Beautiful sunrise and sunset viewpoints
14 August 2025
There’s something magical about watching the sky shift through pinks, purples and golds, especially when you’re surrounded by dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, or city skylines. Whether you're up early with your camera or winding down after a day of exploring, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer some truly stunning spots to catch the day’s best light.
Here are some of our favourite places to watch the sunrise and sunset, perfect for your next early morning adventure or golden-hour walk.
Sunrise Spots
Aberdeen Beach
Aberdeen Beach is a favourite for good reason. With wide skies and the North Sea stretching out ahead, it’s a spectacular place to greet the day. Early risers often share the view with surfers, dog walkers, and even dolphins.
Top tip: Grab a coffee from The Pier kiosk afterwards and watch the city come to life.
Balmedie Beach
For a quieter alternative, Balmedie offers peaceful dunes and big skies. The soft sand and coastal breeze make it a beautiful spot to start the day, especially if you enjoy a sunrise stroll.
Bring your camera - the light over the dunes can be magical.
Bennachie (Mither Tap)
If you’re up for a pre-dawn hike, the view from Bennachie is worth every step. Watching the sun rise over the landscape below is an unforgettable experience, especially with the mist clinging to the hills.
Bring a head torch and sturdy boots if setting off before first light.
Sunset Spots
Dunnottar Castle
Just along the coast from Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle is a dream location for sunset. The silhouette of the ruins against a fiery sky? Pure drama.
Arrive a bit early and walk the clifftop trail for changing views as the sun goes down.
Slains Castle
Overlooking the North Sea, Slains Castle is steeped in atmosphere. The crumbling ruins and sea views create a moody, cinematic setting for a sunset.
Ideal for photographers, but please watch your step, some areas can be uneven.
Torry Battery
Back in Aberdeen, Torry Battery offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the harbour and the city skyline. You might even spot a dolphin or two while you're there.
Stop by Greyhope Bay Café for a warm drink with your view.
Tips for Sunrise & Sunset Chasers
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Check the time - sunrise and sunset times shift quickly through the seasons, use a weather app to plan ahead.
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Layer up - even in summer, it can be chilly in the early morning or evening.
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Stay safe - be mindful near cliffs or the sea in low light, and bring a torch if you’re walking in or out in the dark.
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Bring your camera (or your phone) - but sometimes, the best memories come without a lens.
Want to explore them all?
Build a sunrise-to-sunset itinerary using our itinerary planner and discover how the light transforms this incredible region ,one golden moment at a time.
Let us know your favourite viewpoint using #VisitABDN and #BeautifulABDN and tagging us @visitabdn we love seeing the region through your eyes!