Game of thrones is the best tv series that’s ever been and now that it’s over it’s hard to find anything that can replace it. One way to get your Game of Thrones fix is to visit some of the incredible destinations it was filmed in.
Start your journey touring in Croatia to see the wonderful filming locations and find out how to easily visit them. Take your time to appreciate your surroundings and views and stand in the same spots as some of your favourite characters.
Explore Ireland and Iceland where many episodes of the show where filmed. Whilst in each destination find out more about the history of each place, discover the countries traditions and culture. This guide will show you how to get to and from each destination, some are walkable, but most are accessible by car.
Game of Thrones Locations in Europe
Croatia
Croatia is such an amazing country to visit with its beautiful beaches and historical towns and buildings, courtesy of centuries of Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro-Hungarian rule.
Much of the Kings Landing storyline takes place here. Dubrovnik’s old city has been used extensively for Kings Landing so when you visit they’ll be plenty of places you recognise.
Viewers will, of course, be highly drawn to the steps where they may have heard “shame” chanted many times as Cersei took her punishment from that weird religious cult.
Bokar Fortress
Used to represent King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, this fairytale building featured in seasons two and three. You can see the fortress where Varys and Tyrion are discussing battle strategies to defeat Stannis.
How to get here: The Fortress is walkable from Dubrovnik Old Town. The fortress is open to the public all year round.
Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is the city of Qarth, ruled by the ‘pureborn’ this is where Daenerys gets a very cold welcome from the Spice King.
This fascinating place dates back to 1023 and legend holds that Richard the Lionheart sheltered here, after his ship was wrecked when he was returning from the Crusades.
How to get here: Take a ferry from Old Town Port in Dubrovnik, this journey will take 15 minutes.
No cars are permitted on Lokrum, so be prepared to walk everywhere. The island isn’t very big, it’s 1.5 miles long, so it’s easy to explore on foot.
Split
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is full of history, it reminded me of Rome but by the seaside. Split also featured in many different seasons of Game of Thrones.
Dicoletian’s Palace was used as Daenery’s throne room in Mereen. Many streets around this area were also used for filming. Go on a walking tour through the Old Town of Split to find out more about these historical filming locations.
How to get here: Split is located a 3.5 hour drive away from Dubrovnik or 2 hours from Zadar. Dicoletian’s Palace is located in the centre of the Old Town of Split. From here you can explore the markets, seafront restaurants or walk to the beach.
Medieval Klis Fortress
This has become a popular tourist destination, as it was used as the city of Mereen in season 4 of Game of Thrones.
How to get here: 30 minutes car drive from Diocletian’s Palace.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Most of the show was put together in Belfast at the Titanic studios. The studios are located at the same place the Titanic was built, it’s now home to the film sets used to shoot most episodes.
How to get here: Fly into Belfast, from the city centre it’s a 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk.
Once you are in Belfast there’s plenty of other filming locations to explore, the best way to see them would be to hire a car or book a tour.
The Dark Hedges
Walk along the King’s Road which led Arya Stark away from King’s Landing. This is one of the most Instagrammed landmarks on the Game of Thrones Map.
How to get here: Accessible by car, there’s not many parking spaces available on the road but there’s the Hedge’s hotel nearby where you can park, they also serve food and drink. From the Titanic studios this is an hour drive.
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX
Ballintoy
This small town has been used as the Free Cities where Varys was born and is the most northerly point of the Antrim Coast. It’s also where Theon first arrived home to the Iron Islands and meets his sister.
How to get here- 16 minute drive from the Dark Hedges
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The rope bridge appears in season six and plays a major part in a series character storyline. If you wish to cross this exhilarating rope bridge it costs £9, from the other side you’ll be able to see stunning views of the sea and cliffs.
How to get here – 3 minutes from Ballintoy
Address: 119a Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6LS
Larrybane
At these limestone rocks Brienne of Tarth fights and defeats Ser Loras of the flowers and is given a place in Renly’s Kingsguard as her reward. Catelyn Stark comes to negotiate with Renly Baratheon, on behalf of her son – Robb Stark, King in the North.
Larrybane bay is located on the North Antrim Coast, it’s one of the most scenic locations along the Causeway Coast. From the cliffs above Larrybane the magnificent coastline can be viewed including Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
How to get here – 6 minute drive from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Dunluce Castle
The castle ruins were used for many exterior shots of the Pyke stronghold, seat of the House of Greyjoy – rulers of the Iron Islands.
Located 18 minute drive from Ballintoy
Mussenden Temple
Located high on a cliff overlooking the coast this extraordinary location is Dragonstone castle. Where Melisandre burns the Statues of the Seven to make Stannis believe in her religion. A lot of the castle has been built up post production with CGI, so it does look different.
How to get here: 30 minute drive from Dunluce castle
Address: Mussenden Rd, Castlerock, Coleraine BT51 4RP
Marble Arch Caves
One of my favourite characters is the Hound, he started off appearing evil and selfish but throughout the series we found out he has a good heart and has a soft spot for Ayra. A pivotal scene took place in the Marble Arch Caves with him when he meets Beric Dondarrion in season three. The Hound and Beric fight, the Hound wins but Beric is resurrected by the Lord of Light.
How to get here: This is a different route to the other locations, it’s a 2 hour drive from the Titanic Studios.
Address: 43 Marlbank Road, Enniskillen BT92 1EW
Iceland
Most of John Snow’s scenes in the Knight’s watch were filmed in Iceland. With it’s beautiful snowy landscapes, Iceland was the perfect location to film Game of Thrones.
Þingvellir Gorge
Located in South West Iceland along the Ring Road, this is where the creepy White Walkers come from.
How to get here: Located an hour drive from Reykjavík airport.
Kirkjufell, Arrowhead Mountain
In season 7, John Snow and the gang faced the infamous Night King. This is now one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.
How to get here: Kirkjufell is on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula and a 10 minute drive from the town Grundarfjörður. It’s a 2.5 hour drive North of Reykjavík airport.
Dimmuborgir
This is where the Wildling camp was North of the wall. Wander around this large area of unusually shaped lava fields. It’s composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations. The dramatic structures are a popular attraction in Iceland.
Lake Myvatn
Mývatn is a stunning volcanic lake in northern Iceland. From here you can explore Reykjahlíð village which has an information centre so you can find out more information about this area. Whilst you are in the area make sure you visit Mývatn Nature Baths, a naturally heated man-made lagoon, with mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties.
How to get here: 15 minute drive from Dimmuborgir
Goðafoss Waterfall
This stunning waterfall is where scenes north of the wall, including Wildlings dwellings where filmed. This waterfall is known as the waterfall of the Gods. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. From here you could visit Vogafjós restaurant where many of the Game of Thrones crew had their meals.
How to get here: 40 minute drive from Dimmuborgir
