Mysterious Loch Ness

Can I let you in on a secret?! Nessie lives! In the hearts of the Scots, the monster occupies a significant place. In the Highlands, not far from Inverness, the idyllic village of Drumnadrochit revolves around the Loch Ness monster. You can read all about the legend in this article.

Loch Ness in Scotland - a place surrounded by numerous myths. Every year, thousands of people are drawn to the second largest lake in the Highlands, most of them with the goal of uncovering the mystery of Nessie herself.

The tranquil village of Drumnadrochit on the west shore of the loch is the center of Nessie tourism. If you find yourself in Scotland's Lowlands, you can follow the A82 from Glasgow towards Fort William and Inverness. From Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, Drumnadrochit is reachable in about half an hour by car or by bus routes 917 and 919 for 4-8€ each. The lake is best suited for a day trip.

So if you're planning a trip through Scotland or the Highlands, a detour to the birthplace of numerous stories about the world's most famous lake monster is a must. If you are too weary from the search for Nessie to return home the same day, hotels around Loch Ness offer the chance to recover from the day's events. For those who can make it back to Inverness, the city on the River Ness boasts numerous guest houses - there should be something for everyone.

Due to its monster, this freshwater lake is among the most well-known bodies of water on Earth. The fissure where Loch Ness currently lies formed over 500 million years ago. A tectonic shift created the second-largest lake in the Scottish Highlands. About 12,000 years ago, it was more like a bay, whose access to the sea was gradually cut off by the land rising around it. Only Loch Lomond can surpass Loch Ness in area. Stretching approximately 21 miles long and 0.9 miles wide, Loch Ness covers an area equivalent to five football fields.

If you venture to the shore and look into the water, you will almost certainly get chills. The deep blue, almost black-looking water radiates a mystical allure. Additionally, a mist hovers above the water due to the consistently low water temperature of seven degrees Celsius. The immense depth of about 230 meters is quite unusual for Scottish lochs. The bottom of the lake is dotted with many caverns. Its extensive exploration is, by the way, due to the fascination surrounding its famous resident.

For those who remain unimpressed, a walk through the castle by Loch Ness is in order. Urquhart Castle was a site of power struggles between the English kings and the noble lords of the north for millennia.

Whether as a plush toy, glass figurine, or salt shaker - there is hardly an item that doesn't bear the shape of the lake monster. She is depicted everywhere as a mix of a sea serpent and a dinosaur with a long neck and a small head typical of a reptile. According to eyewitness reports and measurements, whatever swims down there on the lake bed is said to be between 33 and 49 feet long. One thing is for sure: Nessie means far more to the Scots than just a mythical creature.

In the year 565 AD, an Irish priest named Saint Columba first sighted the monster. However, the cleric's observations received little further attention. It wasn't until 1933, when the panoramic road A82 was built around the lake, that sightings of the creature increased. A year later, London surgeon R.K. Wilson published the first photo of Nessie. Since then, the monster has become internationally renowned. The Scots are so enamored with their monster that they prohibited hunting for Nessie and placed the creature under protection. Despite numerous research trips and long-term observations, the existence of the creature remains a genuine mystery.

I highly recommend a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. This interactive museum in the heart of Drumnadrochit invites you to experience the story surrounding the loch up close. A visitor hall filled with attention to detail showcases the history of the monster across seven different areas. Loch Ness is a true piece of local history, and you can also explore the numerous investigations that have taken place in and around the lake.

With effective light displays on the walls and floor, it feels as if you are yourself diving to the bottom of the water. Once a chapter of history concludes via the audio guide, a fading of the lights leads you into the next chapter. In this way, you explore a submarine equipped with sonar technology. This and other objects were used to locate the lake monster. Through various wall-mounted telephones, you can listen to eyewitness accounts about Nessie in the Jury Room. At the end of the tour, you can form your own opinion about Nessie and Loch Ness.

You can visit the largest castle ruin in the Highlands for around €10.30 daily. A price well worth it due to the stunning view of the lake. The price includes access to the castle grounds and a visit to the designated cinema. Before you plunge into the world of princesses and knights, a ten-minute film gives you insight into the history of Urquhart Castle. What makes the castle special is its hilly location. You wander over lush green meadows, occasionally stumbling over a stone as you follow a guided path around the fortress. Information boards with illustrations give you insight into life back then.

In 1296, following the conquest by the English King Edward I, the castle was mentioned for the first time. From this point, Scots, English, and the Lords of the Isles all fought over the estate. A peaceful life at Urquhart Castle was therefore unattainable. For the perfect vacation snapshot, you can choose the tower with the lake in the background as a picturesque backdrop. Climbing the tower is rewarding for any romantic. A breathtaking panorama awaits you: Loch Ness and gentle hills as far as the eye can see. And who knows: perhaps Nessie will honor you with an appearance, peering out from the dark depths of the lake.

If you dare venture onto the water, I recommend an hour-long boat tour on Loch Ness. There are two main starting points around the lake. You can start from the west shore and head to the southern tip of the water at Fort Augustus. Of course, you can also begin your journey there. Like almost every Scottish small town, Fort Augustus has plenty to offer. Especially those among you who enjoy hiking and biking will find satisfaction here. The Great Glen Way guides you around the area. The picturesque village lies by the 60-meter-long Caledonian Canal. Those wanting to learn more can visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre for all essential information about navigation in the canal area. The Clansman Centre offers you reenactments and life stories from the 17th century.

As you may have gathered, I am absolutely enamored with Loch Ness and its history. It's best to plan your visit to Loch Ness as part of a tour through the Scottish Highlands, as once you've breathed in the Scottish air, the land of whisky will not let you go.

In my handy booking guide, you'll find great offers for Scotland that can get you to the island for a small price. Check it out and find the perfect Scotland trip!