The Harry Potter Bridge in Scotland: The Glenfinnan Viaduct
Also known as the Glenfinnan Viaduct, this iconic landmark has captured the hearts of millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide. Located in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, the HP bridge stands over the road from Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument. From a certain vantage point you can see both the viaduct from above and look all the way down Loch Shiel - a truly spectacular view.
On this page we’ll give you some info on the bridge but nothing compares to going and seeing it for yourself, you can even ride the train and travel as Harry did in the movies (Check out the tour here).
Now, let’s delve into the world of magic in Scotland!
We lead tours up to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, past Dumbledores grave and onto the Isle of Skye (arguably Scotland’s most beautiful island!). You’ll also get to see some of the most picturesque castles, historical sites and landscapes around while hearing history & legends from an expert tour guide.
If that' sounds like something you’d be interested in, check out the Isle of Skye tours we have available here.
Harry Potter Bridge - The Iconic Landmark
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously known as the Harry Potter Bridge, is a marvel of engineering. With its distinctive arches and towering height, this 21-arch viaduct spans across the picturesque Glenfinnan Valley, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene.
If you get the timing right, you can see the train itself coming by and sounding its whistle for the many Harry Potter fans that visit. You can walk under the bridge as well as up and around to vantage points on either side. The classic route is to go under the bridge and climb the hill next to it for a panorama view of the area.
BUT our personal favourite spot is to climb the hill closer to the road that is often overlooked by visitors - not only do you get a better view of the bridge but you can also seen down Loch Shiel and get an amazing view of Glenfinnan Monument!
A Magical Journey To Hogwarts
As you make your way to the Harry Potter Bridge, you'll head out on a journey through stunning landscapes - the Scottish Highlands. The highlands are truly one of the worlds most beautiful places, full of dynamic mountains - like on the drive through Glencoe (the road to the Harry Potter Train) and upward toward Glenfinnan. The magic begins as soon as you leave the mainland cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh and head up north.
The journey itself is an experience. Lesser known fact, you can also visit Dulmbledor’s Grave not too far from the Harry Potter Bridge, definitely worth a visit for the die-hard fans.
Movie Magic For HP Fans
For avid Harry Potter fans, visiting the Harry Potter Bridge is like stepping into the pages of J.K. Rowling's beloved books or the frames of the blockbuster movie series. Relive the magic of Harry Potter as you stand on the same spot where the Hogwarts Express steamed across the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the movies.
Capture the perfect photo or recreate your favourite scene from the films!
For private tours, some of the guides like to bring along a wand or two for our guests to battle it out above the Harry Potter bridge for some epic photos and an experience you won’t forget!
With our expert Scotland guides we can help plan the perfect Harry Potter tour throughout Scotland, hitting up the well-known spots from the movie;
Rannoch Moor (Bridge of Orchy) where in "Half-Blood Prince," the Hogwarts Express makes a fleeting journey through this region, while in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," the Dementors halt the train at the onset of the film.
Loch Etive in Glen Etive where in "Order of the Phoenix," the loch briefly appears in the background as the Hogwarts Express passes through the Highlands. Later, in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," Harry, Ron, and Hermione camp on the loch's shores while hunting for Horcruxes. It's during this time that Ron chooses to depart from the group, and Hermione leaves her scarf tied to a tree.
Clachaig Gully in Glen Coe where Hagrid's hut is located. Hogwarts students often gather for various reasons throughout the Harry Potter series. In "Prisoner of Azkaban," they visit Hagrid after Divination class and later for the execution of Buckbeak. In "Order of the Phoenix," Harry encounters the thestrals for the first time while visiting Hagrid. Additionally, the trio seeks out Hagrid before he's dismissed by Umbridge. In "Half-Blood Prince," Slughorn and Harry join Hagrid to mourn the loss of Aragog in this same place.
Harry Potter Bridge (Glenfinnan Viaduct) where the iconic hogwarts train takes the young wizards to school!
Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis the picturesque backdrop for all Quidditch matches featured in the listed films and the setting of the initial Triwizard Tournament in "Goblet of Fire" (2005).
And many more.
Scotland may seem small but it’s more vast than you might think! And, with such densely packed historical sites, landscapes that will blow your mind, ancient history, many more castles and legends that you’ll simply love to hear - well, there’s a lot to choose from!
If you are planning a trip to Scotland, look no further! We have the best guide/story-tellers in the business and offer small 8-max group tours that mean you’re a part of the adventure from the beginning.
All that’s left to ask is…
