One Of Europe's Most Scenic Destinations Belongs On Your 2026 Travel List

Miles upon miles of rolling green hills, mountain peaks, huge lakes, and more than a few ancient castles can all be found at one of Europe's most scenic destinations. For travelers hoping to cross another destination off their bucket lists in 2026, U.S. News and World Report has a suggestion. The publication placed the Scottish Highlands on its ranking of the best places to visit in Europe in 2026. 

The Scottish Highlands are vast and stretch across the northwest portion of the country. The area is defined by the Highland Boundary Fault, a geographical fault line that runs across Scotland and marks the beginning of the Highlands. The fault has been a cultural and agricultural divide for centuries, and its movement is responsible for the spectacular geography of the region. 

Among the marvels presented by the tectonic plates meeting at the fault line is the ever-impressive and mystical Loch Ness. This famous loch often gets most of the headlines and is famous for its mythical and elusive sea serpent, the Loch Ness Monster. To find Scotland's biggest loch, consider a visit to Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park, which is far less crowded than Loch Ness. There is a lot to see in this natural wonderland, so travelers may want to consider one of the numerous Scottish Highlands tours that can help tourists explore the region more efficiently, for a price.

The Scottish Highlands cover more than 10,000 square miles and are a wilderness that provides a feast for the eyes. A majority of Scotland's 31,000 freshwater lakes rest in the Highlands, as well as hundreds of mountain peaks. Many clans, or family groups, called the Highlands home for centuries. Eventually, the clan way of life faded after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 forced many groups to flee. What remains are the haunting remains of castles built into the Highlands' rugged terrain.

With more than 1,500 castles in Scotland, there are an overwhelming number of options for explorers. One of the most popular castles attracting tourists is Balmoral Castle in the heart of the Highlands. Built in the 1850s and owned by the British royal family, the entire estate is now open for public tours thanks to a directive by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Perhaps one of the most recognized castles in the region is the Eilean Donan Castle. This 13th-century castle rests on an island and is open to tourists who want to get close to historic artifacts.

One of the most unique and comfortable ways to see portions of the Scottish Highlands is aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, also called the Harry Potter Train, thanks to its portrayal as the Hogwarts Express in the films. This train departs Inverness, circumvents Loch Ness, and continues past castles and mountains. The train completes its day-long journey when it returns to Inverness. The train is just one of many top-tier attractions in Scotland to consider, especially if it's your first trip to this part of the United Kingdom.

There are plenty of reasons the Scottish Highlands should be at the top of anyone's must-see list. Knowing where to begin when exploring the Scottish Highlands is likely the biggest challenge you'll face when planning a trip here. To help, consider this the only map you need of the Scottish Highlands to help get your bearings. With remote and dramatic scenery to the north and the more popular attractions to the south, it may be a good idea to organize your agenda. Cathedral ruins are a draw to the east, while seafood, hiking, and the popular steam train await visitors in the west.

No matter where your adventures lead, the weather in the Scottish Highlands is perfect for fans of exploring the outdoors, particularly in the summer months. Temperatures top out near 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and July is the clearest month of the year, meaning those spectacular views are easier to capture. Despite the welcoming temperatures, it's important to remember that dressing in layers is key to comfort in the Scottish Highlands. 

The Scottish Highlands are remote, which means getting there takes some time. The closest airport to the region is Inverness Airport, which is considered the main travel hub for the Highlands community. It offers flights throughout the Scottish Islands and to major U.K. cities. Knowing where to begin when exploring the Scottish Highlands is likely the biggest challenge you'll face when planning a trip here.