When Game of Thrones concluded its epic eight-season run in the spring of 2019, fans worldwide mourned the departure of iconic characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Arya Stark. However, the magic of GOT extends beyond the screen, as many of its breathtaking landscapes and dramatic settings are real places accessible to visit. From the stark beauty of Icelandic glaciers to the historical grandeur of Spanish palaces, the Game of Thrones filming locations offer a tangible connection to the beloved series. Let’s embark on a journey to discover where Game of Thrones was filmed and explore 11 must-visit destinations for any fan.
Game of Thrones primarily utilized on-location shooting across Europe to bring the world of Westeros and Essos to life. While studio sets in Belfast, Northern Ireland, were crucial for interior scenes and specific constructions, the exterior shots that define the series often feature authentic landscapes and medieval structures.
The very first episode, for instance, showcased Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark, filmed at the real-world Doune Castle in Scotland. Season one also introduced viewers to the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo, set against the backdrop of the Azure Window in Malta, a natural limestone arch that, sadly, collapsed into the Mediterranean Sea in 2017. These are just a glimpse into the numerous Game of Thrones filming locations waiting to be explored.
1. Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
Game of Thrones in-universe location: King’s Landing
Dubrovnik’s Old Town, with its imposing stone walls and terracotta rooftops, became instantly recognizable as King’s Landing from the second season of Game of Thrones onwards. The series’ popularity significantly boosted tourism to this stunning medieval walled city. Fans can immerse themselves in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms with dedicated GOT-themed walking tours. These tours often include the steps of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, which served as the setting for Cersei Lannister’s infamous “Walk of Shame” in Season 5. Fort Lovrijenac, a real-life fortress just outside the city walls, was also used extensively for filming scenes depicting the Battle of Blackwater Bay.
For panoramic views of King’s Landing, visitors can ascend the City Walls, reaching the Minčeta Tower, which doubled as the House of the Undying in Qarth. And for a quintessential fan experience, the Game of Thrones souvenir shop on Boškovićeva street offers the chance to take a photo on a replica Iron Throne. Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, also contributed to King’s Landing exteriors, located approximately three hours north of Dubrovnik. Šibenik, another Croatian city about an hour north of Split, stood in for Braavos from the show’s fifth season.
2. Fort Manoel, Malta
Game of Thrones in-universe location: King’s Landing
Fort Manoel in Malta provided another crucial setting for King’s Landing, specifically as the location of one of Game of Thrones’ most shocking early moments: Ned Stark’s execution. This star-shaped fort, built in the 18th century and named after Portuguese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, could once house 500 soldiers. It played a role in historical events like Napoleon’s invasion of Malta in 1798 and World War II. While Fort Manoel is currently under restoration and temporarily closed, it typically offers free admission upon reopening, allowing visitors to walk the grounds where pivotal scenes were filmed.
3. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Beyond the Wall
The desolate and icy landscapes beyond the Wall, home to wildlings and White Walkers, were vividly brought to life by Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. East of Reykjavík, this protected wilderness features frozen lakes, lava fields, and snow-filled craters that perfectly captured the harshness of the “Land of Always Winter.” While CGI enhanced the otherworldly feel, the raw, natural beauty of Vatnajökull’s glaciers, ice caves, and geothermal areas are very real and accessible to visitors. Other Icelandic Game of Thrones filming locations near Vatnajökull include Myrdalsjokull glacier, Hverfjall volcano, and the Grjótagjá geothermal hot spring, offering a complete immersion into the show’s northern realms.
4. Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Water Gardens of Dorne
The opulent Water Gardens of Dorne, the seat of House Martell, found their real-world counterpart in the Alcázar of Seville. This 700-year-old Andalusian palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is officially known as the Royal Alcázar of Seville and holds the distinction of being Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use. The Spanish royal family still utilizes its upper chambers as residences. The Alcázar’s intricate Mudejar architecture, a Moorish-style influence, makes it a stunning location both for Game of Thrones fans and architecture enthusiasts. Guided tours are available, allowing the public to explore the lavish grounds and imagine themselves in the Dornish court.
5. Bardenas Reales, Spain
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Dothraki Sea
For the vast and arid Dothraki Sea, where Daenerys Targaryen was held captive by nomadic horse tribes in Season 6, Game of Thrones turned to Bardenas Reales Natural Park in northern Spain. This otherworldly, Mars-like landscape of badlands stretches across 100,000 acres in the Navarre region, bordering Basque Country. The eroded clay, chalk, and sandstone formations create a unique and striking environment that perfectly captured the essence of the Dothraki plains. Visitors can explore Bardenas Reales by car, foot, or bike, experiencing the raw beauty of this unique Spanish landscape. Some Dothraki Sea scenes were also filmed in the Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland, showcasing a contrast in terrains within the same fictional location.
6. Dunluce Castle, Ireland
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Iron Islands
The rugged and moody coast of Ireland provided the backdrop for the Iron Islands, the ancestral home of House Greyjoy. Dunluce Castle in County Antrim, about two hours north of Dublin, served as the harbor where Theon Greyjoy returned in Season 2. Ballintoy Harbor, a short drive east of Dunluce Castle, was also used for Iron Islands scenes. While Dunluce Castle itself is a dramatic ruin perched on a cliff edge, it was digitally enhanced for Game of Thrones to create the imposing castle of Pyke. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and imagine the Greyjoys plotting their next move.
7. Meteora, Greece
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn
While the Game of Thrones crew didn’t physically film at Meteora, Greece, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as the inspiration and digital backdrop for the Eyrie, the mountain-top fortress of the Vale of Arryn. The unique landscape of Meteora, featuring 11th-century monasteries perched atop towering natural rock pillars, was digitally integrated into the series, most notably as the setting for the Sky Cells where Tyrion Lannister was imprisoned in Season 1. Travelers can witness the breathtaking views of these natural pinnacles firsthand by hiking, biking, or rafting through the valley in northern Greece, accessible by train from Athens.
8. Essaouira, Morocco
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Astapor
Essaouira, a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, became recognizable to Game of Thrones viewers as Astapor, the city of Unsullied slave-soldiers. In reality, Essaouira is known for its fresh seafood, argan oil production, and world-class kitesurfing. Its UNESCO-listed 18th-century medina, filled with artisan shops, provided the perfect ancient city atmosphere for Astapor. Visitors to Essaouira can explore the historic medina, wander along the coast, and experience the vibrant culture of this Moroccan gem.
9. Castle of Zafra, Spain
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Tower of Joy
Castle of Zafra in Guadalajara, Spain, played a pivotal role in Game of Thrones history as the Tower of Joy. This 12th-century castle, located in the Sierra de Caldereros, was the setting for a crucial flashback scene in which Bran Stark witnesses a vision of his father, Ned Stark, revealing a game-changing secret about Jon Snow’s parentage. Reaching the Castle of Zafra requires a drive from the village of Hombrados followed by a hike, or a longer hike directly from the village. The castle’s remote location and historical architecture made it an ideal choice for the Tower of Joy’s secretive and significant scene.
10. Šibenik, Croatia
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Free City of Braavos
Šibenik, another Croatian city on the Adriatic Coast, stepped in as Braavos during Game of Thrones Season 5. While the interiors of the House of Black and White were studio sets, Šibenik’s historical stone-walled alleyways, plazas, and buildings provided the exterior setting for Arya Stark’s Braavos storyline. The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 15th century, served as the imposing Iron Bank of Braavos, the most powerful financial institution in the GOT universe. Exploring Šibenik allows fans to walk in Arya Stark’s footsteps through the Free City.
11. Grjótagjá Lava Cave, Iceland
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The site of Jon Snow and Ygritte’s tryst
Grjótagjá Lava Cave in northern Iceland, near Lake Mývatn, is the real-world location of the romantic cave scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte in Season 3. This cave contains a thermal hot spring, creating a visually stunning and intimate setting. However, Grjótagjá Lava Cave is considered one of Iceland’s more challenging destinations to reach. The cave entrance can be difficult to find, especially in fog, and requires a hike from Dimmuborgir. While visitors cannot enter the hot springs, the cave remains a popular spot for Game of Thrones fans seeking to connect with this memorable scene.
The legacy of Game of Thrones extends far beyond the television screen. The diverse and breathtaking filming locations across Europe and Morocco offer fans the unique opportunity to step into the world of Westeros and Essos. From exploring the walls of King’s Landing in Dubrovnik to venturing into the icy landscapes of Iceland’s “Beyond the Wall,” these real-world destinations provide a tangible connection to the beloved series, ensuring that the Game of Thrones universe continues to captivate and inspire travel for years to come.
