All Aboard the Hogwarts Express

Every Harry Potter fan knows what I'm talking about - the Hogwarts Express from the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's books, which takes the young witches and wizards, including Harry Potter, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry each fall. Although you unfortunately don't have the chance to travel to the school of magic, you can still experience a magical ride on the very train featured in the famous films.

Trains have always fascinated people and have become a popular setting in film and literature. At the latest since Agatha Christie's famous novel 'Murder on the Orient Express,' which has been adapted into film multiple times, the old coal trains have become more than just a means of transportation. Joane K. Rowling further intensified this fascination with her first Harry Potter novel in 1997: In her book, the Hogwarts Express represents the transition between the normal Muggle world and the mysterious wizarding world. Who wouldn't want to hop on immediately and feel the magic that emanates from trains? And where better to experience that than on the original Hogwarts Express, which is also seen in the Harry Potter films? I went to Scotland to test the Jacobite Steam Train for you.

The Jacobite, which appears as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, has been journeying in Scotland on the route between Fort William and Mallaig since 1985, at that time still known as 'The West Highlander.' The route is truly breathtaking, so the trip is definitely worth it even for those who aren't fans of Harry Potter. The departure station is Fort William, just near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in all of Great Britain. The city is generally a good starting point for exploring the West Highlands. Before I tell you too much, let's get to the most important part: The Hogwarts Express itself.

Just seeing the impressive train for the first time sends a little shiver down your spine. When I first stood in front of the big black locomotive, I thought for a brief moment that I was actually at Platform 9 3/4: the locomotive looks exactly as it does in the films. The red coaches lined up behind it make the Harry Potter experience even more real, just like the thick white steam and the loud hissing in between. The magical atmosphere in the train then depends on which compartment you have booked. You can choose between Standard Class, First Class, and First Class in the Harry Potter Coach. It's obvious which option true fans should choose.

In the specially arranged coaches, it looks just like it does on the Hogwarts Express, but unfortunately, I waited in vain for the snack cart with Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Beans. In First Class (whether it's the Harry Potter Coach or not), tea and pastries are served. The First Class option without the Harry Potter branding is also worth it - especially for those of you who aren't passionate fans of the films. Here, the seats are soft and cozy with playful patterns, and there is enough space on the table in the middle to stow tea, coffee, and - very importantly - your camera or phone. In Standard Class, things unfortunately look a bit bleak, but it is significantly cheaper than the other two. Moreover, you will probably spend the whole trip just looking out of the window anyway.

When the train sets off with a short whistle, it always runs along the impressive sea bay Loch Eil - so make sure to secure a window seat! From the end of Loch Eil, it gets exciting for Harry Potter fans, as the next highlight just before the station in Glenfinnan is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, probably the most well-known and famous part of the Hogwarts Express route - so keep your phones and cameras ready. If you're lucky and time allows, the train even stops in the middle of the viaduct. Make sure to take advantage of that moment: on the left side of the train, you can see another famous filming location from the Potter series: Loch Shiel represented the beautiful Hogwarts Lake in the films, which looks even more stunning in real life than I remember from the movies.

Once you arrive at the next station, the Jacobite will take a half-hour break, during which you can check out the small railway museum in the cozy station or simply take in the overwhelming impressions from the journey so far.

As soon as you continue, you can again admire the breathtaking nature of the Highlands. After a short stop at the station in Arisaig, the westernmost station in Great Britain, you head toward the final destination. Just before that, in Morar, you can enjoy another filming location during the ride: this is where parts of the film Highlander with Sean Connery were shot. A bit later, you arrive in the fishing village of Mallaig, where you will have about two hours of free time before heading back. Here, you can watch as the locomotive is uncoupled from the coaches and is reattached at the back of the train via a siding. Once you've had enough of trains, you can simply take a leisurely walk through the picturesque fishing village before the journey back to Fort William begins.

But now for the hard facts: In Standard Class, you pay £30 for a single trip to Mallaig, while the round trip costs £35. In First Class, the prices are £54 for a single trip and £59 for round trip. You can also book a private table for two people, but that will cost you £121. The train operates from April to October on weekdays one to two times per day on the route from Fort William to Mallaig and back, with each leg taking a bit over two hours; if you booked a round trip, you'll be on your way for just under six hours. If you visit Scotland in December, thanks to the winter special, you still have the chance to experience a ride on the Jacobite. Be sure to book your ticket online in advance, as the train has been fully booked after the Harry Potter films. Be sure to check back regularly on my blog, as I sometimes find a great city trip to Glasgow that already includes a ride on the Jacobite.

If you decide to board the Hogwarts Express and are traveling by car in Scotland, make sure not to park your car in the supermarket parking lot next to the station - that is prohibited. If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take the train from Glasgow.

Allow yourself to be transported into the magical world of Harry Potter for a few hours or simply enjoy a beautiful ride through breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not, this train ride is definitely worth it. If you don't want to miss out on the experience, it's high time to book a ticket and board the Hogwarts Express!