2025 Guide: How to Visit Eilean na Moine – the filming location of Dumbledore's Grave in the Harry Potter Movies
For Harry Potter fans, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not just confined to the pages of the books or the frames of the films. The landscapes that inspired these stories are alive with history and beauty, waiting to be explored. One such enchanting location is Eilean Na Moine, known to many as Dumbledore’s Grave. This blog post guide will provide you with everything you need to know about visiting Dumbledore’s Grave island aka the Eilean Na Moine in Scotland.
Where was Dumbledore’s Grave filmed in Scotland?
Dumbledore’s grave is a poignant and serene location featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Island of trees, Eilean na Moine, located on Loch Eilt, is the location used as Dumbledore's final resting place in the movie. This site captures the essence of the mystical world of Harry Potter. Eilean na Moine is located on the A830 towards Glenfinnan from Lochailort which is part of the Scottish Highlands.
Brief overview on Loch Eilt and where it’s located
Sitting between the villages of Lochailort and Glenfinnan, Loch Eilt Is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands that runs along the West Highland Railway Line. With several small, tidal islands visible throughout the loch, these were frequently used in the Harry Potter films. The best known Harry Potter filming location is the tiny island of Eilean na Moine on Loch Eilt. Surrounding Features: The A830 road and the West Highland Line railway run alongside the loch.
If you are thinking about visiting Loch Eilt and Eilean Na Moine in Scotland, we found starting in Fort William first worked the best. We rented a car and drove on the A830 road aka ‘The Road to the Isles’ all the way to the Loch Eilt. The drive from Fort William took us roughly 45 minutes (23 miles).
If you need to stretch your legs and stop, you'll go right by the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre on the way. Great time to get out of the car for a few minutes. After passing the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, the drive to Loch Eilt is an additional 15 minutes from Glenfinnan (8 miles). It worked nicely for us to plan our visit to Loch Eilt as part of our Glenfinnan Viaduct portion of the trip to watch The Hogwarts Express.
What’s the significance of Loch Eilt to the Harry Potter movies?
Loch Eilt's significance to the Harry Potter movies lies in its use as a filming location for several scenes, most notably as the setting for Dumbledore's grave on the island of Eilean na Moine. It also served as a backdrop for other scenes, including those featuring Hagrid and the Hogwarts grounds.
What Harry Potter movies were filmed at Loch Eilt in Scotland?
Loch Eilt can be seen in several of the Harry Potter films.Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsHarry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanHarry Potter and the Goblet of FireHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Eilean na Moine on Loch Eilt serves as the place where Dumbledore is buried after his death in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Shots of the island are featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, when Voldemort comes here to steal the Elder Wand.Loch Eilt is also used for other scenes in the Harry Potter movies, including in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In that movie, following Buckbeak’s sentencing, Hagrid is shown at the loch looking really upset. Hagrid can been seen throwing stones when Harry, Hermione, and Ron find him.In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows we see the incredibly sad scenes of Dumbledore’s burial island and Grave. This is also the location where Lord Voldemort opens Dumbledores’ Grave to steal the Elder Wand.It also appears in various other general shots of the Hogwarts exterior in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
How do you get to Eilean Na Moine aka the Island where Dumbledore is buried in Scotland?
Dumbledore’s grave viewpoint: A830, Lochailort PH38 4LZ By Car
If you’re driving from Edinburgh or Glasgow, the journey will take approximately 5-6 hours. Take the M9 and A82 to Fort William, then follow the A87 to Kyle of Lochalsh. If driving from the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel to Eilean Na Moine:Drive 15 minutes west. At the far end of Loch Eilt you’ll find a small island called Eilean na Moine which was the site of Dumbledore’s grave in the Death Hallows Part I. As you drive along the A830, if coming from Glenfinnan you’ll see a pull-off on the left hand side that has space for no more than 10 cars. Once you’ve parked, you’ll see a well-worn footpath leading through to the loch. Follow that short walk and soon enough you’ll see Eilean na Moine.For directions, you can find it on Google Maps here.By Train
The closest train or bus station to Loch Eilt is in Lochailort and it’s is around a 30-minute walk to Loch Eilt from there. You can take a train to Mallaig, which offers scenic views of the Highlands. By Ferry
From Mallaig, take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, then drive to Elgol.By Boat
Various tour companies offer boat trips from Elgol to Eilean Na Moine. Ensure you book in advance, especially during peak season.
How do you get to Eilean Na Moine aka the Island where Dumbledore grave is in Scotland?
The Eilean Na Moine postcode is PH38 4LZ. Starting at Fort William, you’ll need to drive to Loch Eilt on the A830 (45 mins)Make sure you drive over to the west side of Loch Eilt and park near Eilean Na Moine. When you arrive, there isn’t an “‘official’ place to park. The little parking area for Eilean Na Moine is just a narrow and small place by the side of the road.Once you've found a parking spot that's by Eilean Na Moine you’ll have to make your way through a legit bog in order to find the island where Dumbledore is buried. Follow the well-worn path that leads from the layby to the loch, and it's a short walk to the island's vicinityThe loch is a grassy moorland which is filled with mud and water. I kid you not, the walking ‘path’ you have to take to head over to the island is like a bog. Watch where you are walking as you’re heading over to the loch. We have friends who go their shoes stuck in this mud.From the car, it’s roughly a 3 minute walk to the viewing point of Loch Eilt.
What to Expect when visiting Loch Eilt also known as Dumbledore’s final resting place
While the island is visually striking and evocative of the movie scene, the actual "grave" structure is a film prop and not a permanent fixture. It’s sill pretty surreal to walk from the road and be able to see the filming location for Dumbledore’s grave on the loch. All of the stunning mountains behind it will take your breath away. 
The Atmosphere
Expect a tranquil and reflective atmosphere, where the sounds of nature—waves lapping at the shore, birds singing, and the rustling of leaves—create a serene backdrop for your visit.Photography
The surrounding landscapes are perfect for photography. Capture the rugged cliffs, shimmering waters, and, of course, the grave itself. Remember to bring camera your comfortable shooting with or smartphone to document your magical experience.Can you actually go onto Eilean Na Moine island?
Yes, you can actually step onto Eilean na Moine, the island in Loch Eilt where Dumbledore's grave scene was filmed in the Harry Potter movies. Since the island is in the middle of a loch, the best way to get on to Eilean Na Moine island is by booking one of the kayaking tours that run on Loch Eilt. This way, you can safely get as close as you can to Eilean Na Moine.
Since there’s no bridge or access to Eilean Na Moine island, these tours will take you for a paddle around the loch and you can visit Dumbledore’s Grave and the beach where Hagrid skims stones in the Prisoner of Azkaban too. Click here for more details and to book your LOCH EILT: WORLD OF WIZARDRY tour.During our visit, we were okay with just seeing it from the bank.
Best Time to Visit Eilean Na Moine aka the Island where Dumbledore is buried in Scotland
The ideal time to visit Eilean Na Moine is during the late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. However, keep in mind that Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes.Best tips for visiting Eilean Na Moine aka the Island where Dumbledore’s grave is in Scotland
Make sure you have filled up on gas
If you are driving from Fort William, make sure you fill up on gas, as there aren’t many gas stations on this road. Morar and Mallaig have gas stations far from Loch Eilt. Eat and grab a drink before you visit
There are no dinning options nearby. Make sure you have a food, drinks, and snacks packed in the car to eat, or find a place during your drive to stop for food.Make sure to go to the bathroom before you visit
There are no toilets anywhere near Eilean Na Moine. The closest is 10 miles away at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre.Watch the Hogwarts Express go by
If you time your visit just right, you can catch the Jacobite Train aka Hogwarts Express pass by right behind Eilean Na Moine.Wear comfortable and protective shoes
Make sure you have a good pair of shoes, wellies or waterproof boots for the walk to Dumbledore’s burial island. The terrain can also be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential.Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Layers and a rain jacket or umbrella are key in Scotland, where the weather can change rapidly.Respect the Site
As with any filming location and natural site, please be respectful of the surroundings.The BEST tip if you're visiting Dumbledore’s grave during the SUMMER:
There are Highland Midges in Glencoe, Scotland during the summer months, specifically between May and September. They are most active during dawn and dusk, and in still, humid conditions. To minimize midge bites, make sure you pack a Midge Head Net and apply bug spray repellent! Try to cover large areas of exposed skin like your legs and arms. Staying active to avoid being a stationary target also helps.The best midge head net for Scotland is the Smidge head net, known for its fine mesh that blocks midges while allowing breathability. It fits over hats and packs compactly, making it ideal for hikers and campers.
You can find more of my UK Harry Potter filming location guides here
Complete Guide: Harry Potter Filming Locations at Gloucester CathedralComplete Guide to Harry Potter Film Locations in Lacock Village
Disclaimer: All information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of writing, including experience offerings and details, opening times, and location availability.