The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland. — © Tim Graham
The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most may know from the Harry Potter films, will soon be renovated. For years, fans from all over the world have been traveling to Scotland to see the famous bridge and steam train with their own eyes. And Potter fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the renovations wouldn’t change the appearance of the viaduct.
Friday April 5, 2024 at 4:20 PM
The Glenfinnan Viaduct was built in 1901 and has since become one of Scotland’s most famous tourist attractions. The bridge first starred in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). Since then, fans from all over the world have been flocking to the viaduct, which is located about 250 kilometers from the capital Edinburgh.
A Harry Potter steam train crosses the bridge several times a day. You can also take a ride on the Jacobite steam train (or Hogwarts Express), although those seats are highly sought after and sell out quickly.
(Read more below the post)
@kellyprincewright All aboard! 🚂✨ What a moment! It was such a dream to visit this absolutely magical location in Scotland and seeing the Hogwarts Express aka The Jacobite Steam train in real life. The Glenfinnan Viaduct that it is crossing is iconic and famously known for featuring in the Harry Potter films ⚡️. I remember seeing this on screen as a kid and thinking how incredible it must be to travel this way. A few tips for visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct ⤵️ 🚂 The Jacobite steam train travels over the viaduct four times a day (out and back twice) 📸 Get this angle and iconic shot twice a day around 10:45am and 1:20pm 🚗 Arrive early to the Glenfinnan Viaduct carpark area. It does get quite crowded! ⏱ It’s also a short walk from the carpark to the viewing points, so give yourself plenty of time to walk and set up 🥾 Wear sensible shoes! This viewing point is up a big hill, you’ll thank me later 🚂 Have your camera ready to go prior to the arrival times of 10:45 and 1:20. The train is sometimes a bit earlier or later. It arrived a bit early and I was totally scrambling to get my shots! 🥰 Have fun and be patient. You get to see something so cool but it can get quite crowded. Just enjoy the moment, you’re all there to see one thing together. 📍Save this post for your next Scotland trip!📍 #visitscotland #scotland #darkacademia #darkacademiaaesthetic #autumnaesthetic #travelcommunity #darkcottagecore #scottishhighlands #traveltips #travelblogger #europedestinations #uktravelblogger #harrypotter visiting Scotland, things to do in Scotland, harry potter locations, Harry Potter train, Harry Potter Hogwarts Express, visiting fort William, best things to do in the highlands, how to go on the Harry Potter train, real life Harry Potter train, real life Hogwarts Express #wizardingworld #harrypottertrain #fortwilliam #glenfinnanviaduct #backtohogwarts #harrypotterlocations #magicallytravelling #trainspotting #jacobitesteamtrain #travelguide #thingstodoinscotland #scotlandtravel #uktravel #backtohogwarts ♬ Mischief Managed! – Iván Cairo
The viaduct is 305 meters long and consists entirely of concrete. After almost 125 years, the viaduct is in need of renovation. The works will cost almost 4 million euros. Among other things, it should better protect the structure against water erosion. The stones under the tracks also need to be replaced.
However, Harry Potter fans should not fear: the repairs would not change the appearance of the viaduct’s structure. “The viaduct is an iconic landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world, so we have worked hard to develop a solution that helps preserve the structure, respect its historical significance while minimizing the visual impact of our work ” says project manager Laura Craig.