Switzerland
Location Information
- Type: Country
- Location: Central Europe
- Key Features: Home to the Geneva Giants Quidditch team
Description and History
Switzerland is a country located in central Europe, home to both magical and Muggle communities. While not featured in the main narrative concerning Harry Potter and the Second Wizarding War, its existence within the magical world is confirmed through references in supplementary materials that highlight its sporting culture and inhabitants. The most notable piece of information regarding magical Switzerland comes from the book Quidditch Through the Ages. The city of Geneva is home to a professional Quidditch team known as the Geneva Giants. The team has a history that involves the local Goblin community; at one point, the team's management had to request the Goblins to moderate their loud drum-banging during matches (Quidditch Through the Ages). This confirms an established Goblin population within the country, separate from those managing Gringotts Wizarding Bank in London.
Role in the Story
Switzerland plays no direct role in the events of the seven main novels. Its primary function is to contribute to the world-building of the wizarding world, establishing that magical communities, sports leagues, and inter-species relations exist across the globe, not just in Great Britain. The mention of the Geneva Giants and their interactions with local Goblins provides a small but significant glimpse into the daily life of the magical community in continental Europe.
Known Areas Within
- Geneva: A city in Switzerland and the only one explicitly named in a wizarding context. It is the home of the Geneva Giants Quidditch team.
Behind the Scenes
- Due to its mountainous terrain and German-speaking regions, some fans have speculated that Gellert Grindelwald's prison, Nurmengard, could be located in Switzerland. However, the film The Crimes of Grindelwald explicitly places Nurmengard in the Austrian Alps (film).