29 Stunning GAME OF THRONES Filming LOCATIONS You Can Travel To Now [MJkjvjVPCdo]
Are you a die-hard Game of Thrones fan yearning to experience the magic of Westeros firsthand? Discover the real-world filming locations and plan your ultimate Game of Thrones adventure! This blog embarks on a journey through landscapes that brought Westeros and Essos to life, providing practical tips for an immersive experience.
Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros 🔗
Northern Ireland is arguably the ultimate destination for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. Serving as the backdrop for Winterfell, the Iron Islands, the Kingsroad, and countless generic shots of Westeros, Northern Ireland offers a wealth of filming locations. Much of the green screen work was done at Titanic Studios in Belfast, making Northern Ireland a central hub for the series.
Winterfell: Castle Ward 🔗
Your first stop should be Winterfell, known in real life as Castle Ward. Unlike many locations that rely heavily on CGI, Castle Ward closely resembles its on-screen counterpart. Here, you can embrace your inner Stark by donning a fur cloak, honing your archery skills, and even interacting with direwolves. Castle Ward offers an immersive experience that brings the world of Game of Thrones to life.
The Kingsroad: Dark Hedges 🔗
Next, venture to the Kingsroad, located near the town of Armoy. The Dark Hedges, with their enchanting rows of intertwined beech trees, serve as the real-life location for the iconic shots of the Kingsroad. To capture the perfect photo without the crowds, be sure to arrive early, preferably at sunrise.
Lordsport: Ballintoy Harbour 🔗
Not far from the Dark Hedges is Ballintoy Harbour, a picturesque seaport that was transformed into Lordsport in the Iron Islands. This charming harbor provides a glimpse into the rugged maritime world of the Ironborn, making it a must-see for fans of the show.
Renly Baratheon’s Camp: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge 🔗
Just down the road from Ballintoy Harbour is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. While the bridge itself wasn’t featured in the series, the surrounding cliffs appeared in scenes where Renly Baratheon camped near Storm’s End. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is also adjacent to the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, and the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
The Fiery Beach: Downhill Strand 🔗
In the same area, you’ll find Mussenden Temple, a neoclassical temple perched on a cliff overlooking a vast beach. This beach is recognizable as the site where the Red Woman burned heretics at the stake. Despite its fiery on-screen history, the beach is now a peaceful and serene location.
Rob Stark Crowned King: Inch Abbey 🔗
Further south in County Down lies Inch Abbey, the historic site where Rob Stark was crowned the King of the North. This evocative location allows fans to relive one of the series’ most pivotal moments.
White Walker Attack: Tollymore Forest Park 🔗
Lastly, visit Tollymore Forest Park, where the opening scene of season one, featuring the chilling attack of the White Walkers, was filmed. This ancient woodland offers a hauntingly beautiful landscape that sets the stage for the epic saga to unfold.
Croatia: Walking the Walls of King’s Landing 🔗
Moving away from the frigid North, our next destination is King’s Landing, specifically the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. The exterior shots of the Red Keep were filmed at Dubrovnik’s Fort Lovrijenac, while the city’s walls, built during the Middle Ages, served as the backdrop for many scenes.
Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic 🔗
Dubrovnik’s stunning architecture and strategic location made it an ideal choice for portraying the capital of Westeros. With about a dozen filming locations scattered throughout the city, you can immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones as you explore its ancient streets and fortifications.
King’s Landing Gardens: Trsteno Arboretum 🔗
Outside of Dubrovnik, you can visit the Trsteno Arboretum, which served as the gardens of King’s Landing. This lush botanical garden offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and provides a glimpse into the opulent world of the capital.
Qarth: Lokrum Island 🔗
On the nearby island of Lokrum, you can explore the ancient city of Qarth, where Daenerys sought refuge and alliances. Lokrum’s serene beaches and historic ruins offer a fascinating contrast to the political intrigue that unfolded within its walls.
Daenerys’s Dragon Lair: Diocletian’s Palace 🔗
In Split, you can visit Diocletian’s Palace, which served as Daenerys’s dragon lair. This ancient Roman palace, with its imposing architecture and rich history, provides a fitting backdrop for the Mother of Dragons and her fearsome companions.
Malta: The Original King’s Landing 🔗
The Mediterranean island nation of Malta was also used as a setting for King’s Landing, but only in season one. Filming was concentrated in the ancient capital of Mdina, a landlocked city. While the coastal shots of King’s Landing were later filmed in Dubrovnik, Malta’s unique architecture and atmosphere provided a distinct flavor to the early episodes of the series.
The Red Keep: San Anton Palace 🔗
The San Anton Palace, the modern home of Malta’s president, was used as the Red Keep. This elegant palace offers a glimpse into the regal world of King’s Landing and provides a fascinating contrast to the political machinations that took place within its walls.
Iceland: Beyond the Wall 🔗
To portray the inhospitable tundra north of the Wall, the producers chose to film in Þingvellir National Park in Iceland. Located just a short drive from Reykjavík, Þingvellir is home to some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, including its largest lake, which sits atop the Continental Rift between the North American and European plates.
Gulfoss Waterfall 🔗
Some easier options include Gullfoss waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful in Iceland.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier 🔗
The Snæfellsjökull glacier, which was the Fist of the First Men.
Grjótagjá Cave 🔗
The Grjótagjá cave, which is where Jon Snow and Ygritte first made love.
Morocco: Slaver’s Bay 🔗
In season three, the story follows Daenerys as she searches for an army in Slaver’s Bay. Most of these desert cities were filmed in Morocco.
Yunkai: Aït Benhaddou 🔗
Yunkai is actually Aït Benhaddou.
Astapor: Essaouira 🔗
Essaouira which is this cool hippie Bohemian city that has a big Portuguese Fort.
Spain: Dorne and Beyond 🔗
By season five, the story moves to the new world of Dorne, which is filmed in Andalusia in Spain. Author George R.R. Martin based Dorne off the medieval caliphate in Andalusia, which was one of the most advanced centers of learning in all of the Medieval World.
Royal Palace of Dorne: Alcázar of Seville 🔗
The royal palace at Dorne was actually filmed in the Alcázar of Seville, constructed in 913 by the Islamic Moors, who fused Roman Mediterranean influences with Arabic design in a style known as Mudéjar.
Braavos: Girona 🔗
Traveling north to Catalonia, the city of Girona was the location for the free city of Braavos, where Arya Stark traveled to learn from the Many-Faced God.
The Basque Country: Season 7 🔗
Bringing things back to the present, back to season seven, there have been lots of leaked photos and tons of speculation about locations, but we do know that the Basque Country in Northern Spain is going to be making an appearance in season seven.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe 🔗
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a fortified hermitage.
Zumaia Beach 🔗
They also filmed down the road at the beach of Zumaia, where there’s this really cool natural formation called Flysch.
Plan Your Journey 🔗
The world of Game of Thrones is vast and varied, and the real-world locations that brought it to life are just as captivating. Whether you’re planning a multi-country adventure or a focused exploration of a single region, the journey to Westeros promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Ready to Embark on Your Own Game of Thrones Adventure? 🔗
Start planning your trip today and discover the magic of Westeros in real life. From the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland to the sun-drenched shores of Croatia, the world of Game of Thrones awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions 🔗
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What is the best time to visit the Game of Thrones filming locations?
- The best time to visit depends on the specific location. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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Are guided tours available for the Game of Thrones filming locations?
- Yes, many tour operators offer guided tours of the filming locations in Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, and other countries.
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Do I need to book accommodations and tours in advance?
- It is highly recommended to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
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What should I pack for a Game of Thrones-themed trip?
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
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Are the filming locations easily accessible?
- Some locations are easily accessible by public transportation, while others may require a rental car or guided tour.
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Can I visit all the filming locations in one trip?
- Visiting all the filming locations in one trip would require a significant amount of travel time. It is best to focus on a specific region or country.
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Are there any entrance fees for the filming locations?
- Some locations may have entrance fees, while others are free to visit. Check the specific location’s website for more information.
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Are there any restrictions on photography at the filming locations?
- Some locations may have restrictions on photography, such as no flash photography or restrictions on drone usage.
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Can I dress up as a Game of Thrones character when visiting the filming locations?
- Dressing up as a Game of Thrones character is generally allowed, but it is best to check with the specific location for any restrictions.
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Are there any Game of Thrones-themed events or festivals held at the filming locations?
- Some locations may host Game of Thrones-themed events or festivals. Check local event listings for more information.