Stepping Into Westeros (and Beyond)
Ah, Game of Thrones. The show that gave us dragons, betrayals, battles, and the phrase “winter is coming” uttered approximately 473 times too many. But beyond the intricate political scheming and larger-than-life characters, the series’ real triumph? Its stunning filming locations.
Unlike other fantasy sagas that rely heavily on green screen wizardry, Game of Thrones rooted its sprawling, fantastical world in real-life locations across the globe. This means fans can actually visit Westeros—that is, if they know where to look. Lucky for you, I’ve done the legwork (and Google Maps searches), so grab your cloak and sword. Let’s journey through the locations that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life.
Why Filming Locations Matter to Fans (AKA Why You’re Reading This)
Let’s get one thing straight: knowing where Game of Thrones was filmed isn’t just trivia fodder. For fans, it’s a way to feel connected to the story, to imagine stepping into King’s Landing or venturing beyond the Wall. Think of it like this: standing in Dubrovnik as someone whispers “The Lannisters send their regards” is far more exhilarating than stalking the same cobblestone streets wondering why everyone else has a Starbucks cup.
Filming locations give us tangible access to the intangible. They blur the lines between fiction and reality, turning far-fetched realms like Dragonstone into real-world pilgrimage sites for cinephiles, adventurers, and die-hard Thrones enthusiasts alike.
Northern Ireland: The Beating Heart of Westeros
If Westeros had a zip code, it’d be in Northern Ireland. The country’s sweeping landscapes and ancient castles served as the primary filming hub for the series, transforming its grassy realms into everything from Winterfell to the Kingsroad.
Castle Ward: AKA Winterfell
Let’s start with the ancestral home of the Starks. Castle Ward in County Down provided the iconic backdrop for Winterfell’s grim but noble façade. The castle’s real-life charm lies not in its brooding atmosphere (thankfully), but in its gorgeous grounds and proximity to Strangford Lough. Visitors can even join “Game of Thrones tours” to fully immerse themselves, sword practice and all. Pro tip: Visit in fall for gloomy weather that essentially screams, “The North remembers.”
Dark Hedges: Kingsroad, but Make It Instagram-Worthy
You know those hauntingly beautiful tree tunnels from Season 2? That’s the Dark Hedges in Antrim. This natural avenue of intertwining beech trees became the Kingsroad, traveled by everyone from Arya Stark to—we assume—some aimless peasants. Located on a quiet country road, it’s perfect for dramatic, windswept selfies. Fun fact: Due to the popularity of the show, preservation efforts have been put in place to maintain the magic of this iconic spot.
Ballintoy Harbor: Pyke and the Iron Islands
The craggy coastlines and salty sea air of Ballintoy Harbor brought Pyke to life. If you ever dreamed of tossing out a moody “What is dead may never die” while overlooking the Atlantic, look no further. Beyond its on-screen appeal, Ballintoy offers stunning views and a rugged, untamed vibe—perfect for Ironborn fans longing for that windswept aesthetic. Good luck mimicking Yara Greyjoy’s unapologetic swagger, though.
Croatia: King’s Landing and the Adriatic Coast
Dubrovnik: Welcome to King’s Landing (Before They Blew It Up)
If you’ve ever found yourself humming the Game of Thrones theme while roaming the pristine medieval walls of Dubrovnik, congratulations, you were basically in King’s Landing. The Croatian city’s Old Town gave the capital its real-life aesthetic charm: stunning coastal views, ancient walls, and winding streets ideal for royal processions—or the occasional walk of shame. (We’re looking at you, Cersei.) Curious about behind-the-scenes tidbits? The production team seamlessly blended the city’s medieval architecture with subtle CGI to bring its massive scale to life.
Lokrum Island: Qarth, and Definitely Not Just Scenic
Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik lies Lokrum Island, known to show fans as the city of Qarth (aka “The Greatest City That Ever Was or Will Be”). Fun fact: despite its on-screen opulence, much of Qarth’s scenes were filmed outdoors—with palm trees and Mediterranean flora doing all the heavy lifting. Don’t mind the peacocks roaming the island—they’re nothing compared to Qarth’s infamously pompous residents.
Iceland: Venturing Beyond the Wall
Thingvellir National Park: Wildling Territory Awaits
Heading north? Bring layers—like, many layers. Iceland’s diverse wilderness featured heavily in Season 2 onward, especially for scenes concerning Jon Snow, the Night’s Watch, and those perpetually grumpy White Walkers. Thingvellir, with its dramatic cliffs and sprawling mossy plains, stands in perfectly as “beyond the Wall” territory. As an added bonus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning your nerdy pilgrimage also counts as a culture trip.
Grjótagjá Cave: The Honeymoon That Never Lasted
Dubbed the “Jon and Ygritte Cave” (because of that steamy scene), Grjótagjá is a geothermal lava cave nestled near Lake Mývatn. This spot remains one of Iceland’s most romantic eight-minute getaways—unless, of course, you’re running from White Walkers ten minutes later. While bathing in the cave is discouraged due to changing water temperatures, visitors can still marvel at its natural beauty.
Reynisfjara Beach: Where Fire Meets Ice
Reynisfjara, a striking black sand beach with towering basalt columns, became both Dragonstone’s shores and Iceland’s most photographable location. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of puffins nesting in the cliffs. But be warned: the waves are as unpredictable as Daenerys’ leadership decisions—stay vigilant.
Spain: Dorne and Beyond (Much Beyond)
Seville’s Alcázar: Sunspear in All Its Glory
Has “visiting the Water Gardens of Dorne” always been on your bucket list? The Alcázar of Seville delivered all the Mediterranean grandeur we craved as House Martell’s headquarters. With its intricate Moorish architecture and lush gardens, the palace remains one of Europe’s finest examples of royal opulence. And yes, it’s every bit as photogenic as it appears on screen.
Gaztelugatxe: Dragonstone (Minus the CGI Dragons)
Perched atop a rugged Basque cliffside, this breathtaking islet near Bilbao became Dragonstone’s exiled throne. Sure, the dragons were CGI, but the nerve it takes to climb 241 stone steps to the medieval church at the peak? That’s all real. Travel tip: Start your ascent at sunrise for the most dramatic lighting and fewest fellow climbers.
Rural Spain: Where Dothraki Hordes Roam
Remember those epic battlefields and vast plains in Season 6? They were shot in semi-arid Spanish landscapes, particularly in Bardenas Reales National Park. The terrains here scream “warrior on horseback” but make no mistake—they also make for killer postcard shots. Pack an extra water bottle because this area can turn into a proper sun-scorched filming adventure.
Scotland: Honorable Mentions (Westerosi Vibes)
We can’t forget Scotland, home to Doune Castle, which once stood in for Winterfell in the pilot. While the series moved on from this location, its sweeping highlands and rugged landscapes still hold serious Westerosi energy. Bonus: if you’re also a Monty Python fan, Doune Castle doubles as the filming site for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Two fandoms for the price of one!
Behind the Scenes: Cinematic Sorcery
While the above locations were chosen for their cinematic grandeur, showrunners and production designers didn’t merely rely on nature’s beauty. They enhanced these spots with subtle set designs, practical effects, and more CGI dragons than can be counted. Dubrovnik’s walls were digitally widened, Iceland’s frigid temps challenged everyone involved, and, most impressively, they turned Northern Ireland into literally half a continent.
Fun fact for super fans: the production reportedly planted artificial snow in Iceland for scenes Beyond the Wall. Because apparently even Iceland wasn’t icy enough.
Planning Your Game of Thrones Pilgrimage
Ready to embrace your inner Stark, Lannister, or Targaryen? Here’s how:
Best Times to Visit
- Northern Ireland: Spring and autumn for mystical vibes
- Croatia: Summer for full King’s Landing sun-soaked glory
- Iceland: Winter for true “beyond the Wall” authenticity
- Spain: Late spring when those Dothraki-esque plains glow golden
Guided Tours vs. Solo Exploration
Many of the sets—like Winterfell or the Alcázar—offer guided tours tailored for Game of Thrones fans. But if you prefer wandering at your own pace, armed with only a map and your best Daenerys glare? That works too.
Pro Tips for Film Buffs
- Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking medieval walls and climbing ancient stairs.
- Bring a camera but be respectful of locals. No one wants a reenactment of the Red Wedding in their backyard.
- Research local festivals—some places host Thrones-themed markets and events.
Your Journey Into Westeros Awaits
At the end of the day, visiting Game of Thrones filming locations is more than ticking off places from a list—it’s about stepping into a world that once felt untouchably magical and becoming part of its story. So, pack your bags, hone your Valyrian, and go forth. Who knows? You might just find yourself whispering, “Not today,” to the coffee queue at Dubrovnik’s busiest café. And isn’t that the real magic of cinema come to life?