As well as its breathtaking scenery, Scotland is also the setting for the popular Harry Potter film series. From majestic castles to picturesque lochs, the country offers a wealth of filming locations to immerse fans in the world of Hogwarts. Embark on an unforgettable journey to Scotland’s key Harry Potter locations and experience the magic up close.
Edinburgh: Birthplace of the Wizarding World
There are many places in Edinburgh that have inspired J.K. Rowling:
- The Elephant House: Rowling wrote parts of the first Harry Potter books in this cafe.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard: Greyfriars Kirkyard: This historic graveyard is home to headstones with names that will be familiar to fans, such as Tom Riddle and McGonagall.
- Victoria Street: This colourful, winding street is the model for Diagon Alley. With its colourful facades and small shops, it perfectly conveys the magical atmosphere of a wizarding shopping street. It is also home to the official Harry Potter shop.
- George Heriot’s School: This school, with its four houses and Gothic towers, is said to have inspired Rowling to create Hogwarts. Although the school is not open to the public, you can admire it from the outside and get an idea of how young wizarding students are trained.
Glencoe and Rannoch Moor: Wild nature as a film set
The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands is brought to life in the movies:
- Glen Coe: The picturesque valley was used as the backdrop for Hagrid’s hut and various exterior shots around Hogwarts. The viewpoint at Torren Lochan, which can be reached from the Clachaig Inn, offers a good view of the former site of Hagrid’s hut. The remoteness and magic of Hogwarts is perfectly encapsulated by the dramatic landscape of rugged mountains and deep valleys.
- Rannoch Moor: This vast, unspoilt moorland was used for dark scenes such as the Death Eater attack. Covering an area of 50 square kilometres, the eerie, almost alien landscape perfectly suits the dark mood of the later films.
The majestic lochs: backdrop for epic scenes
Scotland’s lochs played an important role in the filming of the Harry Potter films:
- Loch Shiel: This lake served as the backdrop for the Great Lake of Hogwarts. It is particularly impressive in the scenes of the Triwizard Tournament in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. The lake is 28 kilometres long and provides a breathtaking backdrop.
- Loch Eilt: In this loch lies the small island of Eilean Na Moine, which was the burial place of Dumbledore. The island is visible from the Jacobite Steam Train and is a poignant sight for fans.
- Loch Morar: This lake was used for close-ups of the Lake of Hogwarts. It is the deepest freshwater lake in the UK and has a mystical aura.
- Loch Etive: Scenes from ‘Deathly Hallows’ were filmed here, including Harry, Ron and Hermione’s Camping Trip. In keeping with the dark mood of the last book, the lake offers a wild, unspoilt landscape.
The centrepiece: Hogwarts Express and Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Jacobite Steam Train, known as the Hogwarts Express in the films, runs between Fort William and Mallaig. The two-hour journey takes you over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has been featured in several films.
There are several ways for fans to enjoy this magical experience:
- A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train: The train runs from the end of March to the end of October. It leaves Fort William every day at 10.15am and returns at 4pm. From May to September there is an additional journey at 12.50pm.
- Visit the viewpoint: The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint offers spectacular views of the viaduct and the passing train. It can be seen approximately 30-45 minutes after the train leaves Fort William.
- Walk in the area: A short walk leads to a viewpoint at Loch Shiel, known in the films as the Lake of Hogwarts.
Steall Falls: Quidditch and magical waterfalls
Steall Falls is located in Glen Nevis at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain. This 120 metre high waterfall, the second largest in Scotland, provided an impressive backdrop for several scenes:
- When Harry flies his Firebolt during the Triwizard Tournament, Steall Falls can be seen in the background in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.
- The waterfall can also be seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during the Quidditch Trials.
A footpath leads through lush woodland to this magical spot. The sight of the thundering waterfall surrounded by the wild beauty of the Highlands makes it easy to see why the film-makers chose this location to shoot their magical scenes.
For the perfect Harry Potter tour of Scotland, allow at least a week. Before heading to the Highlands, explore the author’s sources of inspiration in Edinburgh. A visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must, as is a trip to Glen Coe and the lochs.
Scotland’s Harry Potter locations offer an unforgettable experience – and not just for fans of the series. They take you through some of the country’s most beautiful and atmospheric landscapes, immersing you in a world of magic and adventure. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh to the desolate landscapes of the Highlands, each location tells its own story and is part of the magic of the Potter saga.
