Released in 1986, Highlander became a cult classic. With its intriguing premise of immortality and epic sword fights, the film’s stunning landscapes and memorable locations make it a must-watch for anyone interested in scenic film backdrops. Today, we’ll explore the filming spots in both Scotland and New York City, uncovering the iconic places that helped bring this fantasy adventure to life.
Scottish Highlands: Where the Immortal Journey Begins
Eilean Donan Castle
The iconic Eilean Donan Castle, located near the Isle of Skye, is perhaps the most famous of the Highlander filming locations. This majestic structure is featured as the setting for many pivotal moments in the movie. Built in the 13th century, it remains one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Although the film positions it in the fictional village of Glenfinnan, in reality, it stands far from this location.
Glen Etive: The Battle of the Clans
One of the movie’s opening battle scenes, where Connor MacLeod faces off against Clan Fraser, was filmed in Glen Etive. The sweeping valley, with the Buachaille Etive Beag mountain looming in the background, provides a dramatic setting. Situated near Glen Coe, this area is not only known for its rugged beauty but also its role in many other films.
As Connor MacLeod’s journey continues, he finds himself in the wilds of the Highlands, eventually marrying Heather. The secluded tower where they live is located near the Ralston Cairn in Glen Coe, one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland. The nearby Three Sisters mountain range enhances the mystical atmosphere of this scene, making it a standout location.
Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan: Immortal Training on the Water
Loch Shiel, situated in the Glenfinnan area, serves as the location for an essential scene where Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, played by Sean Connery, teaches Connor about the ways of the immortals. The beautiful loch is not only a central Highlander filming location but also featured in the Harry Potter films, adding to its cinematic allure.
The Isle of Skye, with its rugged mountain ranges, is the backdrop for several sword-fighting scenes. The Trotternish Ridge, particularly the mountain called Bioda Buidhe, offers dramatic views of the surroundings. The pointed rock visible in these scenes is a memorable feature, as is the distant sight of the Quiraing.
Another Highlander training scene was filmed on the Torridon Hills. Here, Connor and Ramírez engage in a Tai Chi-inspired sword practice, with stunning views of the hills surrounding them. Though brief, this sequence is set against one of Scotland’s most beautiful vistas.
Silver Sands of Morar: The Beach Training
The Silver Sands of Morar, located in Mallaig, was the site for one of the training scenes in Highlander, where Ramírez forces Connor to keep up with him as he rides a horse along the beach. The Silver Sands are part of the stunning that also features Camusdarach Beach, another key location from Local Hero (1983).
Cuillin Hills, Isle of Skye: The Final Swordfight
In one of the film’s most intense swordfighting sequences, Connor bests Ramírez in a battle atop a precarious ridge in the Cuillin Hills. This ridge, called the Cioch Buttress, provides a stunning yet nerve-wracking backdrop for their battle. The surrounding mountains, including Sgùrr Alasdair, heighten the tension of the scene.
After intense sword training, Connor MacLeod has a poignant conversation with Ramírez in Glen Nevis. This scene, which takes place in a bustling market village, was shot near the Water of Nevis and the Lower Falls. The picturesque setting of Glen Nevis makes it the perfect place for this reflective moment.
New York City: Immortals Among Us
Peter McManus Cafe
In the heart of Manhattan, the Peter McManus Cafe serves as a key location where forensic scientist Brenda Wyatt seeks refuge after investigating the mysterious events at Madison Square Garden. Though the exterior scenes were shot in New York, much of the interior footage was filmed at Jacob Street Studios in London.
Russell Nash, also known as Connor MacLeod, runs an antique shop in New York City, a fitting business for someone who has lived for centuries. Though the film places his shop on Hudson Street, the real filming location is on Greene Street in the trendy Soho neighborhood of Manhattan.
Prospect Park Zoo: The Lion’s Cage
Before the film’s climactic showdown, Connor and Brenda spend time together at the Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn. Here, they observe lions in a cage, an ominous visual that foreshadows the impending battle between Connor and Kurgan. This moment emphasizes the primal nature of the fight to come.
Kurgan kidnaps Brenda and drives recklessly across the Queensboro Bridge, creating a heart-pounding scene that builds anticipation for the final confrontation. The dramatic setting of the bridge adds to the tension of the moment.
SilverCup Studios: The Final Duel
The final confrontation between Connor and Kurgan takes place on the rooftop of SilverCup Studios in Long Island City. Surrounded by dramatic special effects, including smoke, water, and flashing electricity, the setting enhances the intensity of the climactic battle between the two immortals.
Filming Locations Beyond New York and Scotland
Meadowlands Arena, New Jersey: The Opening Battle
The opening sequence of Highlander takes place at a wrestling match where Connor and Iman Fasil face off in a deadly fight. While the scene is meant to occur at Madison Square Garden, it was actually filmed at the Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey, which has since been demolished.
Greenwich, London: WWII Flashback
In a flashback to World War II, Connor fights Nazis in a scene set in Greenwich, London. While the specific location remains unclear, the setting contributes to the global scale of the immortal conflict.
Brocket Park, Hertfordshire, England: The 1700s Duel
A duel from the 1700s, discussed by MacLeod and Kastagir, was filmed in Brocket Park near Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. The park, located outside London, serves as a fitting backdrop for this historical moment.
Shad Thames, London: An Alleyway Showdown
The scene where Kastagir meets his end at the hands of Kurgan takes place in an alleyway that, despite being set in New York, was actually filmed on Shad Thames in London. This street is frequently used for gritty urban scenes in films.
When Brenda Wyatt delves into Connor’s past, she visits the New York Public Library, though the filming location was the National Liberal Club in London. This exclusive private club adds a sense of intrigue to her investigation.
In a poignant moment, Connor visits a Catholic church to honor his late wife, Heather. While the scene is set in New York, it was filmed at St Augustine’s Kilburn Church in London, further adding to the film’s diverse range of locations.
