Top 15 Locations from the Series Game of Thrones To Explore in 2025

Are you a fan of epic battles, dragons, and complex characters? Then you know the global phenomenon – The Game of Thrones! This groundbreaking series, adapted from the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R. R. Martin, reshaped television with its stunning visuals, gripping storylines, and memorable characters.

A huge part of what made the show so captivating were the Game of Thrones filming locations – the real-world places that brought Westeros and Essos to life. The choice of these locations helped create the show's distinct atmosphere of beauty, danger, and raw emotion, making the world feel incredibly real.

Now, fans worldwide are flocking to these Game of Thrones recording locations to relive their favorite moments and walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters. Let's discover where the top Game of Thrones filming locations are located and how to get there!

Iconic Game of Thrones Filming Locations

The Game of Thrones production team cast their net far and wide to capture the diverse landscapes of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. From snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched coastlines, the locations of filming Game of Thrones offer a breathtaking journey. They are perfect travel destinations for any fan.

Iceland: North of the Wall & Beyond

For the icy expanses north of the Wall, the show turned to Game of Thrones Iceland shooting locations. Iceland's dramatic glaciers, frozen lakes, and rugged terrain brought the chilling world of the White Walkers to life. Seeing these landscapes will transport you to the heart of the show. An Iceland tour dedicated to Game of Thrones would be an unforgettable experience!

Pingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the backdrop for scenes "Beyond the Wall." It was the location used for pivotal scenes in Season 4, episode 10 "The Children" (where Arya and The Hound journey), and Season 5, episode 8 "Hardhome".

The dramatic, craggy landscape of the Almannagjá gorge, a rift valley, stood in for the frozen wastelands, creating a truly memorable setting for these epic events. To get there, you can easily join a day tour from Reykjavik, or rent a car and drive there yourself.

Lake Mývatn

This volcanic lake and its surrounding landscape provided the perfect environment for the dramatic scenes involving dragons. Locations such as the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðagígar and the Dimmuborgir lava formations were used in Season 3 "Kissed by Fire" (episode 5) and Season 4 "The Watchers on the Wall" (episode 9) for various dragon scenes and camps. To get there, fly to Akureyri airport and rent a car or join an organized tour.

So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Game of Thrones Iceland shooting locations! Don't forget that if you want to enjoy these places with a stable connection at your side, turn to Yesim eSIM solution for Iceland!

Malta: Filming Locations Game of Thrones

Malta stands out as a key backdrop for some unforgettable scenes. This tiny Mediterranean island served as the setting for pivotal moments, transforming its historical sites into the fictional realms of Westeros. Malta is a must-visit destination for any Game of Thrones aficionado.

• Mdina: Known as the "Silent City," Mdina served as the original King's Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones. With its medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and stunning views, Mdina perfectly captured the essence of the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Key scenes were filmed here, including those featuring the early interactions between Ned Stark and his family. To explore this ancient city, you can easily take a day trip from Valletta. As you wander its quiet streets, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, immersing yourself in the world of Westeros.
• Fort Ricasoli stood in for the Red Keep, the main castle in King's Landing, used in several pivotal scenes in Season 1. Its imposing structure, historical setting, and strategic location helped create a believable environment for the royal court. Located at the entrance to the Grand Harbour in Kalkara, Fort Ricasoli is accessible by bus or taxi.
• Fort St. Angelo, located in the historic city of Birgu, served as the setting for the Red Keep's dungeons and other interior scenes, particularly in Season 1. Its stone walls and fortified design provided an authentic medieval atmosphere. You can get there by buses 1, 2, and 4 connect Valletta to Birgu (Vittoriosa). The bus journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the fort.

Plan your trip to Malta, and remember to consider the freedom and convenience of an eSIM for seamless connectivity during your journey. Get an eSIM for Malta and enjoy easy data, calls, and texts while exploring the locations.

Filming Locations Game of Thrones: Croatia

Croatia's diverse landscapes were perfect for portraying the political intrigue and epic battles of Game of Thrones. A Game of Thrones tour of Croatia would be an immersive experience, showcasing the real-world locations that shaped the show's iconic scenes.

Dubrovnik: Game of Thrones Locations

The walled city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the primary filming location for King's Landing. Its majestic walls, narrow streets, and imposing fortresses provided the perfect backdrop for the show's capital city.

• Dubrovnik City Walls: These iconic walls were featured in countless scenes, offering panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Walk the walls to experience the grandeur of King's Landing from all angles.
• Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep): This dramatic fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, stood in for the Red Keep, the seat of the Iron Throne. You'll recognize it from numerous scenes, particularly those featuring the royal family.
• Jesuit Staircase: This grand staircase, leading to the Church of St. Ignatius, was the location for Cersei Lannister's infamous "Walk of Shame." Walk in her footsteps (hopefully with less public humiliation!).
• Lokrum Island: A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island portrayed Qarth. Its beautiful botanical gardens and Benedictine monastery provide a serene escape and a connection to the show's exotic locations.

You can easily access Dubrovnik by flying into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and taking a shuttle, taxi or bus to the city center.

Read also: The 13 Best Places to Go to in Croatia

Split & Kliss Fortress: Targaryen Dynasty

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Split and the nearby Kliss Fortress, provided key locations for scenes involving Daenerys Targaryen and her followers. The Roman architecture of Diocletian's Palace, combined with the medieval fortress, offered a compelling blend of settings.

• Diocletian's Palace (Split): This ancient palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the backdrop for scenes involving Daenerys's dragons and the city of Meereen. Explore the palace's cellars, courtyards, and corridors, and discover the locations used in the show.
• Kliss Fortress: Located just outside of Split, this imposing fortress provided a strong defensive setting and stood in as a city in Essos. The stark, rocky landscape and the fortress's strategic position were ideal for creating a sense of power and control. It was used for scenes where Daenerys was consolidating her power.

To reach Split, fly into Split Airport (SPU). From there, rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Kliss Fortress.

Stay connected while exploring these historical sites with a reliable Croatia eSIM from Yesim! Capture and share your Game of Thrones adventures with ease.

Spain: Game of Thrones Locations

Spain has some of the most breathtaking locations featured in Game of Thrones, bringing the world of Westeros to life. Spain and Seville in particular, perfectly represented the exotic kingdom of Dorne in the series.

Plaza de España

This iconic square is known for its stunning Renaissance Revival style and intricate tile work. In Game of Thrones, Plaza de España doubles as the Water Gardens of Dorne. Take a stroll around the plaza to see the beautiful fountains and bridges that were featured in various scenes. It’s a great spot for photos and enjoying the scenery!

Read also: Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Spain in 2025

Alcázar of Seville

This historic palace with its lush gardens and impressive Moorish architecture served as an important filming location for Dorne. The Alcázar is one of the oldest palaces still in use in Europe and was used for various scenes, especially those involving the Martells and their family dynamics. Make sure to explore the intricate details and beautiful courtyards that transport you straight to Westeros.

Consider getting an eSIM for your phone, so you can share your adventures in Spain and stay in touch with friends and family easily. Enjoy your exploration of the Game of Thrones world in the beautiful settings of Spain!

Ireland: Top Game of Thrones Shooting Places

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Northern Ireland served as a crucial filming location for Game of Thrones, providing the backdrop for many of the show's most recognizable settings. The landscapes of the region were used to create the world of Westeros. Castle Ward, the real-life Winterfell, is situated in County Down. The Dark Hedges and other areas provided the perfect locations for filming the story.

• Castle Ward, a National Trust property in County Down, stood as the iconic Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Its gothic and classical architecture, alongside its sprawling grounds, allowed for the creation of the castle's imposing presence. Scenes of the Stark family's life, the direwolf pups' discovery, and key battles were brought to life here. The estate also offered the opportunity for fans to fully immerse themselves in the world of Game of Thrones, with archery lessons, tours, and the chance to explore the very grounds where the Starks once walked.
• Beyond Castle Ward, the rolling hills of County Antrim served as a backdrop for key scenes. The Dark Hedges, a tunnel of intertwined beech trees, became the ominous Kingsroad, as Arya Stark's journey to the south. The scenic Cushendun Caves, formed by the erosive forces of the sea, brought to life the dramatic moments. The vast expanse of Tollymore Forest Park hosted many iconic scenes, including the location where Ned Stark discovered the direwolf pups and where the Night's Watch first saw the White Walkers.

Northern Ireland's commitment to supporting the show meant that it became a thriving location for Game of Thrones tourism. It encouraged the local economy, creating new jobs and transforming the region into an unmissable destination. It also positively impacted the eSIM network, as now you can enjoy the best possible connection there with eSIM for Ireland.

The Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Map Overview

The creators of Game of Thrones worked hard to find the perfect spots to match the story. Each location added to the show's magic and helped tell the characters' tales.

The series masterfully employed a variety of methods to adapt real-world locations, using them to create fantasy settings. From adapting castles, palaces and landscapes the filmmakers skillfully enhanced these locations with CGI, set dressing, and clever camera angles to create a believable and visually stunning world. For example, what appears to be a single castle or estate in the show could have been filmed across multiple locations!

The visual impact on viewers was significant, as these locations became synonymous with the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of the characters. The choice of filming locations elevated the narrative, helping to shape the viewers’ perception of the world and deepening their connection to the story.

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Conclusion

From the icy landscapes of Iceland to the historic streets of Dubrovnik, the filming locations of Game of Thrones offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance created a world that has captured the imagination of fans.

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, these locations of filming Game of Thrones are a must-see. Imagine walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters, experiencing the breathtaking landscapes, and seeing the locations that brought the story to life.

Are you ready to start your own Game of Thrones adventure? Plan your trip today, and use an eSIM to stay connected while you travel and share your experience!

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