We travelled all the way to Germany for this… and it was 100% worth it.
If you are a true fan of the Wizarding World, Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Dresden is one of the most immersive Harry Potter experiences in Europe right now. And considering these exhibitions almost never come to the UK, this might be one of those trips you seriously need to consider.
Here is everything you need to know before you book.
What Is Harry Potter: The Exhibition?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Dresden is a fully immersive, self-guided experience that brings the Wizarding World to life using interactive technology, authentic props and detailed set recreations.
From the moment you enter, you choose your Hogwarts house, wand and Patronus, which personalises your entire journey. You are given a wristband that you tap throughout the exhibition to unlock interactive elements and track your experience. It feels less like walking through displays and more like stepping inside the story. This is not just a photo opportunity. It genuinely feels like an adventure.
Interactive Moments You’ll Love
One of the best parts of the exhibition is how hands-on it is.
You can:
- Play as a Chaser in a Quidditch game
- Sit inside Hagrid’s giant chair
- Squeeze into the Cupboard Under the Stairs
- Get up close to authentic costumes and props
- Explore iconic scenes through immersive storytelling
There is a brilliant section inspired by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where you see the wardrobe used in the Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson — the scene where students face their fears with the Boggart. Seeing that up close was genuinely exciting.
You can also interact with the crystal ball from Professor Trelawney’s Divination class — and yes, it actually works. It is such a fun detail and one of those moments that makes you stop and smile.
And the Mandrakes? You can pull them straight out of their pots and hear them scream. It is chaotic in the best possible way, and children absolutely love it.
Because of the tap wristband system, every section feels personalised without giving too much away. It builds as you go, and by the end, it genuinely feels like you have been on a full Wizarding World journey.
Is It Suitable for Children?
There are a few moments within the exhibition that younger children might find slightly scary, particularly some of the darker scenes and sound effects. However, if your child has watched the Harry Potter films and is comfortable with them, they should be absolutely fine here.
In my personal opinion, this experience is best suited to children aged 7+. While younger fans can enjoy parts of it, children who already understand the storyline and characters will get far more out of the interactive elements and immersive storytelling.
Overall, if they love the films, they will love this.
Ticket Prices in Dresden (Approximate GBP)
There are three main ticket types available:
VIP Ticket – €74.90 (approx. £64–£66)
Best value for fans who want the full experience. Includes dedicated VIP entry and exclusive gifts. Price includes ticketing and booking fees.
Flex Ticket – €49.90 (approx. £43–£45)
Ideal if you want flexibility. You can visit on any date and time within the month booked.
Timed Entry Ticket – from €29.90 (approx. £26–£28)
Lowest price option. Adult tickets start from €29.90 with discounts available for children under 12.
Prices include ticketing and booking fees and are subject to change. Always check the official ticketing page for the most up-to-date information.
Not Just in Germany
If travelling to Germany does not suit you, the exhibition is also currently in Hungary for anyone who would prefer to visit there.
I have also heard that it will be coming to Prague at some point in the future.
These exhibitions rarely make it to the UK, so if this is on your Harry Potter bucket list — and trust me, it should be — you may need to consider travelling to one of these European locations.
Is It Worth Travelling For?
In short? Yes. Without hesitation.
We did not travel to Germany specifically just for the exhibition, but we significantly adjusted our plans to make sure it fit into our itinerary — and that alone says everything. When you are willing to rearrange a trip around an experience, you know it is something special.
Considering how rarely these large-scale Harry Potter exhibitions come to the UK, it genuinely feels worth looking at European options if you really want to go. This is not a small pop-up or a simple display of props behind glass. It is a fully immersive, interactive experience that pulls you in from the moment you choose your house.
The personalised wristband system makes it feel like your own adventure. The Quidditch challenge is competitive and fun. Pulling screaming Mandrakes out of their pots is chaotic in the best way. Seeing the Boggart wardrobe from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban up close is a proper fan moment. Even the Divination crystal ball interaction adds those little magical touches that make the whole experience feel special.
It feels polished. It feels immersive. And most importantly, it feels made for fans. If you are a casual viewer of the films, you will enjoy it. If you are a true Potterhead, this will feel like stepping inside the story.
And now, let’s talk about how to get there from London…
How to Get There from London
If you’re travelling from London, the easiest and quickest option is to fly.
The closest airport to Dresden is Dresden Airport, which is around 20–25 minutes from the city centre. However, direct flights from London to Dresden are not always available.
A more straightforward option is flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Berlin has far more direct flights from London airports including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, which makes planning much easier and often more affordable.
From Berlin, you can get a direct train straight to Dresden.
Is Eurostar an Option?
If you prefer not to fly, Eurostar is another possibility. You can travel from London to Paris or Brussels and then connect onwards into Germany by train. It is a longer journey overall compared to flying, but it could work well if you are planning a multi-city European trip or prefer rail travel.
How We Did It
We flew into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and then went straight to the train station inside the airport. From BER, there are direct trains to Dresden and the journey is less than two hours.
We bought our tickets at the station on the day. My daughter travelled free and I paid around €35 each way, which I thought was reasonable.
Once you arrive at Dresden main station, getting to the exhibition at Erlwein Forum is simple. You can take a tram from outside the station and it is only a few stops away. From the tram stop, it is just a short walk to the venue. You can buy a tram ticket directly at the tram stop and it is very straightforward to use. I am honestly not the best at navigating public transport or following complicated directions, so if I managed it without any issues, you absolutely can too.
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