Magical real-life locations that are straight out of the Harry Potter world

JK Rowling once famously said, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” This time, we’re returning via vicarious travel. If you look close enough, you’ll notice that the world of muggles is sprinkled with a good deal of magic, too. These otherworldly locations, from heritage properties to natural wonders, all mimic the enchanting locales of the wizarding world. And with the upcoming return of the beloved Harry Potter series to the small screen, there has never been a better time to (re)visit these gorgeous sites.

Here are bewitching real-life places that could lead to wonderful deja vu moments for any Potterhead. Read on and step out into the night to pursue that flighty temptress, adventure! And for those wondering if we’re still obsessed? Always.

The Banff National Park, Canada

The Banff National Park, located within the photogenic environs of the Canadian Rockies, is home to Lake Louise, a canopy of coniferous forests and the historic Fairmont Chateau hotel. Together, this terrific trio bears an uncanny semblance to the Hogwarts campus, comprising the school, the Great Lake and the mysterious Forbidden Forest. In Goblet of Fire, we see the Durmstrang contingent’s ship emerge from beneath the deep waters of the Great Lake. Lake Louise reiterates this fantastical sentiment with its spellbindingly beautiful emerald waters, perfect for canoeing during summer. Conversely, in winter, it turns it into a frozen, fantastical wonderland ideal for skating. What’s more, the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, cradled by snow-dusted mountain peaks, doubles as the perfect heritage-style Hogwarts with its masonry, brick-like facade. It remains surrounded by the park’s evergreen pine forest cover, frequented by seasoned hikers, similar to that of the Forbidden Forest (don’t worry, no spiders are leading the trails to this one).

Gruyeres, Switzerland

Hogsmeade, the fictional village exclusively inhabited by witches and wizards, posed as the ideal weekend escape for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Be it grabbing Butter Beer at Three Broomsticks, saving up for chocolate frogs at Honeydukes, bumping into Fred and George at Zonko's, or pranking Malfoy at the Shrieking Shack, the OG trio never had a dull moment here! Emulating the same rustic, cosy charm of Hogsmeade is Gruyères, a medieval town in Switzerland, also ranked amongst the country’s most beautiful of its kind. Here, the traditional Gruyère AOP cheese fondue is a warm welcome in the chilling pre-alpine setting. Nearby, the Maison Cailler factory is a must-visit for chocolate lovers with its immersive bean-to-bar journey of Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand, Cailler. 

The Witchery, Scotland 

Margot Robbie called this “the real-life Hogwarts”, and we can see why. The Witchery, located in Edinburgh, is one of the most beloved hotels in the region with an unapologetic Gothic demeanour reflective of the subdued interiors of the Gryffindor common room. Concealed up a stone turret staircase are its vintage suites, complete with armchairs and draped beds in dramatic hues of scarlet, gold and black. Upholstered walls, archival decor, cosy fireplaces, and an unmistakable adherence to grandeur lend this hotel its distinct Gryffindor-esque appeal. We can certainly visualise Ron and Hermione bickering over Snape’s 12-inch-long parchment homework assignment, even as Harry looks on, awaiting Hedwig’s arrival with a letter from Padfoot. The best part? You won’t need to face the Fat Lady before entering.

Norwich Cathedral Cloisters, England

The clandestine corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry carry umpteen legends of their own. Here’s where the main trio often had their secret rendezvous between lessons and even dodged Peeves and Snape. And who can forget the enchanting portraits that moved amidst the labyrinth of shifting staircases? Elsewhere in the Muggle world, we’ve got access to the equally enthralling Norwich Cathedral Cloisters. This Romanesque architectural marvel adorned with vaulted walkways dates back over 900 years in history, and a visit here will have you questioning if you’ve used Hermione’s time turner and stepped back centuries. Renowned as the largest monastic cloisters in England, they amalgamate into an expansive quadrangle, flanked by the cathedral on one side and monastic buildings on the other. A glimpse of the arched corridors alone is enough to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for Potterheads. Sign up for a guided tour of the site and be sure to stop and capture the moment for the ‘gram.

The Shambles in York, England

Diagon Alley was, in a way, our first glimpse of the magical wizarding world. This shopping street is where Harry’s wand chose him at Ollivander’s, the location of Gringotts (where Harry first met the goblins), and would later become the address for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Here’s also where Hagrid took Harry on a tour of the basic school supplies he would need, and where Hermione and Mrs Weasley swooned over Professor Lockhart during his book party. If you’ve always wondered what it would feel like to roam the cobbled streets of this alley and grab a scoop at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, head straight to The Shamles in York! Cited as one of the city’s best-preserved medieval streets, it houses comely cafés, boutiques, a coin and stamp dealer, and even a “Shop That Must Not Be Named” where muggles can browse for magical artefacts. Don’t forget to stop by The Grand Hotel nearby, which we’re told is all set to launch a splendid Wizarding Afternoon Tea!

Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan

Hop aboard this legendary narrow-gauge railway, renowned for its scenic route through the Alishan mountain range and its unique engineering feats. Whilst the Hogwarts Express rolled past fictional Scottish towns and the edge of the Forbidden Forest, this Taiwanese equivalent pulls up hill, towards the thriving forests of the misty mountains. Don’t be surprised at the darkness that ensues—courtesy of one of the 49 half-mile-long tunnels and not any unwelcome visiting dementors (IYKYK). The sojourn commences in Chiayi and ascends over 2,180 meters (7,150 feet) into Taiwan’s verdant mountains. Like the Hogwarts Express, this train evokes a sense of nostalgia with its roots in Japanese colonialism. And while the Trolley Witch won’t make an appearance here with Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, you can count on the conductor for regular announcements! 

And now, if only we had a portkey or the powers of apparition at our disposal!

All images: Getty Images
 

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