Are you marvelled by the iconic locations you see in “Game of Thrones” the movie? Let’s talk about Westeros. Westeros is the largest continent in the distant north that separates the seven kingdoms from the lands Beyond the Wall.
Now, is Westeros a real place? No, Westeros is not a real place but a fictional continent from George R.R Martin’s fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Then, the books were adapted into the Game of Thrones show by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss for HBO.
Even though Westeros is fictional, when HBO adapted the story for TV, they used real-world filming locations across Europe (and beyond) to represent Westeros. The real-world locations where Game of Thrones was filmed include Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, Iceland and Malta. So, in each of these countries, there are specific locations that also represent the imaginary Westeros. For instance, King’s Landing, the fictional capital of Westeros, was filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, while The Iron Islands were filmed at Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland served as the backbone of Game of Thrones production, with many pivotal scenes filmed in its lush countryside and rugged coastlines.
Below are some iconic locations or scenes descriptions, and where they were filmed in Northern Ireland.
1. The Dark Hedges (Westeros’ Kingsroad)
The dark hedges represent Westeros’ Kingsroad, where the actress, Arya Stark, escaped King’s Landing. It is located in Ballymoney, characterised by an eerie, fairytale-like atmosphere, which makes it one of the most photographed Game of Thrones sites.
2. Ballintoy Harbour (Westeros’ Iron Islands)
Ballintoy Harbour is a lovely place known as a “raised beach” in Ballintoy. It doubled as the rugged shores of the Iron Islands, where Theon Greyjoy returned home.
3. Castle Ward (Westeros’ Winterfell)
Castle Ward is a historical landmark in Northern Ireland, an 18th-century estate that was transformed into Winterfell, the home of House Stark. Fans can join archery experiences, dress in Stark costumes, and even meet the direwolves used in filming.
4. Cushendun Caves (Birthplace of the Shadow Creature)
Cushendun Caves is a source of tourist attraction in Northern Iceland, and was also featured in Game of Thrones. These mysterious caves are where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assassin in Season 2. Their natural, eerie beauty makes them a must-visit for any fan.
Croatia
Croatia’s historic coastal city of Dubrovnik became the primary filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros’ Seven Kingdoms.
1. Dubrovnik Old Town (King’s Landing)
The medieval walls and narrow streets of Dubrovnik perfectly embodied King’s Landing. Walking tours take visitors through key sites like the Jesuit Staircase, famously used for Cersei Lannister’s “Walk of Shame.”
2. Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep)
Fort Lovrijenac is a theatre in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and it was used for The Red Keep, a place where the Iron Throne resided. You can enjoy a private Game of Thrones tour here. Its panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea are as majestic as they appeared on screen.
3. Lokrum Island (Qarth)
Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is also in Croatia, representing the city of Qarth. Visitors can enjoy its botanical gardens and even see the Iron Throne replica.
Spain
Spain is another country that provided rich, exotic settings for shooting the Game of Thrones film. Here, you will find Dorne and other memorable locations in Westeros.
1. Alcázar of Seville (Water Gardens of Dorne)
Alcázar of Seville was used to play the Water Gardens of Drone, also an UNESCO-listed palace and the residence of House Martell. Its Moorish architecture, fountains, and lush gardens create a royal atmosphere.
2. Bardenas Reales, Navarre (The Dothraki Sea)
Bardenas Reales is a natural park declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. It is located in the Southeastern Navarre, Spain. The semi-desert landscape of Bardenas Reales was used to portray the Dothraki Sea. Its barren beauty captures the nomadic life of Khal Drogo and his khalasar.
3. Girona (Braavos and Oldtown)
Girona’s medieval streets doubled as Westeros’ Braavos and parts of Oldtown. Arya’s journey with the Faceless Men was filmed in Girona’s narrow alleys and plazas.
Iceland
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes brought the wild, frozen lands beyond the Wall to life.
1. Thingvellir National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a national park, and it was used for scenes in the Riverlands and beyond the Wall. Its lava fields and waterfalls create an otherworldly atmosphere, and it’s also open for visitors.
2. Lake Mývatn and Grjótagjá Cave
Grjotagja is a cave near Lake Myvatn, a shallow active lake in North Iceland. This region was the backdrop for Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love story in Game of Thrones. Grjótagjá Cave, with its steamy blue waters, remains one of Iceland’s most romantic filming locations.
3. Kirkjufell Mountain (The Arrowhead Mountain)
Known as Iceland’s most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell appeared in Bran Stark’s visions and was featured prominently in Season 7.
Malta
Malta is a top location used in the first season before production moved to Croatia.
1. Mdina (King’s Landing Season 1)
The walled city of Mdina doubled as King’s Landing in the earliest episodes. Its winding streets still echo with the show’s medieval charm.
2. Azure Window, Gozo (Daenerys’ Wedding)
Though it sadly collapsed in 2017, the Azure Window was the site of Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding. The island still draws fans for its coastal beauty.
Conclusion
Game of Thrones filming locations are more than tourist spots. They are living pieces of cinematic history. From the icy mountains of Iceland to the medieval castles of Northern Ireland and the sunlit palaces of Spain, these destinations allow fans to relive the magic of Westeros.
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FAQs
1.Can you visit Winterfell from Game of Thrones?
Yes, you can visit Winterfell from Game of Thrones at the Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. Castle Ward in Northern Ireland offers tours, archery lessons, and Stark-themed experiences.
2. Where was the Iron Islands filmed?
The Iron Islands scenes were filmed at Ballintoy Harbour in Northern Ireland.
3. Did they film Game of Thrones in Iceland?
Yes, they filmed some parts of Game of Thrones in Iceland. Iceland was used for scenes beyond the Wall, including Jon Snow’s adventures with the Night’s Watch.
4. Which palace was used for Dorne?
The palace used for Dorne is the Alcázar of Seville in Spain.
5. Can you visit Arya Stark’s Braavos locations?
Yes, you can visit most of Arya Stark’s Braavos locations. They were mainly filmed in Girona, Spain, open to visitors.
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