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Snapshots
Production designers for HBO's Game of Thrones deserve a lot of credit for the visually breathtaking, lush, and intricate world that George R.R. Martin created. After all, the novel is a study in breathtaking landscapes: the warm mediaeval King's Landing, the verdant Kingsroad, the turquoise waters of the Narrow Sea, the freezing wastelands and woodlands beyond the Wall, and many more. If you are looking to visit Game of Thrones filming locations, this holiday season, you have arrived at the right place! The majority of Game of Thrones was shot on location, with Northern Ireland and Iceland serving as primary locations for Northern sequences and Croatia and Spain as primary locations for Southern ones. However, Paint Hall studios in Belfast did host some recurrent sets, including as the Iron Throne. It was common practice for actors to shoot sequences outside the Wall in subzero weather, often on terrain covered in feet of snow.
Unfortunately, Game of Thrones' eighth and last season premiered in the spring of 2019, and loyal viewers had to say goodbye to many cherished recurring characters, including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Arya Stark, and even Jaime Lannister, among others. Whether you're interested in seeing centuries-old castles in Spain or cold lava fields in Iceland, here are six must-visit shooting locations from Game of Thrones.
Fort Manoel, Malta
One of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations is Fort Manoel, Malta. Beheaded in a square in the made-up King's Landing at King Joffrey's behest is Ned Stark, whose death ranks among the show's most heartbreaking moments. Fort Manoel, a magnificent coastal limestone fort in the form of a star, really served as the location for this scene. The 18th-century fort is still on the World Heritage list that UNESCO is in the process of finalising.
Old Town, Croatia
"King's Landing" was the first cinematic appearance of Dubrovnik's Old Town in season two of Game of Thrones. Ever since then, the mediaeval walled city has seen an explosion of tourists drawn by the Game of Thrones. Guests can stroll through the Seven Kingdoms capital on a walking tour inspired by Game of Thrones. They will pass by the Old Town’s magnificent St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, where Cersei Lannister filmed her infamous "Walk of Shame" scene in Season 5. They will also see Fort Lovrijenac, the real-life fortress where the epic Battle of Blackwater was filmed. Once you've reached the top of the City Walls, which is the circular mediaeval Minčeta Tower—the House of the Undying in Qarth—climb to the top. To get their picture taken on a replica of the Iron Throne, fans may visit the Game of Thrones souvenir store on Boškovićeva Street. This is also a great place to visit if you are fascinated by the castles from Game of Thrones.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Setting for Game of Thrones: Past the Wall Beyond Castle Black and "North of the Wall" is the unexplored terrain of Game of Thrones, where white walkers and wildlings wander over frozen lakes, lava plains, and snow-filled craters. Actually, this vast tundra is Vatnajökull National Park, a wilderness area that is protected to the east of Reykjavík. The "Land of Always Winter" that Game of Thrones viewers see on screen is actually a combination of real-life landscapes in Vatnajökull National Park—including enormous glaciers, ice caves, and active geothermal areas—and a fair amount of computer-generated imagery. This is truly one of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations because this was the den of the fan favourite Jon Snow!
Doune Castle, Scotland
Doune Castle in the heart of Scotland was the location for filming the pilot episode that featured Winterfell, the home of the Stark family, one of the most iconic castles from Game of Thrones. Doune Castle is situated around 45 minutes from Glasgow and one hour and fifteen minutes from Edinburgh. Known for its very large gatehouse—approximately 100 feet tall—the mediaeval edifice was constructed in the fourteenth century. Keep in mind that this castle didn't feature until the pilot; Castle Ward in Northern Ireland was the location for subsequent episodes starring Winterfell.
Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
It is in Northern Ireland's Glens of Antrim that you'll find the Dothraki Sea, often called the Great Grass Sea. This would have meant that the Dothraki may have been considered the Starks' next-door neighbours in real life. The Cushendun Caves, located in the Glens of Antrim, are the site of many famous events, including the creation of the "shadow" that murders Renly Baratheon and the fight between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy. Discover beautiful valleys and waterfalls as you look for the Hound, the cherished figure who was first discovered and then abandoned to die in this same location.