Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama series that transports us to the fictional world of Westeros through its marvelous locations.
The hit action TV series is created by David Benioff and DB Weiss and is based on high fantasy novels by American author George RR Martin.
While most of the show was filmed on sound stages, the crew traveled to many real places to shoot the film. Let’s explore the real-life locations of the popular drama series.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Game of Thrones was filmed across multiple locations in Northern Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, Spain, and Morocco. There are a total of eight seasons, that premiered from 2011 to 2019.
Northern Ireland
This small country was the main filming spot for the shooting of Game of Thrones, standing in for the Northern areas, Iron Islands, and parts of the Riverlands. Some key places include:
Ballintoy Harbour
This small village’s tiny harbor was perfect for depicting the humble Iron Islands, and the home of Greyjoys.
The raised stone beach and rugged cliffs embodied the harsh environment the Ironborn call home. Memorable scenes here include Theon’s return to Pyke and meeting the brutal Euron.
The Dark Hedges
This famous avenue of bent beech trees was used for the grand Kingsroad highway connecting the kingdoms.
Tollymore Forest Park
The lush, misty beauty of this ancient forest provided the dream-like setting for the Haunted Forest beyond the Wall.
This is where the Starks first discovered the direwolf pups that became such symbolic companions. The forest battle scenes were also shot here.
Iceland
The other-worldly nature spots of this volcanic island nation were ideal for filming the lands beyond the Wall guarded by the Night’s Watch. Places used include:
Kirkjufell Mountain
This striking mountain was where an epic battle between the living and the dead armies was filmed in Season 7.
Grjótagjá Lava Cave
The steamy cave with its hot spring pool is where Jon Snow and Ygritte had their romantic night together.
Vatnajökull Glacier
This massive glacier showed the icy, frozen landscapes beyond the Wall.
Croatia
The sunny Dalmatian Coast of Croatia with its old cities and forts provided backdrops for the warmer King’s Landing areas in Game of Thrones. Key spots are:
Dubrovnik
This medieval walled city on the Adriatic became an icon of the show as the capital King’s Landing.
Lokrum Island
Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, this lush, remote island stood in for the exotic city of Qarth. Its thick greenery and historic Benedictine monastery were unmistakable when Daenerys and her young dragons arrived seeking refuge.
Diocletian’s Palace in Split
This huge, ancient Roman palace became the city of Meereen across the sea. Some of the famous productions that took place in Croatia includes, River Wild, Faraway, and Hotel Portofino.
Spain
Different Spanish landscapes helped create the exotic feel of Dorne and the Free Cities in the fictional kingdom of Game of Thrones. Locations include:
The Alcázar in Seville
This royal palace’s ornate mudéjar design with arabesque archways, elaborate courtyards, and lush gardens were perfect for representing the opulent Water Gardens of Dorne.
Its Moorish architecture captured a realm distinctly different from the rest of Westeros.
Osuna Bullring
This historic circular bullring became the setting of Daznak’s Pit in Meereen, where the fighting pits took place.
Its immense scale conveyed the spectacle and violence of the great games held before Daenerys abolished the fighting pits.
Córdoba’s Roman Bridge
With its ancient Moorish origins spanning the river, this iconic bridge instantly transported viewers to the Free City of Volantis.
This very old stone bridge over the river appeared as the Long Bridge of Volantis.
The stone archways and architecture made it obvious this was not part of the usual Westerosi setting.
Morocco
This North African country added atmosphere for the eastern Free Cities and Slaver’s Bay scenes:
Essaouira
This seaside port city with its winding streets and historic walled medina became the perfect embodiment of the Slaver Cities like Astapor and Yunkai on the far side of the Narrow Sea from Westeros. Its exotic and harsh desert setting established a distinctly eastern atmosphere.
Aït-Ben-Haddou
This ancient fortified city built entirely from mud bricks became iconic for representing both Yunkai and Pentos, two of the wealthy Free Cities.
The winding lanes, towers, and time-worn architecture splendidly recreated an age of Old Valyrian glory and power.
The variety of climates, architecture and landscapes used in Game of Thrones helped firmly establish the rich, histories and cultural differences between the Seven Kingdoms and the lands across the Narrow Sea. Fans can experience the magic by visiting these real-life filming locations.
Behind The Scenes
In the scene where Daenerys Targaryen eats a horse heart, the prop was actually a giant gummy covered in corn syrup, which accidentally glued Emilia Clarke (Daenerys) to the toilet seat!
The cast and crew were filming scenes beyond the Wall endured harsh conditions, braving freezing temperatures and sometimes even feet of snow.
Production team of Game of Thrones (GoT) discoverd a real-life 17th-century shipwreck buried in the sand, while filming in Morocco.
Creation of the majestic dragons required a combination of CGI and practical effects. Actors would often interact with tennis balls or puppeteers holding green sticks, which were later replaced by the digital dragons in post-production.
Finally, the scene where Ned Stark is beheaded was so emotional that even the extras watching couldn’t hold back their tears.
Where to watch Game of Thrones?
Game of Thrones is currently streaming on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, previously known as HBO Max.
