13 Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

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You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for Harry Potter locations in Scotland!

The magical world of Harry Potter has captured the hearts of millions of fans, and what better way to immerse yourself in the wizarding world than to visit some of the film’s iconic filming locations?

Luckily, while studying abroad in Ireland, I was able to make it out to Scotland, of course, to explore some of the Harry Potter locations throughout the country. We even made an entire road trip out of it!

Scotland’s dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery makes it a magical place for most visitors, but even more so for Harry Potter fans. Each one of the films contained scenes shot in Scotland, and it was the country author J.K Rowling lived in when she wrote most of the books. 

There are dozens of Harry Potter locations in Scotland, and visiting this mystical country gives Potterheads a chance to step right into the wizarding world. 

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Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Nestled deep within the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands lies an iconic viaduct that Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize. Glenfinnan Viaduct is seen multiple times during the film when the Hogwarts Express is seen trundling over the bridge on its way to Hogwarts.

The viaduct is perhaps most famous for the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where it was used for the flying car scene when Ron and Harry find themselves in a thrilling encounter with the Hogwarts Express. 

You can visit Glenfinnan Viaduct for free, and it’s accessible by car, train, and bus. There is a short hike involved to reach the viewpoint, but it only takes about 10/15 minutes.

The imposing dark concrete viaduct is set into a backdrop of verdant green hills, and the viewpoint makes a great photo spot. If you time your visit right, you can even catch a view of the Jacobite train (the Hogwarts Express train!) crashing over the bridge, just like in the films.

It’s easily one of the top Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

Glen Coe

This dramatic volcanic glen located in the Scottish highlands is an area of vast scenic beauty and is a popular spot for hiking. Glen Coe boasts sparkling reflecting pools, fierce cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountains.

It’s an enchantingly beautiful area, so it makes sense that it has been used frequently as a filming location in films such as Braveheart, Skyfall, and of course… the Harry Potter films. 

Probably the most notable use of Glen Coe as a Harry Potter filming location was in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where the glen became the home of Hagrid’s Hut. The whole set for Hagrid’s Hut was built in this location and was sadly removed after filming, but the background is still incredibly recognizable.

Signal Rock Forest and Torren Lochan are two spots that fans will be well familiar with, and spending some time in the area is a fantastic way to feel as if you’re part of the wizarding world. 

Notable scenes shot here include when Hermoine confronted and punched Draco at the sundial circle, as well as multiple forest scenes and shots of Hagrid’s Hut.

As well as visiting the area and spotting views you recognize, Glen Coe is a fantastic place for hiking, and there are many scenic routes to enjoy. A visitors center is nearby, which displays information about the area and a brilliant video exhibition. 

Loch Arkaig

Loch Arkaig in Fort William is a hidden gem that isn’t as frequently noted as a Harry Potter filming location in Scotland. This 12-mile-long freshwater loch plays a massive role in Scottish legend, as it’s said to be the place where a large bounty of stolen gold is buried. 

The beady-eyed traveler might just recognize Loch Arkaig from the Harry Potter films. When the director of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was deciding upon a location for Dumbledore’s resting place, he liked the look of Loch Eilt because of its mystical tree-filled island.

However, the size and the shape of the Loch weren’t the right fit for his vision. The director’s solution was to merge both Loch Eilt and Loch Arkaig to create the perfect final resting place for Dumbledore. If you visit Loch Arkaig, the shape and size of the Loch set within a backdrop of tumbling mossy mountains is definitely recognizable from the film.

Loch Arkaig was also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 when its filmmakers used the Loch for some of the wide shots of the dragon escape flight. 

The surrounding Caledonian forests and the serene natural beauty of the Loch make this a great place to visit. There is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy here; the forest is home to many native Scottish wildlife like osprey and red deer.

There is also a butterfly conservation reserve on the Loch’s north side, which is a fascinating and enjoyable place to visit. 

Loch Arkaig, Glen Coe, and Glenfinnan Viaduct are all located near one another – it’s about an hour’s drive between each site. This means that the trio forms an excellent itinerary for anyone interested in making a trip out of visiting Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland! 

Edinburgh

Edinburgh might just be the best city in the world for Harry Potter fans. It’s here that author J.K. Rowling lived when she wrote most of her books, and walking through the city, it’s impossible not to notice where she got her inspiration from.

Edinburgh is home to some of the best Harry Potter sites in Scotland, and you won’t struggle to find things to do here. 

Victoria Street, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is known by fans as “Harry Potter Street” – and for good reason. This winding cobbled street is lined with historic dark stone buildings, with assorted shaped roofs and mismatched brightly colored shops below… remind you of anything?

It looks remarkably similar to Diagon Alley! Rowling has never explicitly stated that she took inspiration from Victoria Street when writing the books, but the two certainly have a similar feel to one another. 

Shopkeepers have capitalized upon this similarity, and Victoria Street contains an array of brilliant Potter-themed shops where you can pick up everything from wizarding wands to tasty chocolate frogs.

Museum Context is one of Victoria Streets’ coolest potter-themed shops – it’s spread over two stone vaults and has been designed to resemble Ollivanders Wand Shop.

J.K Rowling has never confirmed where she got the inspiration for Hogwarts, but Edinburgh is home to one school that’s a pretty strong contender. The school’s gothic architecture and towering black turrets bear real resemblance to Hogwarts, and a stroll past the school is a must-do for any Potterheads visiting Edinburgh. 

The school is located very near Greyfriars Kirkyard, an ancient cemetery where you might spot a familiar name or two. It’s believed that Rowling used many names found on these cemetery headstones as inspiration for characters in the book, and fans love to explore the cemetery and see what names they can spot.

Look out for the tombstones of Robert Potter, William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie, and most famously – Thomas Riddle. 

One of the most famous Harry Potter places in Edinburgh is the Elephant House Cafe. This is the spot J.K. Rowling used to do lots of her writing, back in her broke cafe hopping days before she found money and fame from the books.

The Cafe proudly displays a sign in their window, claiming themselves as the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’, and over the years, fans have filled the bathrooms with Potter-themed graffiti. 

Edinburgh is very proud of its links to the wizarding world, and there is a ton of Harry Potter-themed activities for fans to enjoy in the city.

The Department of Magic offers two wizard-themed escape rooms, where teams conquer a series of magical puzzles, brain teasers, and challenges to defeat the dark lord and save the wizarding world. There’s even an onsite Magic Potions Tavern for you to enjoy after the escape room, where you can create your own magical elixir to drink. 

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow isn’t actually one of the many Harry Potter filming locations in the UK. However, it bears a stark resemblance to Hogwarts. There’s even a courtyard inside the campus that looks exactly like the spot Harry learned to ride his broomstick!

This university is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans traveling through Scotland. The gothic architecture of the buildings makes it a magical place to wander around, and the university is open to public visiting both as part of a tour or independently.

While there, you could also check out the university’s world-class museums and art galleries. 

Jacobite Train

Arguably the best Harry Potter location in Scotland is the Jacobite Steam Train. This train journey is regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, but even better than that – it’s the same train used as the Hogwarts Express! 

The journey begins close to Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) in Fort William. The vintage locomotive trundles through breathtaking Scottish scenery for two hours before reaching the fishing town of Mallaig.

Part of the journey even takes you over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (mentioned above) – it’s a truly magical experience. 

There are three seating classes on this train, varying in price accordingly. The highest class is in one of the Harry Potter carriages, where the seating layout is identical to that of the Hogwarts Express in the film. This is quite a splurge at £146 per table, but for superfans, it’s worth every penny. 

While onboard the Jacobite, you can opt to enjoy a quintessentially British cream tea – the dainty cakes and scones served are the perfect thing to nibble on while enjoying the stunning views.

You’re given two hours to explore the quaint fishing town of Mallaig, where you can sample some delicious Scottish seafood and admire the beautiful colored buildings, before heading back to the train for the return journey. 

Steall Falls

Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, Steall Falls, has been featured in multiple Harry Potter movies, and when you visit, you won’t wonder why it was chosen as a filming location.

The dramatic falls have a 390 feet drop and cascade violently from this height, creating a booming sound. The waterfall is located in the beautiful Nevis Gorge, and the scenery is stunning. 

The falls are most recognizable from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where they were used in several scenes during the Triwizard tournament – Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls are the backdrops to the arena.

It’s a great place to visit as a Harry Potter place in Scotland due to its recognizability, but equally, the hike up the falls is very enjoyable. 

The hike to the iconic viewpoint of the falls – which you’ll recognize from the film – is about 1.2 miles over varying terrain. You’ll need to cross a steel wire bridge to reach the viewpoint, and the hike is quite the adventure! 

Loch Shiel

Loch Shiel is located near Glenfinnan Viaduct, so if you’re visiting the viaduct, you shouldn’t miss a stop at this iconic Loch. Harry Potter lovers will instantly recognize the lake – it features in almost every film. It’s truly one of the best Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

Loch Shiel is the lake that Hogwarts was superimposed atop, so although you might have to use your imagination to picture Hogwarts since it’s (sadly!) not an actual building – you’ll undoubtedly recognize the lake. 

Loch Shiel has a few notable appearances, like in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the scene where Harry sits with Hedwig, asking, “Who am I, Hedwig? What am I?” Hogwarts and the lake can be seen in the distance.

You’ll also recognize Loch Shiel from many Hogwarts Express sequences, particularly in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when Harry flies on Buckbeak the Hippogriff. 

The loch spans a whopping 17 miles, and the surrounding pathways and forests make the area a great place to walk around.

You can also jump aboard a cruise on Loch Shiel to learn about its fascinating history and geology. While onboard, you’ll be treated to great commentary and some of Scotland’s best bird-watching. 

Clachaig Gully

Located in the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe, Clachaig Gully is a picturesque ravine that Harry Potter fans will recognize from many films. It featured as the location of Hagrid’s Hut in three of the films.

The location of Hagrid’s Hut actually changed multiple times in the different films, as different directors had differing visions as to where the hut was best set. 

Scenes featuring Hagrid’s Hut shot in Clachaig Gully include when Harry, Hermoine, and Ron visit Hagrid when Buckbeak is executed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Clachaig Gully also features when Harry sees the thestrals for the first time in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince when Harry, Hagrid, and Slughorn say farewell to Aragog. 

The area boasts picturesque mountain scenery, and when you visit, you’re guaranteed to be awestruck by its natural beauty. The rocky gorge is framed by towering mossy green mountains, and the sparkling waters of the River Spean run through.

There is a range of hiking routes throughout the area where you can spot an abundance of wildlife like golden eagles, deer, and red squirrels. 

There are multiple companies offering guided tours of Clachaig Gully, and this is a great way to explore one of the most iconic Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

Knowledgeable guides can share their expertise of the history and stories surrounding the area, and a tour means you can truly make the most of Clachaig Gulley’s unique beauty. 

Loch Etive & Glen Etive

Many iconic scenes in the Harry Potter films were shot in the stunning areas of Loch and Glen Etive. The lake and glen are set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and pine forests, and their dramatic setting makes it easy to imagine the wizarding world that Harry and his friends inhabit.

These are some of Scotland’s most beautiful natural wonders, and like many of the most famous Harry Potter locations in Scotland, they’re located in the Highlands. 

Loch Etive, with its picturesque landscapes and crystal clear waters, featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as the location where Harry, Ron, and Hermione camped overnight before Harry destroyed the locket Horcrux.

To find the exact location of filming, just head to the north part of the loch at Gualachulain.

The sparkling waters of Glen Etive, which is located just a few miles away, was used as one of the settings for Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 during the scene where James Potter and his friends were ambushed by Death Eaters. 

Loch Etive and Glen Etive are two must-visit destinations in Scotland for not only Potterheads but nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. The area boasts a multitude of scenic trails which wind through rugged terrain, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside sparkling lochs.

For those seeking a bigger challenge, the towering peaks of Buachaille Etive Mor and Ben Starav offer exhilarating summit hikes that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

Loch Eilt

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands lies Loch Eilt, a tranquil lake made popular with tourists due to its role in the world of Harry Potter. It’s easy to see why the filmmakers chose this stunning location – the tall mountains surrounding the tranquil lake create a jaw-dropping backdrop.

Loch Eilt is recognizable as the majestic lake surrounding Hogwarts, and the island in the middle (Eilean na Moine) was superimposed into the aforementioned Loch Arkaig to create Dumbledore’s grave.

It’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and excitement as you stand on the banks of the lake, imagining yourself in the world of Harry Potter – mainly if you visit on a misty day. 

But Loch Eilt is not just a destination for Harry Potter fans – it’s also a breathtakingly beautiful location in its own right. The lake’s still waters reflect the mountains on calm days, creating a picture-perfect scene that photographers and nature lovers alike will appreciate.

And for those who love to hike, plenty of trails in the area offer incredible views of the Scottish Highlands.

Black Rock Gorge

Black Rock Gorge is a dramatic box canyon that has a thin but fierce waterfall cascading through it, and it’s easily one of the best Harry Potter locations in Scotland. Situated in the Scottish Highlands, this natural wonder served as a filming location for the iconic Triwizard Tournament scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Harry battles a dragon to retrieve the golden egg.

Walking along the area surrounding the gorge, you can almost feel the magic of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry pulsing through the air. 

Black Rock Gorge is a truly breathtaking place to visit. With its dark, towering cliffs and rushing waterfalls, it’s easy to see why this hidden gem has been a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts for years.

Take a hike along the winding trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak up incredible views of this magnificent landscape. The gorge holds an ancient Scottish myth – legend has it that a woman was lured here by the devil, and her cries can still be heard from the top.

Whether the legend is true or not, Black Rock Gorge has a mythical atmosphere. 

Rannoch Moor

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe, Rannoch Moor is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. As you drive through winding roads surrounded by glens and lochs, you’ll be amazed at the views of this vast moor with a serene beauty that seems almost otherworldly. The moorland’s undulating hills, deep valleys, and scattered bogs create a landscape that is both rugged and serene.

Rannoch Moor will be familiar to avid Harry Potter fans, as it’s where the Death Eaters raided the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. The barren landscape of the moor was the perfect choice for this scary scene, and a visit to this Harry Potter location is a must-do. 

It’s a very easy stop to make on your Scotland adventure, particularly if you’re traveling by car – head to the Rannoch Moor viewpoint by following road signs on the A82. It’s a very quick place to visit as there isn’t much to do here, and you could combine your visit with a trip to nearby Glen and Loch Etive. 

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Final Thoughts: Scotland Harry Potter Locations

Whether you take a magical journey on the Hogwarts Express or soak up the mystical landscape of Glen Coe, you’ll be sure to agree that the many Harry Potter locations in Scotland are simply spellbinding sites. So, pack your wand on your next trip to Scotland!