{"id":3689,"date":"2026-09-21T11:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:37:17","slug":"harry-potter-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/harry-potter-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Harry Potter in Scotland: Places to visit and our tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Follow Harry Potter in Scotland<\/strong>, It's about discovering the landscapes that inspired and hosted the saga: the Hogwarts Express viaduct, the Glencoe valleys, and the Edinburgh streets where J.K. Rowling wrote her first novels. Having lived in Edinburgh since 2012, we present the must-see places and our tips for planning this trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harry Potter in Scotland: why this trip?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scotland holds a special place in the history of the saga. J.K. Rowling was living in Edinburgh when she wrote the first books. Later, several films were shot in the Highlands, whose vast landscapes provided Hogwarts with its wild setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This trip appeals to both families and adult fans. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity to discover some of the country's most beautiful sites, even without being a magic enthusiast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Hogwarts Express<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is undoubtedly the most famous location. In the films, the Hogwarts Express crosses this viaduct with its 21 arches, above a valley that slopes down towards Loch Shiel. It can be seen, in particular, in The Chamber of Secrets<\/em>, when Harry and Ron chase the train in a flying car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The real steam train is called the Jacobite. In 2026, it ran between Fort William and Mallaig from June 1st to October 23rd, for approximately \u00a376 return for an adult in standard class, according to West Coast Railways<\/a>. Tickets sell out quickly: so book as soon as sales open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a ticket, you can also watch the train go by from the viewpoint above the viaduct, a few minutes' walk from the Glenfinnan car park. For other spectacular journeys, see our Most beautiful train routes in Scotland<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filming locations in the Highlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glencoe and Hagrid's Hut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For The Prisoner of Azkaban<\/em>, The team built Hagrid's hut in the Glencoe valley, near the Clachaig Inn. However, it was dismantled after filming. The surrounding mountains remain among the most beautiful in Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loch Shiel and Black Lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loch Shiel, at the foot of the Glenfinnan monument, was used for some scenes of the Hogwarts lake. A cruise to see it departs from Glenfinnan during the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loch Eilt and Dumbledore's grave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the road to Mallaig, Loch Eilt shelters a small wooded island. It notably appears in The Deathly Hallows<\/em>, where it houses Dumbledore's tomb. The Jacobite runs alongside this loch, and the road offers several stops for photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steall Falls and Glen Nevis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the end of Glen Nevis, near Fort William, the Steall Falls waterfall appears in The Goblet of Fire<\/em>, during the dragon trial. A trail of about an hour leads there through a wooded gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following in JK Rowling's footsteps in Edinburgh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Edinburgh doesn't actually have any major filming locations. However, the city has certainly inspired the saga. Here are the places we recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n