Tracing the Magic: 5 Magical Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Scottish Highlands

For fans of the Harry Potter films, stepping into the Scottish Highlands is like stepping into the wizarding world itself. With dramatic landscapes, mist-covered mountains, and ancient lochs, it's no surprise that filmmakers chose this region to bring the wizarding world to life. In this blog, we explore five unforgettable locations from the Harry Potter films — places that not only set the scene for iconic moments in the movies but also stand as stunning travel destinations.

Glenfinnan Viaduct — The Route to Hogwarts

Arguably the most iconic Harry Potter filming location, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is where we first see the Hogwarts Express crossing a sweeping stone bridge on its way to school. Located on the West Highland Line, the viaduct was featured most memorably in The Chamber of Secrets, as Harry and Ron's flying Ford Anglia narrowly avoids the oncoming train. Today, fans can recreate the magic by riding the Jacobite Steam Train, which travels the same route — offering breathtaking views and that unmistakable nostalgic thrill. 

Location tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the steam train in action.

 

2. Steall Waterfall — The Hidden Valley of the Triwizard Tournament

Tucked away in Glen Nevis, Steall Waterfall is Scotland’s second-highest waterfall and served as a backdrop for scenes during the Triwizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire. The area surrounding the falls is wild, untamed, and steeped in a sense of adventure — ideal for the challenges the champions face.

To reach it, visitors must brave a short hike through the Nevis Gorge, a journey that feels like something straight out of a magical quest. The reward? A thundering cascade framed by jagged cliffs and grassy plains. For those who want to be a wizard, we have just the thing.

Adventure tip: The rope bridge near the waterfall adds an extra dash of drama — and a photo op for brave Gryffindors.

3. Loch Shiel — The Waters Beneath Hogwarts

Loch Shiel served as the mystical Black Lake beside Hogwarts. In The Prisoner of Azkaban, it’s where Buckbeak takes Harry for a ride above the shimmering waters. The loch is seen again during the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire.

Surrounded by rugged hills and thick woodland, Loch Shiel is the perfect spot to reflect and soak in the stillness — just as the students might have done between classes.

Don’t miss: The view from the Glenfinnan Monument offers a cinematic panorama of both the loch and viaduct.

 

4. Rannoch Moor — The Desolate Beauty of the Death Eaters' Realm

Rannoch Moor is hauntingly beautiful, with vast expanses of heather and bog stretching into the distance. Its eerie, desolate vibe made it the perfect setting for the scene in Deathly Hallows: Part 1, where the Death Eaters stop the Hogwarts Express in search of Harry Potter. Despite being a wizard in training, Harry shows great bravery.

In real life, this remote landscape is ideal for solitude, photography, and experiencing the raw, unfiltered beauty that the Scottish Highlands have to offer.

Travel tip: Fog often rolls over the moor — adding to the otherworldly feel and making it a surreal place for sunrise or sunset visits.

5. Clachaig Gully — The Entrance to Hagrid’s Hut

Located near Glencoe, Clachaig Gully was used as the path to Hagrid’s Hut in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Nestled between dramatic cliffs, it embodies the ruggedness of Hagrid’s world — slightly off the beaten path, wild, and welcoming in its own way.

While the hut itself was a set, the surrounding landscapes are very real and just as cinematic. This area also offers trails and views that rival anything conjured by a spell.

Local tip: Stop by the Clachaig Inn afterwards for a warm meal and a chance to mingle with fellow hikers and Potterheads.

 

Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or a lover of nature's beauty, the Scottish Highlands offer a magical escape from the Muggle world. These five locations blend fiction and reality, making it possible to walk in the footsteps of wizards — or at least, the actors who portrayed them. Below you will find a map of these iconic locations!

Pack your wand, your hiking boots, and a camera. Scotland’s spellbinding scenery awaits you.