The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire, Scotland

© The Escape of Malee/Shutterstoc

All aboard the Hogwarts Express. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Muggles from around the world flock to this iconic scene at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland to marvel at the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, also known as the ‘Harry Potter bridge.’ The curving structure was made famous in the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels as part of the route taken by the Hogwarts Express, which carries students to and from the wizarding boarding school at the start and end of every term. And today is a reason to celebrate for Potterheads, as we are marking the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter’s big screen debut.

In real life, the Hogwarts Express is the Jacobite steam train. It's described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, taking passengers across the viaduct on a magical 135-kilometre round-trip between the towns of Fort William and Mallaig in summer months, passing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, and some of Scotland’s most splendid scenery.