Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Step into Westeros: Explore the real-world sites behind the series’ iconic scenes, from medieval castles to dramatic landscapes.
Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed? 11 Stunning Locations to Visit
Game of Thrones continues to captivate fans worldwide, not only for its epic narratives but also for its breathtaking settings. The show’s producers scouted diverse real-world locations to bring Westeros and Essos to life, turning medieval cities, ancient fortresses, natural wonders, and dramatic coastlines into the backdrops of the series’ most memorable moments. Fortunately, you can visit many of these filming locations yourself—here are eleven iconic sites featured throughout the series.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia—The Capital of Westeros: King’s Landing
Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, with its massive stone walls and narrow, winding streets, plays the starring role as King’s Landing, the political heart of Westeros. The sprawling fortresses and bustling squares you see as Cersei schemes or Tyrion plots are primarily filmed within Dubrovnik’s timeworn cityscape. Notable sites include:
- Lovrijenac Fortress: Standing in for the Red Keep, this imposing structure is perched atop a 37-meter high rock overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
- Jesuit Staircase at St. Ignatius Church: Immortalized by Cersei’s infamous Walk of Atonement.
- Walls of Dubrovnik: The backdrop for countless scenes of city intrigue, ambushes, and royal processions.
Dubrovnik welcomes fans who want to walk the same alleys as the Lannisters, experience local cuisine, and stand at spots where crucial scenes played out. The city’s mix of UNESCO-listed heritage and showbiz legacy makes it a must for any GoT fan’s travel list.
2. Fort Manoel, Malta—Site of Ned Stark’s Execution
Game of Thrones in-universe location: King’s Landing
This star-shaped, 18th-century fort situated on the islet of Manoel in Malta had the somber honor of hosting one of the most shocking moments in the series: the execution of Ned Stark. In the series, the fort’s main square is dressed as the execution site in King’s Landing, while in reality, it is an architectural relic known for withstanding battles such as Napoleon’s invasion and World War II bombings.
- Normally free to visit, Fort Manoel remains temporarily closed for restoration as of the latest updates, but keep an eye out for reopening dates.
Even from the exterior, this fort’s imposing walls exude historical and dramatic gravity, making it an essential stop for fans tracing the early tumult in the series.
3. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland—Beyond the Wall
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Land Beyond the Wall
Few landscapes capture the foreboding mood of the series better than Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. The wild glaciers, frozen lakes, and snow-carpeted lava fields provide the backdrop for Jon Snow’s icy journeys, the wildlings’ perilous treks, and the chilling marches of the White Walkers.
- Ice caves, craters, and volcanic terrain: Stand-in for the Land of Always Winter, where fantasy blends with nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacle.
- Nearby sites: The Myrdalsjokull glacier, Hverfjall volcano, and Grjótagjá geothermal hot spring also appear throughout the series.
The national park is open to intrepid travelers. While CGI enhanced much of the on-screen drama, what you see in person is mesmerizingly real and rugged, ideal for fans seeking adventure and natural wonders.
4. Alcázar of Seville, Spain—The Water Gardens of Dorne
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Water Gardens of Dorne
This lavish, 700-year-old Andalusian palace, known officially as the Royal Alcázar of Seville, became the exotic and sun-washed seat of House Martell during season five. The upper chambers of this UNESCO-listed palace still serve as a royal residence—the oldest in Europe still in use—and the lush gardens, intricate tilework, and Moorish architecture made it a perfect filming location.
- Guided tours are available, providing insight into both the palace’s history and its role in the making of Game of Thrones.
- Don’t miss the patios and reflecting pools, instantly recognizable to fans.
Other scenes set in Dorne were filmed in the Spanish cities of Córdoba and the arid reaches of Almería.
5. Bardenas Reales, Spain—The Dothraki Sea
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Dothraki Sea (Essos grasslands)
When Daenerys Targaryen is captured by nomadic Dothraki horsemen, the sweeping steppes and barren plains of the Bardenas Reales provide the Martian-like landscape for the Dothraki Sea. This natural park covers 100,000 acres in Navarre, northern Spain, and features:
- Unusual clay and chalk formations that look otherworldly and starkly different from verdant Westeros.
- Accessible routes by car, bike, or on foot, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the drama firsthand.
Certain lush Dothraki sequences were also shot at Northern Ireland’s Glens of Antrim, illustrating the show’s blend of disparate locations to build convincing fantasy realms.
6. Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland—The Iron Islands
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Iron Islands
Set against the wild Atlantic coast of Antrim, Dunluce Castle became the moody harbor where Theon Greyjoy makes his uneasy homecoming. The castle’s crumbling towers and cliffs stood in for House Greyjoy’s ancestral home on Pyke, though CGI was used to enhance its on-screen grandeur.
- Ballintoy Harbor: Also featured in Iron Islands scenes, just a short drive east.
The dramatic setting lends itself to photography and atmospheric walks, making it a captivating stop on Northern Ireland’s growing Game of Thrones tourism trail.
7. Meteora, Greece—The Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn
Game of Thrones in-universe location: The Eyrie
While filming crews didn’t set foot in this iconic region, Meteora’s gravity-defying mountain monasteries were digitally transformed into The Eyrie’s dizzying sky cells—where Tyrion Lannister was memorably imprisoned. The real Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to monasteries perched atop dramatic natural spires.
- Accessible by hiking, biking, or rafting, and reached via train from Athens.
- Stunning vistas offer views worthy of Westerosi intrigue, especially for fans retracing Tyrion’s perilous captivity.
8. Castle Ward, Northern Ireland—Winterfell
Game of Thrones in-universe location: Winterfell (after Season 1)
The Stark stronghold was most vividly realized at Castle Ward, a National Trust property near Strangford Lough. Its atmospheric towers, stone courtyard, and grounds were the heart of House Stark throughout many seasons.
- Activities for visitors: Try your hand at archery on the very ground where Bran trained, don a replica Stark cloak, or meet Northern Inuit dogs (the stand-ins for the direwolves).
- The area’s woodlands and adjacent Audley’s Field were used for key outdoor scenes.
Castle Ward offers immersive experiences for fans, blending authentic history with Westerosi myth.
9. Doune Castle, Scotland—The Original Winterfell
In Season 1, before the budget for intricate CGI expanded, Doune Castle served as Winterfell. This 14th-century castle in central Scotland also features in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and lies surrounded by lush Scottish countryside.
- Guided tours are popular, and the castle’s distinct appearance marks it as an early home to the Starks on screen.
Though production later shifted to Castle Ward, a visit to Doune takes fans to the show’s roots and cinephiles to the site of beloved comedy classics.
10. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland—The King’s Road
Outside the small town of Armoy lies The Dark Hedges, an avenue of ethereal, centuries-old beech trees. Its haunting canopy doubled as the King’s Road, where Arya Stark and others began their perilous journeys north and south.
- The distinctive avenue has become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed landmarks, particularly in mist or twilight.
While its fame has led to increased visitation (and preservation measures), it remains a must-see spot for fans retracing key Westerosi routes.
11. Ballintoy, Northern Ireland—More Iron Islands Adventures
Though not as instantly recognizable as Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy’s rugged harbor showcases more of the Iron Islands scenery, from dramatic cliffs to pebbled shores.
- It’s the setting for Theon’s return to Pyke and for several seafaring scenes, complete with weather-beaten rocks and crashing waves.
The nearby coastline is dotted with caves and curious formations, providing plenty of scope for exploration beyond the show’s legacy.
Tips for Planning Your Game of Thrones Adventure
- Season matters: Some locations, especially in Iceland, change dramatically with the months. Plan trips according to whether you want snow-bound vistas or accessible hiking trails.
- Respect filming sites: Several locations, including the Dark Hedges, have experienced heavy tourism. Follow local guidelines to help preserve the sites.
- Take guided tours: Many destinations, especially in Croatia, Northern Ireland, and Spain, offer themed tours providing historical context and behind-the-scenes facts.
- Combine with local culture: Each site offers more than just GoT legacy—castles, cathedrals, and nature reserves provide a panoramic perspective of European history and scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I visit all Game of Thrones filming locations year-round?
A: Most locations are open year-round, though access to some (like Fort Manoel or highland areas in Iceland) may be limited by season or restoration work. Always check local information before visiting.
Q: Are there guided tours for Game of Thrones fans?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered in major locations such as Dubrovnik, Northern Ireland, and Seville, providing insights into both the filming process and local history.
Q: Which location is best for a first-time visitor?
A: Dubrovnik, Croatia, is often recommended given the density of iconic sites within a walkable Old Town, alongside superb local hospitality and additional attractions along the Dalmatian Coast.
Q: How much of the series was achieved with CGI vs real locations?
A: While CGI was used to augment and combine real sites, the bulk of landscape and city filming used actual locations, giving the series its unique sense of place and texture.
Q: Are there any locations outside Europe?
A: Most main locations are in Europe, but some early scenes were filmed in Morocco, including the ancient city of Aït Benhaddou, representing Yunkai. The majority, however, are found across Croatia, Spain, Malta, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations: At-a-Glance Table
| Series Location | Real-World Filming Site | Country | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| King’s Landing | Dubrovnik | Croatia | Old Town walls, Jesuit Staircase, Lovrijenac Fortress |
| Execution Square | Fort Manoel | Malta | 18th-century fort, historical military site |
| Beyond the Wall | Vatnajökull National Park | Iceland | Glaciers, volcanoes, ice caves |
| Water Gardens of Dorne | Alcázar of Seville | Spain | UNESCO palace, Moorish architecture |
| Dothraki Sea | Bardenas Reales | Spain | Badlands, striking geological formations |
| Iron Islands | Dunluce Castle & Ballintoy | Northern Ireland | Dramatic cliffs, medieval ruins |
| The Eyrie | Meteora | Greece | Monasteries on spires, panoramic views |
| Winterfell (Seasons 2+) | Castle Ward | Northern Ireland | Cobblestone courtyard, archery grounds |
| Winterfell (Season 1) | Doune Castle | Scotland | 14th-century keep, lush countryside |
| The King’s Road | The Dark Hedges | Northern Ireland | Tree-lined avenue |
Traveling through these locations isn’t just a quest for fans—it’s a way to experience the spectacular beauty and ancient stories of Europe. Whether you long to walk the ramparts of King’s Landing or roam the icy wilderness beyond The Wall, these destinations breathe life into both the fantasy of Westeros and the reality of remarkable places you can explore for yourself.
