Glenfinnan Viaduct

Bridge · Highland

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Bridge · Highland

3

Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom

Photos

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Glenfinnan Viaduct by Bill Kasman (CC BY 2.0)
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Glenfinnan Viaduct by Phil Champion (cc by-sa 2.0)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Gavin (Atlas Obscura User)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Antonio Caiazzo (cc by-sa 2.0)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Ian Taylor (CC BY 2.0)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Ian Taylor (cc by-sa 2.0)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by John Allan (cc by-sa 2.0)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Photo courtesy of National Trust for Scotland
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Glenfinnan Viaduct by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null
Glenfinnan Viaduct by null

Highlights

Iconic 1901 railway viaduct, Harry Potter filming location  

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Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom Get directions

visitscotland.com
@visitscotland

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Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom Get directions

visitscotland.com
@visitscotland
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@VisitScotland

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Oct 31, 2025

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@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Stunning, Surprising, or Hidden Filming Locations

"This giant curving viaduct is an iconic scene for any Harry Potter fans and hopeful Hogwarts attendees. But even if the Hogwarts Express hadn’t been shown chugging along the railroad on its way to the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry, this viaduct would still deserve to be an icon in its own right. The setting promises excellent views as the viaduct overlooks the waters of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument. Built in the 1890s, this railroad viaduct was the first structure in Britain to be built with mass concrete. It was this innovative building method that allows the overpass to remain in such good shape today. The viaduct was constructed by Robert McAlpine and Sons under the control of Sir Robert McAlpine, who became so fond of constructing in concrete that he was given the nickname “Concrete Bob.” The crew built the 100-foot-tall, 416-yard-long bridge along an elegant curve, which lets train passengers look out the window and catch fantastic views of the other end of the train chugging along the tracks against a backdrop of beautiful Highland scenery. Despite its importance as a civil engineering icon and the clear beauty of its surroundings, the railway didn’t gain fame until it was used in several of the Harry Potter movies. In particular, fans will notably remember the scene featuring the viaduct, the Hogwarts Express, and Arthur Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia. It’s even nicknamed the “Harry Potter Bridge.” The Glenfinnan Viaduct appears on some banknotes as well.  Apparently, since its brief role in the movies, the British Transport Police have had to put up signs to discourage trespassing following a number of near-misses between trains and Harry Potter fans, as the overpass is still very much in use. The diesel-powered West Highland Line frequently runs across it and there are regular steam-hauled excursions available in the summer. The iconic Jacobite steam train runs across the viaduct to Fort William and Mallaig. The train may pause at the viaduct, time permitting, to allow visitors to take in the magnificent views." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/movie-sets-you-can-visit
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@travelleisure

This Country Is the Top Honeymoon Destination of 2022, According to Expedia

"A train ride along the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct built 100 feet above the ground." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/honeymoon-destinations/top-honeymoon-destination-2022-expedia
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@afar

"Today, the fern-filled hillsides surrounding the Glenfinnan Monument regularly fill with camera-toting tourists, all eager to see the historic Jacobite Steam Train—which serves as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies—breeze across the elevated stone viaduct. More significant than the train, however, is the monument itself, which serves as a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. Less than a year before the Battle of Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his father’s Standard on this very land, marking the start of the Jacobite campaign. An army of 1,500 rallied around him, then marched as far south as Derby before the retreat that would seal their fate. In 1815, a nearly 60-foot monument was erected, with the long, kilted Highlander at the top representing the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause. Travelers can make the dizzying climb to the top of the tower for unrivaled views of Loch Shiel, then tour the visitor center, which tells the story of Prince Charles and the 1745 Jacobite Rising."

The Essential Guide to the Highlands
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Branislava Vuletic

Google
Every time we are close to Fort William, Inverness, Glencoe, or anywhere West Scotland in that matter, we go for a walk around Glenfinnan Viaduct, monument, and the lake. Rain or shine, we go there. It's just breathtaking. If we get to see Hogwarts Express, bonus points.

James Taylor

Google
Wow what an absolutely beautiful spot this is. The viaduct is about a 10 minute walk from the car park. There is a main spot to get pictures from which gets busy but it's worth looking round for less packed spots to catch the magical train going past with all the bells and whistles going off and the steam. Across the road is a monument you can pay £5 to fo to the top off which gives you some fantastic views. The stairs are a little tight and there is basically a trap door to get up to the top but the guide at the start gives you a full brief and was full of great information.

Alfa T

Google
I went here in January. The place was so beautiful. It was a wonderful experience and a nice walk to viaduct from the parking. There are multiple parking spots available. We had to walk for 15-20 minutes to reach near the pillars. There were no trains on the day I visited. But the weather was really good and we had a great time and wonderful experience.

Giovanni Di Sarno

Google
Wonderful experience. If you are fan of harry potter you can’t Miss this place. The train pass two times per days. Form the parking, you have to walk circa fiftheen minutes in order to reach the place. The trail is not easy

shekhar sharma

Google
If you are a great Harry porter series fan, and you love to explore the paces where the senses were captured, than I would recommend you to explore the place. You will love it. If you want to capture the scene with Train, than you should arrive there at 2:30 pm or 11:30am. As the train times are 3pm and 12pm, it get delayed sometimes bcz of weather conditions, but runs regularly on weekdays. I hope you enjoy it.

Mark Pappalardo

Google
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Scotland. Seeing it in person feels almost surreal—an elegant stone bridge curving through the rugged Highland landscape, framed by mountains and mist. It’s instantly recognizable to many as the “Harry Potter bridge,” but even beyond the film connection, it’s a masterpiece of engineering and natural beauty. We timed our visit to watch the Jacobite steam train cross the viaduct, and it was absolutely magical—the whistle echoing through the glen, steam billowing against the hills, and a crowd of onlookers quietly in awe. The nearby viewing trails are easy to access and offer incredible photo spots from several angles. Beyond the viaduct itself, the surrounding area is worth exploring. The loch views, the Glenfinnan Monument, and the peaceful Highland scenery make it an unforgettable stop. Bring good walking shoes and your camera—this is a place that captures both the spirit and the romance of Scotland. A must-see for anyone traveling through the Highlands.

Alex Luk

Google
We arrived at 9:30 am for the 10:45 train, but both car parks were already full. We ended up parking at a nearby hotel, about a 5-minute walk away. Still, the old-fashioned train reminiscent of Harry Potter was well worth the effort.

Anna Paulins

Google
I mean its just so stunning but we went in October and arrived an hour before the train was going to go past and we only just managed to get parking! There's A LOT of people waiting for the train but once its gone you can really enjoy the area. Can manage its rammed during the summer!!
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Courtney O.

Yelp
Wow!! This is an absolute must visit spot in the Highlands. You may think to ignore it because it's a bit out of the way, but it's absolutely worth the visit! We arrived an hour before the train was scheduled to pass. We thought there was no way we'd see it, but the hike up took so long that we stuck around and it was worth the wait! There are two pathways. There's a quick view point behind the visitor center or a longer hike to the left. The hike can go as long as you'd like. We went to the viewpoint just above the tracks but you can go all the way to the station if you want! If you're able, it's absolutely worth making the climb. It isn't hard but it's best to have shows that can sustain some mud and water. The views were breathtaking and it was amazing to see the train pass through!
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
We couldn't find a way to make time for a ride on the steam train, so we instead decided to try and go see it at the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Viaduct is a stunningly beautiful structure between Fort William and Mallaig, made famous by the Harry Potter films. It was about a half hour drive from Fort William to the car park at the Glenfinnan Visitors Center/Viaduct. The parking lot was pretty full, it seems we had just missed a train crossing. Boo. Regardless, we took the paved trails and explored. There are many, many scenic viewpoints, but if you're going for the train crossing, I suggest getting there early to stake out your spot. We were able to go underneath the viaduct, which was really interesting. There is also a cafe, restrooms and a gift shop at this spot.
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Tanis L.

Yelp
Glenfinnan Viaduct (in operation over 120 years as of writing this in 2023) is built between hills on the Scotland highlands landscape. A trail leads up by the viaduct and has flatter parts where one can stand or sit on a rock and watch the trains travel past. I watched a few trains travel past and spent a little over an hour here on Monday 15 July 2019. The number of viewers increased until an old-school/nostalgia train (red and black style from the 1970s and before) whistled as it made its way past. My first time to the viaduct, I came in the afternoon and found parking was backed up along the road about a mile from the main small parking lot. I decided to do something else and return later in the day. When I returned, around 6:20 p.m., I found parking in the lot and made my way towards the viaduct. Finding my way, I managed to get stung by nettles for the first time. A main paved roadway led to a path up past the viaduct. An information board at the parking lot area provided a map of the trails and other area-specific information. Warning sign(s) along the trail reminded visitors of fines for trespassing in certain areas. The blowing of the whistle of the trains as they approached and crossed the viaduct is something I remember to this day, Saturday 20 May 2023. I would guess such striking imagery is why that particular imagery was fitted into scenes in movies, television, and fantasy book series. Twas constructed decades before the conception of the "Harry Potter" series/franchise and inspired its creator to such an extent that they actually even decided to film here. Even some of the colours of the train lines operating across the viaduct were taken and incorporated into the fantasy series. Always interesting to see (and in this case both literally see and hear) how real-life places inspire fictional enterprises.
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Michael D.

Yelp
It's a picturesque spot and one of the Harry Potter must-see spots. The Genfinnan Viaduct is easy to get to. There's a parking lot right there, and it's a 5-minute walk to the viaduct for some fantastic photo opportunities. It's also across the street from the black lake.
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Farah F.

Yelp
Absolutely wonderful experience for Potter lovers!! We took the short hike that took us to the viaduct and led us through under it to a hill behind it. Be very careful, the weather can make the rocks slippery and if you're trying to climb higher on the hill away from the path...wear water proof footwear and try not to get stuck in the mud. As mentioned there is limited parking space so come early but it's totally worth it. The train may have passed frailty quickly but you will have goosebumps and flashbacks the entire time!! At least I did!! "The Glenfinnan Viaduct (opened in 1901) is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel." -Wikipedia
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Casey M.

Yelp
This is definitely a must see, features in the Harry Potter film and such an iconic landmark and simply stunning. Although It's a bit of a walk and hike up to get the best view it is well worth it.
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Bill Y.

Yelp
We were staying on the canal and decided to drive out and see a train. We passed the train going into town and got to the visitors center about 30 minutes after the train went by. It was probably lucky because we were able to find parking at the visitors center. There is a good trail behind the center and goes up to an overlook that is really good. I was able to get some great pictures of the trestle.
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Becky T.

Yelp
Glenfinnan Viaduct's most recent claim to fame is being part of the Hogwarts Express train line in Harry Potter. The walk here is easy enough. After pulling into the parking lot that is right off the road (if coming from Fort William, it's on the right hand side), you'll take the park's pathway about 1/4-1/3 mile and easily see the viaduct in front of you. The path is a nicely paved asphalt lane about six feet wide, so though raining when we went, there were no concerns about muddy pathways.
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Tilde E.

Yelp
Nice view of the viaduct just a short walk from the nearby parking. I'd recommend it to everyone who's in the area and a fan of Harry Potter and/or pretty viaducts.