10 Unforgettable "Harry Potter" Scenic Backdrops You Have To See For Yourself

by N/A, 10 years ago | 1 min read

Relive the magic of Harry Potter by visiting these ten extraordinary places.

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1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

This beautiful Victorian railway located at the top of Loch Shiel is iconic in Harry Potter. It was first seen in Chamber of Secrets when Ron and Harry drive the flying Ford Anglia to Hogwarts. There's a regular diesel service, but the Hogwarts-esque Jacobite Steam Train runs during the summer season (May to October).

2. Loch Shiel, Lochaber

Loch Shiel was one of the lakes used as a stand-in for Hogwarts Lake in the Harry Potter movies, so it's bound to look familiar. You probably remember the scene when Harry rides Buckbeak over the lake in Prisoner of Azkaban.

3. Clachaig Gully and Torren Lochan, Glencoe

You unfortunately won't see Hagrid and his hut here, but you'll for sure recognize the backdrop of Torren Lochan. Most visitors stay at the Clachaig Inn.

4. Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt, Lochaber

R.I.P., Dumbledore. The little island of Eilean na Moine is the place where Voldemort gains possession of the Elder Wand in Deathly Hallows Part 1.

5. Loch Arkaig, Lochaber

Eilean na Moine was made to look like a larger island by digitally adding on the 12-mile-long Loch Arkaig, which is surrounded by the Great Glen mountains.

6. Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

Glen Nevis, the second-highest waterfall in Britain, was the background to the Quiddich stadium. It's also where Harry battles the Horntail dragon in Goblet of Fire.

7. Loch Morar, Lochaber

Loch Morar is the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, and legend has it, it's home to a monster named Morag. It was used for shots of Hogwarts Lake as well as for aerial backdrops in Prisoner of Azkaban and the films after that.

8. Glen Coe, Highland

The volcanic Glen Coe has been in several background shots, and is where arguably one of the best scenes in Harry Potter takes place - the scene where Hermione punches Malfoy in Prisoner of Azkaban.

9. Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute

You might recognize this as the place where Harry, Ron and Hemione jump off the back of a dragon and into the lake after escaping from Gingott's.

10. The Elephant House Café, Edinburgh

Every fan NEEDS to go to the birth place of Harry Potter. The Elephant House Café in Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the first book as a struggling single parent. It was the beautiful picture of Edinburgh castle in the back room that inspired her to create the Hogwarts world. Without the inspiration, just think how different our lives would be.