The majority of filming locations for Game of Thrones were in Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, Spain, and Morocco.
Ever wondered about those breathtaking landscapes and imposing castles in Game of Thrones? Well, you’re not alone. The quest to pinpoint exactly where did they shoot game of thrones is a popular one for fans of the epic series. The show used some very real, very stunning locales.
From the icy realms of the North to the sun-drenched shores of Dorne, the production crew traveled across multiple countries to capture the perfect backdrop for George R.R. Martin’s world. They really brought the fictional Westeros to life.
Where Did They Shoot Game of Thrones?
The world of Westeros, with its icy landscapes and grand castles, felt incredibly real while we watched Game of Thrones. But these weren’t magical places conjured from thin air. They were real locations, carefully chosen and sometimes even altered, to bring George R.R. Martin’s vision to life. Let’s go on a journey and explore the places where the epic saga was filmed!
The North: Icy Landscapes and Stark Strongholds
Much of the North, the home of the Starks, was brought to life using locations in Northern Ireland and Iceland. These places provided the perfect cold, harsh feel that the show needed.
Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros
Northern Ireland played a huge part in the filming of Game of Thrones. Many iconic locations can be found here:
- Castle Ward, County Down: This impressive 18th-century farmyard became the famous Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. You can still visit and imagine Ned Stark walking its grounds.
- Tollymore Forest Park, County Down: Remember the eerie woods where the Starks find the direwolves? That was Tollymore Forest Park with its ancient trees and mysterious atmosphere.
- The Dark Hedges, County Antrim: This lane with its beautiful beech trees created the majestic Kingsroad, the main path in Westeros. It’s even more stunning in real life.
- Cushendun Caves, County Antrim: These caves were used for a scene where Melisandre gives birth to a shadow assassin. A very dramatic moment in a naturally dramatic place!
- Larrybane Quarry, County Antrim: This place was used for the Stormlands and several other scenes.
- Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim: The Iron Islands and Lordsport were filmed here, a picturesque and rocky harbor on the coast.
These are just a few of the locations; Northern Ireland’s natural beauty was an essential ingredient in creating the look and feel of Westeros. The production team even built significant sets at the Paint Hall Studios in Belfast, adding indoor spaces for filming. These studios are now a part of the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour where fans can experience these amazing sets!
Iceland: Beyond the Wall
For the icy, desolate lands Beyond the Wall, the production team needed a very special place. Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains provided the perfect backdrop. Here are some places that took us to the wild north:
- Vatnajökull Glacier: This vast glacier was used for many scenes north of the wall. It’s where the Night’s Watch made their perilous journeys.
- Svínafellsjökull Glacier: This glacier also featured prominently in the show, with its dramatic ice formations providing a very surreal and dangerous-looking location.
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field: With its dark, jagged lava formations, Dimmuborgir was the place where Mance Rayder set up his wildling camp. It looks like a place from another world.
The harsh and awe-inspiring nature of Iceland made us really believe in the dangers of the lands beyond the wall. The scenes filmed here feel incredibly authentic and add to the overall look of the show.
King’s Landing and the South: Sun-Kissed Lands and Royal Intrigue
The locations for the south of Westeros, especially King’s Landing, needed to contrast sharply with the cold north. Here, the production team used the beauty and historical character of places in Croatia, Spain, and Malta.
Croatia: The Heart of King’s Landing
The city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, became the beautiful (and sometimes terrifying) capital of the Seven Kingdoms, King’s Landing. Here are some key locations:
- Dubrovnik City Walls: These incredible medieval walls, which surround the city, served as the walls of King’s Landing. The scenes filmed here were awe-inspiring.
- Lovrijenac Fortress: Perched on a rock overlooking the sea, this fortress became the Red Keep, the seat of the Iron Throne.
- The Jesuit Staircase: Remember the infamous “Walk of Atonement”? It was filmed on these beautiful steps.
- Lokrum Island: This small island just off the coast of Dubrovnik was used as the city of Qarth. It’s a beautiful place with gardens and peacocks.
Dubrovnik’s old city was perfect. Its red roofs, ancient architecture, and the stunning Adriatic Sea created a backdrop that was regal and also a little sinister. The city’s atmosphere was perfect for the show.
Spain: Dorne and Other Southern Locations
Spain brought the warmth and sun to some of the southern parts of Westeros, particularly Dorne, the home of the Martell family. Here are some of the beautiful Spanish locations:
- Alcázar of Seville: This incredible royal palace, with its stunning tilework and lush gardens, was the Water Gardens of Dorne. It felt like the perfect place for a prince to relax.
- Osuna Bullring: This bullring was turned into the fighting pit of Meereen, a massive arena where Daenerys witnessed gruesome gladiatorial battles.
- Castillo de Zafra: This impressive castle was used as the Tower of Joy in a very important flashback scene.
- Bardenas Reales Natural Park: This desert landscape became a part of the Dothraki Sea.
The Spanish locations added a completely different feel to the show, full of color, warmth, and a different sort of beauty than the northern locations.
Malta: The Early Days of King’s Landing
Before Dubrovnik became the primary location for King’s Landing, Malta was used for season 1. This island also provided beautiful spots and amazing architecture:
- Mdina: This fortified city was the original King’s Landing. It has a very old and magical feel, with narrow streets and stunning buildings.
- Fort Manoel: This fort was used for scenes at the Great Sept of Baelor, and some of the tragic events that happened there.
- Azure Window, Gozo: This incredible natural arch was used for a Dothraki wedding. Unfortunately, this famous rock formation has since collapsed into the sea, but it’s memorialized in the show.
Malta’s historical locations were crucial in setting the stage for the story, helping to shape how we picture Westeros in the show’s beginning.
Beyond Westeros: Essos and Its Diverse Landscapes
Game of Thrones took us beyond the Seven Kingdoms to Essos, a land of exotic cities and diverse peoples. These locations were found in Morocco, Spain and Croatia.
Morocco: Yunkai and Pentos
Morocco provided a perfect backdrop for some of the cities of Essos, giving them an exotic and almost magical feel:
- Aït Benhaddou: This ancient fortified city was used as Yunkai, one of the slave cities Daenerys conquers.
- Essaouira: This coastal city served as Astapor, another of the slave cities that Daenerys and her dragons liberate.
These locations are full of history and character, helping to bring the fictional cities of Essos to life. The vibrant colors and rich culture made these places fit perfectly into the show’s world.
Other Essos Locations in Croatia and Spain
Beyond Morocco, Croatia and Spain again helped to create the rest of Essos:
- Šibenik, Croatia: This beautiful Croatian city was used as Braavos, the free city of merchants and assassins.
- Peñíscola, Spain: This coastal town was used to portray some of the scenes in Meereen.
These diverse places showed just how vast and varied the world of Game of Thrones really is. From the icy north to the scorching heat of the south, each location contributed to the unique look and feel of the show.
The Importance of Location
The locations were so much more than just backdrops. The places where they shot Game of Thrones became characters in their own right, contributing to the storytelling and our enjoyment of the series. The locations added an incredible amount of depth to the story. The real-world beauty and history of these spots allowed the writers, directors, and actors to create something truly special.
The use of real locations, and the seamless way they were integrated into the story, made the world of Game of Thrones seem incredibly real. From icy landscapes to historical cities, each location was carefully chosen to bring the saga to life in the best way possible.
Next time you watch an episode of Game of Thrones, remember the real-world places that helped make the story so captivating. From the stunning coastlines of Croatia to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, each location holds its own magic and played a crucial role in bringing the world of Westeros to our screens. And even though the show has ended, many of these places are still popular tourist spots, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Game of Thrones firsthand.
Top 10 Game of Thrones Locations You Actually Can Visit
Final Thoughts
Game of Thrones filming locations spanned several countries. The show’s producers chose diverse landscapes to depict Westeros and beyond. Iceland’s glaciers became the Land Beyond the Wall.
Northern Ireland provided many iconic locations like Winterfell. Croatia’s Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing. Spain’s Alcázar of Seville represented Dorne.
Ultimately, answering the question ‘where did they shoot game of thrones’ leads you to some truly amazing, real-world places. The production team brilliantly used these to build the show’s breathtaking visuals.
