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On the tracks of J. K. Rowling in Edinburgh

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Harry Potter – pretty much everyone knows the Magic Boy, who has aroused suspense in book and film lovers over many years. After the closing of one volume there was always the anticipation of the next, after the credits in the cinema the hopeful expectation of the next film. A whole world to get to the bottom of in Scotland's capital.
Edinburgh is the city where J. K. Rowling lived for many years and where she put most of her successful book series on paper. So it is not surprising that she took inspiration from the old walls of the city and let herself be carried away by the charm of the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh by Calton Hill, in the foreground the Dugald Stewart Monument
Photo: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

The places of writing of J. K. Rowling

The idea for the story about the magician came to Rowling in a train, but the writing process took place mainly in Scotland. The first volume was mainly written in today's Spoon Café, which was still called Nicolson's at that time. During the second and third volumes of the magic book series she often stayed at the nearby Elephant House, which also clearly advertises it. A visit of the two cafés, especially the latter one, is on the notice of many tourists, so that one has to reckon with longer waiting times.
A Rowling place of a different kind is the Balmoral Hotel. Already successful with a few books the author came to the luxury hotel at the end of her book series, in order to have her peace and quiet from fans and reporters, who increasingly addressed her in public. But if you want to stay overnight in the suite named after her, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket.

Inspiration by old walls

Some places in Edinburgh are considered a source of inspiration for J. K. Rowling. As she wrote the books and put herself in this completely different world, it is easy to imagine that she was influenced by the old walls on her walks through the city.

Although the film locations are not in Edinburgh, the imposing Edinburgh Castle on its own Castlehill as well as the St. Giles Cathedral don't make one doubt for long that the picture of the magic school of Hogwarts could be created here. And also the mighty building of the George Heriot’s School reminds of the castle of the magic world. But not only with its four towers: The pupils of the private school are divided into four houses.

Edinburgh Castle
Photo: CC0, pixabay.com
A walk over the Greyfriars Kirkyard is a special experience. On the old gravestones you will discover one or the other name, which is very well known to Potter fans. William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie and Thomas Riddell? That rings a bell!

Another excursion leads to the city's own Diagon Alley. Victoria Street in Edinburgh with its cobbled streets is supposed to be the model for the street behind the Leaky Cauldron. And she gladly accepted this call: Numerous shops offer souvenirs and items that a real magic fan needs.

On a ramble through the city

If you stroll through the alleys of the old town, you will certainly come across other interesting places that are possibly connected to the magical world. If you pass the bridge with the inscription "Potterow Port", you immediately think of Harry. And if not as a model for the name of our hero – there are many Potters – then perhaps as inspiration for the Dementor scene of Dudley Dursley in the third film.

Even if you're thirsty for a butter beer, you won't be disappointed in Edinburgh. The drink is offered in the "Dog House". And if you want to return to the safe tracks of J. K. Rowling in Edinburgh, you should visit the Edinburgh City Chambers. Here her handprints can be found in the stone floor.

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Outdooractive Editors 
outdooractive.com User
Author
Wiebke Hillen 
Updated: November 18, 2019

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