The worst thing about watching Game of Thrones is having to wait for the next season to come out. The series, based on George R. R. Martin’s novels, has gained mainstream popularity since its release in 2011. The Game of Thrones filming locations has become familiar to the fans who are taken, every episode, on a journey through mythical lands. They travel through Westeros and Essos where dragons, magic, and white walkers reside. Following different families and houses and rooting for characters only to have them meet tragic ends are all part of the appeal of this show. Nothing can really capture the thrill of watching a Game of Thrones episode.
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Game of Thrones Filming Locations:
Where Do They Film Game of Thrones?
The wait for the eighth and final season is unbearable for the fans. However, there is a way they can experience Westeros first-hand, in the meanwhile. Oftentimes, viewers are so flabbergasted by the special effects and fantastical scenery that they fail to realize that the Game of Thrones filming locations are real, and some of them might even be close enough to warrant a quick visit!
Where is Winterfell Castle Filmed?
1- Winterfell – Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
Via Wikimedia user Ardfern
The Stark family home that fans have come to know and love is actually based in Northern Ireland. Castle Ward, much like its T.V. counterpart has been in the Ward family for generations. The Castle was built in 1590 by the patriarch of the family Nicolas Ward. The 1000-acre grounds were also the site for the Game of Thrones pilot.
Its historic farmyard was the main location in season one. The set itself took around eight weeks to build, and there are several parts of the castle that appeared in the HBO series. In fact, one of the sites serves as an accurate replica of the archery range featured on several episodes of the series. The castle offers a tour of the grounds where fans can visit the locations, practice archery, and even dress as the characters themselves. And for all the die-hard fans, there is a gift shop on site selling Game of Thrones memorabilia.
2- Dragonstone – Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland
Via Pinterest
This is it! This is the famed site where the red witch Melisandre burned the old gods. A 7-mile beach front with a craggy cliffside and macabre setting is the eerie locale for Dragonstone. The beach’s cliff side includes the ruins of Mussenden Temple giving this site an otherworldly feel. Fans treading on this dark sandy beach of this Special Area of Conservation will recall the times the red priestess and Stannis Baratheon trod on its shores.
3- Kings Landing – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Via travelwithamate.com
This is probably one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful Games of Thrones filming locations. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the center of turmoil in Westeros; however, in Europe, Dubrovnik is the beautiful pearl of the Adriatic sea. Using this location as the main seat of power comes as no surprise since the whole city is a unique hub of Gothic and Baroque architecture. The iconic city walls of Dubrovnik are where Cersei Lannister saunters through surveying the city below. Atop these walls, fans gain a view of the many shingled rooftops that dot the intricate streets of Dubrovnik. Another location not far from there is the gardens of the red keep. These gardens are known as Tresteno Arboretum and are lined with long hedges acting as the secret location where Tyrion, Lord Varaeys, and even Cersei would meet to hatch plots and schemes.
4- Dorne’s Royal Palace – Real Alcázar Palace, Seville, Spain
Via Balazs B
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this palace dates back to the 11th century. This arabesque palace traces its heritage to when the Muslim Moors occupied Spain. The palace sets itself apart as one of the oldest examples of mudéjar architecture and remains in use to this day by the Spanish Royal Family. It was the site of many episodes depicting the Dornish royal family, while its famed water gardens are where young couple Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell would meet. It is fitted with ornate azulejos (tiles) giving it an intricate and colorful atmosphere.
5- Beyond the Wall – Grjótagjá Cave, Iceland
Via Petr Brož (Wikimedia user Chmee2)
Few can forget Jon Snow’s whirlwind romance with the wildling Ygritte. Even fewer can fail to recall their intimate encounter in the caves beyond the wall. Iceland is no stranger to the HBO series since many of the Game of Thrones filming locations were set there. Though the cave was a site of intrigue long before then. In the 18th century, the site was a living space for outlaw Jón Markússon. Acting as a popular bathing site till the 1970’s the small lava cave was visited by many. But temperatures rose to 50 °C making it dangerous to bathe there. The site is regaining popularity as a bathing site now since temperatures have lowered.
6- Mereen – Klis Fortress, Split, Croatia
Via familycantravel.com
Much of this location was created through digital manipulation. Still, in real life, it is no less impressive. Withstanding the test of time, this stronghold was built over 2000 years ago. Its halls have seen the likes of Illyrian tribes, the Romans, Croatian Kings, the Ottomans, the Mongols, and even Khaleesi Daenyrs Stormborn.
7- Pentos – Ouarzazate, Morocco
Via goafrique.it
This location was featured in the pilot episode of the HBO series. This town inhabited by Berber speakers is the site of many international films, from Gladiator to Lawrence of Arabia and the Kingdom of Heaven. The village itself acted as a garrison town during the French occupation and was a particular hub where traders could meet and sell their wares. There are several desert excursions where tourists can visit this site that is also interestingly nicknamed the “door of the desert.”
If you’re a true fan of Game of Thrones, why not also stay at the Lapland Hotel in Finland? For a definitive mapped out list of all Game of Thrones filming locations check out this list by The Telegraph.
