GAME OF THRONES AMAZING LOCATIONS

29 amazing Game of Thrones locations

To celebrate season four of biggest TV drama ever Game of Thrones, we reveal 29 stunning filming locations from the series.

As mega fantasy romp Game of Thrones starts its fourth season on Sunday, we take a fact-filled tour of 29 places where it was filmed, from Malta to Iceland.

Morocco

Aït-Ben-Haddou (Yunkai and Pentos)

Follow Daenerys Targaryen’s tracks through Slaver‘s Bay and the Free Cities at real-life Aït-Ben-Haddou, a ksar(fortified city) around 100km southeast of Marrakech. Sitting majestically on a hill overlooking a desert, its ancient appearance attracts both tourists and filmmakers.  

In the fictional world of Essos in Game of Thrones, Aït-Ben-Haddou is turned into Yunkai, the smallest of the three cities in Slaver’s Bay, and Pentos, the biggest of the Free Cities. However, Aït-Ben-Haddou is far from being a new film location. Since the 1960s it has played a role in many Hollywood films and TV series, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, Babel and Prince of Persia to just name a few.

Essaouira (Astapor)

While the Game of Thrones city of Astapor lies south of Yunkai, Essaouira is to the west of Aït-Ben-Haddou, and around 100km west of Marrakech, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. One of the city's landmarks is its fortified wall which makes the fictional Astapor so memorable on screen.  

Unlike Astapor, Essaouira is known for a more relaxed atmosphere. In the 1960s it was a hippie hangout graced by rock stars such as Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix. It’s also a fishing port, where you can feast on awesome fresh seafood.

Atlas Corporation Studios, Ouarzazate

The Atlas Studios, located in the Moroccan desert just outside of the city of Ouarzazate, are the world’s largest film studios in terms of size. Apart from being an amazing filming location, the studios are also a popular tourist attraction, as many of the film sets are still intact. Apart from scenes of Game of Thrones, many films such as Babel, Gladiator and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra were filmed here.

Iceland

Grjótagjá (Thermal Spring or 'Jon and Ygritte's love nest')

In the next season of Game of Thrones we probably won't see too much of this lovely spring cave anymore, but it's definitely worth visiting in the real world. Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near Lake Mývatn in north-east Iceland. While outside is snow and ice, the water in the spring can get up to 50 degrees C (which explains why Jon and Ygritte were so hot...). Why not re-enact a particular scene there with your special someone?     

Dimmuborgir (Wildling Camp)

Close to Grjótagjá and Lake Mývatn is Dimmuborgir is a lava field with rocks in many unusual shapes. This area has several meanings for Icelandic folklore: it is said that Dimmuborgir is somehow connected to hell, and at the same time the home of homicidal trolls.  

However, the children of the evil troll family are apparently not as bad as their parents; at Christmas they even get to play at being Santa Claus. Meanwhile in Westeros: Dimmuborgir was the place where Mance Rayder set up his camp.

 

Vatnajökull (North of the Wall)    

The vast mountainous area of south-east Iceland forms Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, located in the largest national park of Europe at 13.600km². 

In Westeros, Vatnajökull is the mysterious land Beyond the Wall, home to mythical creatures. 

 

Höfðabrekka (Frostfangs Mountains)

Höfðabrekka is located near Vík, the southernmost city of Iceland. IT lies at the foot of the glacier Mýrdalsjökull which sits on the volcano of Katla.  

In Game of Thrones the area was used to film the scenes in the treacherous Frostfangs.

Thingvellir National Park

A brand new filming location for season four of Game of Thrones, Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Alþingi - the national parliament of Iceland - was established in 930. It continued to meet until 1798, but was moved to Reykjavík later on.

[SPOILER ALERT Season 4/Book 3] In Westeros, Thingvellir National Park was used as a filming location for the upcoming season and for the first time, Iceland will be seen in its summer beauty, as it will show Arya's and Sandor Clegane's journey from village to village in mid-Westeros.  

By the way, on Iceland you also find the rare 'Dragonglass'. Obsidian, a piece of cooled lava, is used in the series to mimic the precious resource.

Croatia

Dubrovnik (King’s Landing)

Here it is, the (latest and official) seat of the kings of Westeros: King’s Landing, aka Dubrovnik. It’s no wonder that this monumental city was chosen to pose as one of Westeros’ main landmarks: Dubrovnik’s old town is surrounded by thick stone walls and is located on a peninsula surrounded by a dramatic stone cliff.

In Game of Thrones world, King’s Landing is an important location, featuring in most episodes and where many characters' storylines meet. It is also the place to be if you like intrigues, secrets, hidden agendas and dastardly plots.

Minceta Tower (House of the Undying)

The mysterious House of the Undying is actually the Minceta Tower, located along the above mentioned walls of Dubrovnik. It was an important defence tower facing towards the land. It is also a symbol of how 'unconquerable' the city is.  

[SPOILER ALERT Season 1/Book 1] At the end of the book A Clash of Kings, Daenerys has to face unexpected visions in the House of the Undying to gain insight into her future. In the series, however, Daenerys is forced to go in to rescue her dragons – one of the very few plot changes the series has made.

© I. Brautovic / Dubrovnik Tourist Board

 

Lovrijenac Fortress (The Red Keep)

The Red Keep – the heart of King’s Landing – is, in the real world, Lovijenac Fortress, located outside Dubrovnik on a 37m high rock right on the shore. Fun fact: at the entrance is an ancient inscription which apparently translates as 'Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world'. Is this a secret hint from the film crew, maybe? Well, the Lannister approach might not pay off after all.

To not get confused later on, the scenes of the Red Keep in season one were shot in Malta, but from season two onward the film crew moved the set to Croatia to be able to shot more exterior shots of Dubrovnik and Lovrijenac Fortress. The bay right in front of the fortress was used for the scene of the Battle of Blackwater.

© I. Brautovic / Dubrovnik Tourist Board

 

Lokrum (Quarth)

Only a few hundred meters off the coast of Dubrovnik lies the green and lush island Lokrum, 10 minutes by boat from the old port. The fortress is on the highest point of the island with an amazing view over the protected national park. Lokrum boasts a naturist beach, but, like most of Croatia’s Dalmatia coastline, not much sand.

In Game of Thrones, Lokrum is turned into Quarth, the 'Queen of Cities', which is located on the continent Essos. As well as Daenerys’ magical experiences, the above-mentioned House of the Undying is located in Quarth. 

 

Trsteno Arboretum

If you want to wonder around the green gardens of King’s Landing, visit Trsteno Arboretum located in Trsteno, a small village right next to the sea around 10km north of Dubrovnik. The lush garden has an aqueduct leading up to a fountain with a Neptune statue, vine-covered pergolas, a belvedere, pavilions and rich flora.

The many scenes in which Varys and Tyrion wonder through the outdoor parts of the palace to plot and exchange secrets were filmed in Trsteno Arboretum.

 

Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park (Forests in the North)

Tollymore Forest Park, covering over 600 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, is a great area for outdoor activities such as hiking with stunning seaviews.  

[SPOILER ALERT] It features several times in Game of Thrones. It is here that a member of the Night's Watch sees a family of Wildlings dead on the snow and then encounters a White Walker. Also, this is where Ned Stark and his sons find the direwolf pups and the dead stag. Later on in the series, Theon Greyjoy is chased on horseback by Ramsay Snow, the Bastard of Bolton.

Castle Ward (Winterfell)

The sumptuous Castle Ward overlooks Strangford Lough and with its 820 acres of land was used as the courtyard of Winterfell. The house features Gothic and Classical styles of architecture, while it also has an exotic sunken garden, paths and peaceful woodlands that will definitely make you think you are in The North.  

Meanwhile in Game of Thrones, the grounds were featured in season 1 and here is where King Robert Baratheon and his court arrive at Winderfell, and also where he and Ned Stark talk during some hunting. The castle is always featured as Winterfell's courtyard.

© Castle Ward / National Trust for Northern Ireland

Mussenden Temple and Downhill beach ( Dragonstone Beach)

This beautiful 11km stretch of golden sand and turf is best known for being the location of Mussenden Temple. This Classical round temple was built to be a summer library, while today it stands dramatically on top of a cliff, with views of the Northern Irish coast. 

Both the Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach were used in Game of Thrones as the location for the Dragonstone exterior. Remember the burning of the old gods by Melisandre on the beach? Well, that was here. And also where Stannis Baratheon draws a flaming sword from the flames, 'Lightbringer'. It's a gorgeous place, but better not burn anything and try to discover if you are Azhor Ahai.  

The Dark Hedges (The Road from King's Landing)

The Dark Hedges might possibly be the most beautiful avenue of beech trees in the world. Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress their visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion (Gracehill House) and it does the job very well. It is one of the most photographed sites in the country.  

Back in Westeros, the Dark Hedges are the Kingsroad, north of King's Landing. Disguised as a boy, Arya escapes from the city with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and all the other people who are to join the Night's Watch.  

 

Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport)

Ballintoy Bay is the real-world location of Lordsport (the port of Pyke in the Iron Islands). This picturesque little fishing village and its harbour are one of the most beautiful parts of the coast of Antrim.  

The production team of the series chose this wonderful place to be the port of Pyke, where Theon Greyjoy sets foot back on the Iron Islands, admires his ship and has some trouble with his crew. 

Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands)

The stunning Cushendun Caves were formed over a period of 400 million of years of extreme weather conditions.  

[SPOILER ALERT] This is where Davos Seaworth (following orders from Stannis Baratheon) lands the red priestess Melisandre ashore... To later on see her giving birth to the shadow creature that in the end kills Renly. 

 

Larrybane (The Stormlands)

Along the beautiful Northern Irish coast, the Larrybane area is also part of The Stormlands in Game of Thrones. The whole place is stunning and is connected to Sheep Island by one of the most famous rope bridges in the world: Carrick-a-Rede.

The Stormlands is where King Renly sets camp and where the tournament is in which Brienne of Tarth beats Ser Loras Tyrell. It's also where he meets his brother Stannis. Why not try to mimic them and become a knight? 

Murlough Bay (The Iron Islands)

Murlough Bay is a very remote and beautiful part of the Northern Irish coast, with views across the sea to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

[SPOILER ALERT] In season 3 Murlough Bay was used as a setting for the Iron Islands and this is where Theon rides on a horse with his sister Yara, and also where Davos Seaworth is shipwrecked after the Battle of Blackwater Bay (which is not in the Iron Islands).

Malta

Mdina Gate (King's Landing Gate)

The 4000 year-old capital of Malta, Mdina is a medieval walled town on a hill in the centre of the island. It is commonly called the Silent City.  

In Game of Thrones, Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel ride into King's landing through the gorgeous Mdina Gate to investigate the attack on Bran.

© Mario Galea / Viewingmalta.com

Fort Ricasoli (Red Keep Gate in King's Landing)

Fort Ricasoli is a large 17th century fortification built by the Knights of Malta on the promontory known as Gallows Point. It is one of the first things you see if you visit the picturesque village of Kalkara, since it dominates the Grand Harbour. It was a military installation for centuries and played an active part in the defence of Malta during World War Two, when it was badly damaged. Due to its state it can't be visited but it has been used as a location for films and TV series like Agora, Troy, Gladiator, Helen of Troy and Julius Caesar.  

Back in Westeros, Fort Ricasoli has been used to represent the Red Keep in King's Landing.  

 

 

Azure Window (Daenerys and Drogo's Wedding)

The 50-metre high limestone rock natural arch known as the Azure Window was the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo's Wedding. Located on the Maltese island of Gozo, it is very popular with scuba divers

Apart from Game of Thrones, it also apparead in films such as Clash of the Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as the television mini-series The Odyssey.  

© Giovanni Maroni / Viewingmalta.com

Verdala Palace Grounds (Illyrio Mopatis House)

Since 1987 Verdala Palace has been the official summer residence of the president of Malta but its origins date back to the 16th century, when it was built on the site of a hunting lodge. The elegant palace is surrounded by Buskett Gardens, which were used by the Knights of Malta to hunt game, while in the 18th century it was used as a military prison by Napoleon. Abandoned for a while, it was restored and became a sumptuous residence for powerful people in Malta. It is closed to the public, but you can walk through the nearby gardens and imagine you're spying on the house of Illyrio Mopatis.  

The place was the set for Illyrio Mopatis' mansion. This is where Daenerys and Viserys live and meet Khal Drogo and his khalassar before the wedding. 

© Viewingmalta.com

San Anton Palace (The Red Keep)

This 16th century palace located in Attard is the official residence of the President of Malta and is surrounded by private and public gardens. The Knight Antoine de Paule founded it as a generous villa for himself and his guests.  

[SPOILER ALERT] San Anton Palace becomes parts of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones. In the first series the Starks arrive there and use their stables, and later on a number of their attendants are murdered by Lannister soldiers while unloading some cargo. It is also the Red Keep's Hallway, where Ned walks and Varys and Littlefinger inform him that the Goldcloaks are under his control.  

 

Fort St Angelo (The Red Keep Dungeon)

Fort St Angelo is a large fortification in the walled town of Birgu, right at the centre of the Grand Harbour. its origins are unknown but some prehistoric and classic remains have been found here. It was an official residence and garrison for centuries and when the Knights of Malta arrived on the island Fort St. Angelo became the seat of the Grand Master. Later on, in the 18th century the British used it as a military installation and was severely damaged during World War Two.  

Its underground tunnels were used in Game of Thrones as the Red Keep Dungeon, where Arya chases a cat on assignment from Syrio Forel and overhears a key conversation. 

© Mario Galea / ViewingMalta.com

Fort Manoel (Great Sept of Baelor)

This is another of the great fortifications of Malta. Fort Manoel stands on Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour, north-west of Valletta. Built by the Knights of Malta between 1723 and 1755, it was an active military fortification. It was passed to British control in the 18th century and also played an important role during World War Two.  

[SPOILER ALERT] Part of King's Landing in Game of Thrones, Fort Manoel is the Great Sept of Baelor, the infamous place where Joffrey gets Ned Stark to admit to being a traitor and then has him executed in front of everyone.  

Fort Manoel © Mike Watson / ViewingMalta.com

Scotland

Doune Castle (Winterfell)

This medieval stronghold in Doune near Stirling was originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the late 14th century by the Duke of Albany, Robert Stewart. The castle has survived quite unchanged and complete until today. It sits on an impressive strategic site at the crossroads of Scotland. Doune Castle can be seen in several films and series such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and the classical adaptation of Ivanhoe with Elizabeth Taylor, and it was the set for Winterfell in the pilot episode for Game of Thrones.