First stop – Northern Ireland. As you might know, most of Game of Thrones was filmed in and around Belfast. The hauntingly beautiful Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees that stretches for about a mile, was transformed into the Kingsroad, the main highway of Westeros. This iconic location was featured in several memorable scenes, including Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing.
Another notable Northern Ireland location is Castle Ward, which served as the backdrop for Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Its stunning courtyard and tower became the familiar sights we eagerly anticipated seeing in every episode. Fans can even take guided tours of the castle to immerse themselves in the world of Game of Thrones.
Moving across the sea to Croatia, we find the ancient city of Dubrovnik, which portrayed the beautiful and treacherous capital of the Seven Kingdoms, King’s Landing. With its distinctive red rooftops and fortified walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik provided the perfect setting for the political intrigue and power struggles of the show. Walking through the narrow streets, it’s easy to imagine yourself as a noble or a commoner caught up in the game.
Iceland, with its otherworldly landscapes, played a significant role in depicting the frigid and unforgiving lands Beyond the Wall. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, was transformed into the icy wasteland where Jon Snow and his fellow Night’s Watchmen confronted the White Walkers. In addition, the Hverir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, became the land of the Wildlings. Iceland’s unique and desolate beauty truly brought the northernmost regions of Westeros to life.
Spain also played its part in providing breathtaking backdrops for Game of Thrones. Seville’s Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace with stunning gardens and intricate architecture, was the inspiration behind the Water Gardens of Dorne. This enchanting location served as the backdrop for Prince Doran’s court and showcased the beauty and opulence of House Martell.
In addition to Alcázar of Seville, the region of Andalusia in southern Spain provided many other stunning locations. The beautiful town of Osuna, with its medieval castle and bullring, depicted the city of Meereen. The vast Roman Bridge in Cordoba served as the Long Bridge of Volantis, lending an air of history and grandiosity to Daenerys Targaryen’s journey.
Last but certainly not least, we cannot forget the breathtaking landscapes of Morocco. The ancient city of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, became the setting for Yunkai, the Yellow City. Its ancient mud-brick buildings and winding streets made it the perfect backdrop for Daenerys’ liberation of the enslaved city.
So, whether it’s the chilling landscapes of Iceland, the regal beauty of Spain, the haunting forests of Northern Ireland, or the historic streets of Croatia, Game of Thrones took us on a visual journey across the world. Through these real-life locations, the show elevated the fantasy genre to a whole new level and allowed us to immerse ourselves in the epic tale of power, love, and conquest.
Next time you watch Game of Thrones, take a moment to appreciate the incredible locations that served as the backdrop for this unforgettable series. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of television production that can transport us to places we could only dream of visiting. Winter may have come and gone, but the memories of these extraordinary filming locations will stay with us forever.