An enchanting Harry Potter experience in Scotland
Experience Scotland through Harry Potter's eyes and visit the places that inspired both J.K. Rowling and the film production. This trip takes you from the mysterious streets of Edinburgh to the breathtaking Highlands, filled with magical views that bring to mind Hogwarts and its surroundings. You travel on your own, rent a car in Edinburgh and drive between the places at your own pace - and can adjust the trip exactly as you want.
Edinburgh - where the Harry Potter world was born
The journey begins in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, where J.K. Rowling first created the story of the boy who survived. A walk through the city's historic quarters gives a sense of stepping into a magical world. Victoria Street, a colorful cobblestone street with small, unique shops, is believed to have inspired Diagon Alley with its charm and mystique.
For a genuine Harry Potter experience, visit The Elephant House and Spoon Café - two of the cafes where Rowling sat and wrote the first books. With a cup of tea and a view of Edinburgh's old buildings, you can almost feel how the magic flows. A visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard is also a must, as it is home to graves that inspired character names like Tom Riddle. Here you can wander among history and mystique, in the same spirit as Harry Potter's world.
Fort William - Hogwarts Express and the magic of the Highlands
Once you have picked up your rental car in Edinburgh, the journey continues through Scotland's rolling landscape to Fort William, a charming town that is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. From here you can take the famous Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express, on a journey through a fairy-tale landscape. The train goes from Fort William to Mallaig and passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct - the iconic bridge where Harry and his friends travel on their way to Hogwarts. Sitting on the train and looking out over the vast views really gives a sense of being on the way to the magical school.
In addition to the train journey, Fort William offers fantastic opportunities to experience the nature of the Highlands, with hiking trails and viewpoints that allow you to feel the power of the majestic landscapes. It is a place where reality and fiction meet, and where every cliff and hill reminds of scenes from the movies.
Glenfinnan - Hogwarts lake and the historic viaduct
A short drive from Fort William is Glenfinnan, a place where the magic really feels present. Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most famous places from the Harry Potter films, and you can stand on the viewpoint to see the Jacobite Steam Train steam over the bridge, just like the Hogwarts Express in the movies.
Near the viaduct is Loch Shiel, known as the Hogwarts lake, where the scenes from the boat trip to Hogwarts were filmed. The lake and its surroundings have a calm and mysterious atmosphere that fits perfectly into the Harry Potter world. You can also visit the Glenfinnan Monument and learn more about Scotland's own history, which adds another dimension to your adventure.
Finish where it all began
After your magical days in the Highlands, you drive back to Edinburgh for a last night in the city where the whole Harry Potter world was born. Take the opportunity to enjoy a last dinner at a wizard-inspired restaurant and soak up the atmosphere before the journey comes to an end - and the muggle life returns.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
