20th century. The guest cabins in a total of five sleeping cars offer maximum comfort. The furniture is made of the finest wood, and the floor is furnished with fine, soft carpets. Nobody has to do without their own bathroom. At night, the train stops on a siding so that the night remains quiet.
Two dining cars, “Raven” and “Victory”, invite you to enjoy culinary delights such as scallops or buccleuch fillets. Here, too, everything is presented at its finest: Royal Worcester porcelain, glasses made of shiny crystal, white linen tablecloths. In the “Observation Car”, a bar and an open veranda invite you to linger. Of course, you can end the day with an exquisite single malt whiskey. A library with English-language literature and current daily newspapers is also available.
