'Game of Thrones' filming locations around the world
The world's first 'Game of Thrones' studio tour opens in Northern Ireland and fans are delighted. While the story is pure fiction, many of the incredible locations are very real.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is an essential location for "Game of Thrones." It's the setting for both North of Westeros and the Iron Island. One favorite location remains the Dark Hedges (pictured), which is the road from King's Landing in the series. Now, Northern Ireland is also home to the first Game of Thrones studio tour, allowing fans a immerse themselves in the world of the popular TV series.
Croatia
With its charming old town, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. It was an essential film location for "Game of Thrones" as King's Landing, the seat of kings in Westeros and the hotspot for intrigue and secrets in the series. GOT fans who travel to Dubrovnik here can also book tours of other filming locations nearby.
Iceland
Iceland's harsh climate has created the setting for the northern locations in "Game of Thrones," particularly the icy realm North of the Wall, where Wildlings and White Walkers roam. The island is made up of wide spaces, snow covered mountains and volcanic landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park (pictured) served as the location for Arya's journey through mid-Westeros.
Morocco
From Iceland to the blistering heat of Morocco, the "Game of Thrones" film crew was used to extreme weather. Aït-Ben-Haddou, Morocco, became two cities: Pentos, where the character Daenerys lives before marrying, and Yunkai, where she frees the city's slaves. Aït-Ben-Haddou has long attracted filmmakers and was featured in movies like "Gladiator," "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy."
Malta
Daenerys and Drogo's wedding wasn't filmed in Morocco, but rather on Malta. The setting was the Azure Window, a 50-metre high limestone rock arch located on the island of Gozo, which unfortunately collapsed during a storm in 2017. Apart from "Game of Thrones," this former natural attraction was in films such as "Clash of the Titans" and "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Spain
Spain became an important location in the fifth season of the series. In Sevilla, the Alcázar de Sevilla (pictured) is transformed into the Water Gardens of Dorne, and Osuna's bullring shines as the Arena of Meereen. Both locations are popular tourist attractions in the Andalusian city. Other "Game of Thrones" locations in Spain include Almería, Peñiscola and Girona.
Scotland
Doune Castle (aka Winterfell) where the pilot episode was shot, is the only "Game of Thrones" filming location in Scotland. The medieval castle was originally built in the thirteenth century and can be seen in several other films such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."