- Where was Game of Thrones filmed?
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
- County Down, Northern Ireland
- Meteora, Greece
- St. James Cathedral, Šibenik, Croatia
- Vatnajökull, Iceland
- Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Seville, Spain
- Basque Coast, Spain
- Äit-Ben-Haddou, Morocco
- Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
- Klis and Split, Croatia
- Essaouira, Morocco
- Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
- Fort Manoel, Malta
“What unites people? Armies? Flags? Gold? Stories. There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story.” – Tyrion Lannister.
Love or hate the ending, there’s absolutely no denying that Game of Thrones is a TV show that completely defined an entire generation. It was wildly successful at the height of its fame, and plenty of spin offs are in the works – including House of the Dragon which we personally love!
With the characters travelling all over Westeros on their various quests for revenge, power, glory – all that good medieval stuff – we the viewers were taken all over the world! Over the 8 seasons of the show, the cast and crew were brought to some gorgeous real life locations, and that’s what we’re here to discover today. So let’s get into the Game of Thrones filming locations.
Where was Game of Thrones filmed?
Over the show’s tumultuous 8 season run, filming took place in a myriad of locations. With Westeros, and the nearby Essos, having so many diverse cities and landscapes, numerous countries around Europe were selected to best bring these to the big screen.
The countries include:
A few other countries were used here and there – like Scotland and Greece for a few minor scenes, for example – but those 7 are the main ones.
Image source:Contiki
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Probably the most well known Game of Thrones filming location is Dubrovnik in Croatia and we may as well start this list here! The medieval city made up the iconic setting for King’s Landing, with the rugged coastlines, the UNESCO World Heritage walls around the city, and the gorgeous sunny climate making it a perfect contender. Though the Iron Throne is not in residence there, the spirit of Game of Thrones is very strong, and you can go on specific GOT walking tours when you’re there!
2. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Probably the most beautiful avenue of beech trees in the world, the Dark Hedges featured heavily in seasons 1 & 2 as the road to King’s Landing. It was underneath these tangled beauties that Arya Stark, disguised as a boy (we were never convinced) made her escape from King’s Landing.
In real life these trees can be found on the way to Gracehill House, a rambling Georgian mansion set in the heart of the Northern Irish countryside.
Image source:Greg Willson / unsplash
3. County Down, Northern Ireland
County Down was integral to Game of Thrones filming locations as it’s in this area that many scenes and settings for everyone’s beloved Winterfell were shot!
The Stark’s ancestral family home was made up in Castle Ward, an 18th century farmyard (which is all very fitting, isn’t it?). Inch Abbey was used as a setting for the Riverlands, most notably for Robb Stark’s army camp, and Tollymore Forest Park – an enchanting forest – is a pivotal location both where the White Walkers were discovered and where Ned Stark found the dire wolf pups.
4. Meteora, Greece
This incredibly unique corner of Greece played home to the aptly named The Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn. This is where House Arryn resides in their lofty towers, and with the incredible rock formations and lush lands below, you can see why the showrunners thought Meteora was a perfect fit. Add some heavy blankets of fog all around and it’s creepy as hell – just the place for Sky Cells!
Image source:Getty Images / unsplash
5. St. James Cathedral, Šibenik, Croatia
The home of the many faced God, St James Cathedral in Šibenik, Croatia takes on the role of the House of Black and White in Braavos (AKA Arya’s new home). To our knowledge it does not contain the removed faces of thousands of lost souls. It is however a pretty spectacular creation.
6. Vatnajökull, Iceland
The foreboding, other-worldly glaciers and desolate snow scapes of Vatnajökull epitomise the bleak, barenn land North of the Wall. Cold, desolate and empty, Vatnajökull’s landscapes have an uncanny, otherworldly quality – so a perfect home from home for those ethereal White Walkers.
7. Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
If you’ve ever wanted to ride alongside the mighty Dothraki (maybe minus the warfare, though, whatever floats your boat) then the Glens of Antrim are where you need to head. This gorgeously green area was the filming location for the Great Grass Sea!
You can also visit the nearby Cushendun Caves where Melisandre gave birth to whatever the hell she gave birth to, the battle place of Jamie Lannister and Euron Greyjoy, and if you’re lucky you may stumble upon a dying Sandor Clegane!
8. Seville, Spain
Sunny and stunning Seville in Spain was the filming location for many scenes in Dorne and Meereen throughout Games of Thrones’ long run. Two locations in particular stand out.
Plaza de Toros de Osuna: home to one of the most intense and blood thirsty scenes of season 5, Plaza de Toros doubles up as the slave fighting pit of Meereen where Khaleesi FINALLY rides a dragon!
Alcázar de Sevilla: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the private residence of House Martell, and the fictional Water Gardens of Dorne were created alongside the hedge-lined walkways and tranquil pools. This is one of the most gorgeous Game of Thrones filming locations, in our humble opinion.
Image source:Fadi Al Shami / unsplash
9. Basque Coast, Spain
Dragonstone Beach is as mystical as it is impressive, and while the interiors of Dragonstone were built on a sound stage, you can actually visit the beach and all its craggy rocks! This is where the burning of the Seven took place, and also where Dany goes to roost.
Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach in Barrika are the specific ones used in the show, but Spain’s Basque Coast is a whole dream anyway so you won’t be wasting any time with a road trip down there.
10. Äit-Ben-Haddou, Morocco
When Dany travels around Essos collecting allies and freeing slaves, she makes her way to the Free City of Pentos, as well as Yunkai. Both of these cities were filmed in the absolutely fairy-tale-esque Äit-Ben-Haddou, a fortified village made entirely of clay. Red walls and walkways dotted with shopfronts and accentuated with palm trees. It’s located just outside of Marrakesh and it has rightfully became a very popular tourist attraction – even outside of Game of Thrones fame.
Image source:Daniel J. Schwarz / unsplash
11. Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
Scenes from the dreary and cruel Iron Islands were shot along Ballintoy Harbour because of the raised beaches that meet chalk cliffs, giving Pyke and the Islands that dramatic look. This is where Theon Greyjoy hails from, and the surroundings of Lordsport make up the port town where the former Stark ward alights on his return home.
Northern Ireland’s famed Giant’s Causeway is nearby as well, so make sure to stop by on your little Game of Thrones road trip.
12. Klis and Split, Croatia
To make up the influential city of Meereen, cast and crew travelled to Croatia and specifically the beachy city of Split. Klis, a rugged fortress carved into cliffs, was used as a main location for Meereen, and then Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remain from the Roman Empire (fitting!) was used for the scenes in which Dany locked up and trained her dragons.
Image source:Tanja Cotoaga / unsplash
13. Essaouira, Morocco
One of the most significant moments in Dany’s arc throughout the show is when she heads to Slaver’s Bay and Astapor, meeting the army of the Unsullied and freeing them. Most locations for these scenes are found in this gorgeous Moroccan port town.
14. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Characterized by cliffs and fjords and waterfalls and other such dramatic scenes, Thingvellir National Park was also used in Game of Thrones to depict more of the Eyrie. It’s part of Iceland’s Golden Circle – the most popular roadtripping track through the country – and along it you’ll find those delicious natural hot springs, and plenty of jaw-dropping views.
Image source:Getty Images / unsplash
15. Fort Manoel, Malta
One of Game of Thrones’ earliest and most heart-breaking scenes happens in Fort Manoel: the execution of Ned Stark. The whole first season of GOT was gritty and dark, of course, but it’s this scene that really cemented the story as being ruthless and let the viewers know that no characters are safe! Fort Manoel was built during the 18th century and it stands as a true jewel in Malta. It’s grand AF and you probably owe yourself a visit to pay your respects to the greatest King of the North.
