Ballater
Discover Ballater with DFDS
Directly East of the Cairngorms National Park is Ballater, a dreamy health resort amidst a fantastic mountain scenery - even the royal family spends part of their summer months enjoying nature here. A visit is especially worthwhile in the summer, when the Ballater Highland Games are being played - these traditional games have attracted tourists since 1864. The beautiful location in the Highlands on the River Dee and at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains offers great exploration opportunities.
Image credits: VisitScotland
Activities in the region
The beautiful landscape of the region invites you to start exploring. Whether by bike, on foot, from the air, on a canoe or a horse - the possibilities are varied and endless. Go on a hike and explore the Loch Muick, circumnavigating the lake at just 11 km. At the Ballater Golf Club, you can play the course in peace and quiet before heading to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a whiskey tasting. Balmoral Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and is certainly worth a visit.
Ballater Highland Games
The Ballater Highland Games take place annually in Monaltrie Park in Ballater. Participation is highly regarded in Scotland and only the best athletes qualify for participation in the games making it a great honor. The games have become a major tourist event, with even members of the royal family coming to visit. The event is not only interesting for the athletes, around the games has established a popular festival mood with stands with food and drink stalls and attractions for young and old visitors.
Image Credit: VisitScotland
Travel Guides
Edinburgh
With DFDS ferries to Newcastle, it couldn’t be easier to travel Scotland for a fantastic holiday, with Edinburgh just a couple of hours’ drive from the port.
Glasgow
Situated on the River Clyde, near to Scotland’s west coast, Glasgow is the largest city in the country and holds many charms for holidaymakers looking for a city break.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is a true treat for lovers of the outdoors, with an incredible variety of geology, flora and wildlife to see.
Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, was voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world.
Our Routes to the UK
Amsterdam-Newcastle Ferry Crossings
Discover Scotland and Northern England with DFDS! Secure your 15% early bird discount now on your 2026 holiday journey with your own car.
15%
off 2026 sailings
Dunkirk-Dover Ferry Crossings
Sail across the English Channel with ease on a short crossing between Dunkirk and Dover.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Calais-Dover Ferry Crossings
Our Calais to Dover route is the shortest crossing we provide and is the perfect way to cross the Channel to the UK.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Dieppe-Newhaven Ferry Crossings
Crossing the Channel from Dieppe to Newhaven provides you with the ideal gateway to the UK.
From
€118
per car + 2 people, one way*
Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.