HBO’s Game of Thrones is one of the most-watched and most-discussed television series in the world. Check out a few of our favorite Game of Thrones filming locations. Also learn the best ways to see them with Ker & Downey.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Malta
If you’ve been a Game of Thrones fan since the beginning, you’ll recognize Malta as the original location of King’s Landing. While filming later moved to Croatia, there are still several Game of Thrones filming locations to uncover on this island. See Mdina’s main gate, where Catelyn and Ned Stark bid each other farewell. Plus visit the sites of Ned Stark’s capture, Littlefinger’s Pleasure House, and the Red Keep’s prison.
The most exclusive location in Malta is the Verdala Palace, the official summer residence of the President of Malta. Verdala serves as Illyrio’s mansion, the place where Daenerys and Khal Drogo first met. It’s off-limits to the public. However, with Ker & Downey and a private local guide, you will have exclusive access to its corridors.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia
Perhaps the best-known filming location for Game of Thrones, visitors will find a treasure trove of sites throughout Croatia. First is Dubrovnik, Croatia, the setting of King’s Landing since the show’s second season. This ancient walled city provided a variety of architectural exteriors to help bring the sets to life.
Dubrovnik’s Minceta Tower also doubles as the mysterious House of the Undying in Qarth, where Daenerys searches for her dragons. Stunning Fort Lovrijenac also doubles as the royal residence, the Red Keep.
Croatia’s Split is another important stop on any Game of Thrones tour. Indeed, you’ll find a remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and other architectural remains.
It was within Diocletian’s Palace that Daenerys and her faithful Unsullied led the Meereenese slave revolt and conquered the city in season 4. With Ker & Downey, you can meet an expert local historian for your own tour of the palace. You will also recognize Klis Fortress, an ancient stronghold overlooking the city, as part of the city of Meereen. Channel your inner warrior with a swordplay and archery class inside the fortress. You will no doubt leave ready to join up with Daenerys’ armies!
Game of Thrones Travel to Spain
Game of Thrones fans will recognize Seville, Spain as the setting for the tropical kingdom of Dorne. As you walk through the palaces and gardens of Alcazar, you will recognize the courtyards where the Ellaria and the Sand Snakes schemed.
You will also see where Trystane Martell courted Myrcella Baratheon. In addition, the tiny town of Osuna nearby provided footage of Meereen in season 5. We suggest experiencing a bit of local flair with private wine and tapas tastings. Moreover, enjoy one of the best Flamenco shows in Andalusia.
The crew of Game of Thrones also filmed an extensive amount of season 6 in Girona. In this beautiful medieval city just north of Barcelona, fans will recognize scenes from Braavos, Oldtown, and King’s Landing.
The main Girona Cathedral served as the setting for one of the pivotal scenes of the season: when Jamie Lannister and his troops marched to prevent Queen Margaery’s walk of atonement. In addition, the cathedral’s interior acts as the Great Sept of Baelor, where Cersei’s destructive plot played out in the final episode of season 6.
Ker & Downey can reveal these destinations with after-hours access and behind-the-scenes tours. Plus, we can show you a completely different perspective of the city by water. Enjoy a sail around Costa Brava in 80-feet private schooner while your professional chef host prepares a memorable dinner.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Iceland
If you want to visit the land of White Walkers and the Free Folk, then add Iceland to your list. The otherworldly landscapes of Lake Myvatn boasts extreme contrasts, wildlife, geothermal activity, and geology. It also features in several seasons of Game of Thrones. Explore the warm underground river in Grjótagjá rift, the Krafla volcano area, the explosion crater Víti, and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall: the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Of course, you’ll recognize the geothermal area of Hverir with its boiling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur pits. This is the setting that sparked Jon Snow and Ygritte’s “steamy” onscreen romance in season 3. Take your own soak in the Myvatn Nature Bath hot spring lagoon, overlooking the inspiring landscape.
Iceland provides more than just the icy backdrops for the world of ice and fire. Thingvellir National Park was also a major Game of Thrones filming location for season 4. It is here that Arya Stark and The Hound travel on the way to The Eyrie. It's also where Brienne of Tarth confronts The Hound in a dramatic duel with a cliffhanger ending. This is also a land of “Dragonglass”— we know it as obsidian, cooled pieces of lava.
For a completely different perspective of this Game of Thrones travel destination, we suggest a view from above. Fly across Iceland’s volcanic landscape and end your journey on top of Langjökull glacier, only accessible by helicopter. Peek into the crater of the majestic shield volcano Skjaldbreiður and fly over the tectonic rift separating America and Europe. Soaring over lava fields, craters, and colorful mountain ridges in your own private helicopter is as close as you can get to riding one of Daenerys’ dragons.
Game of Thrones Travel to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is perhaps the most extensive Game of Thrones filming location. In fact, paparazzi used to stake out in Belfast during filming, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cast as they made their way to Titanic Studios, the site of many of the show’s interior sets. The ultra-modern Titanic Center complex is an homage to creativity and history. A visit with your Ker & Downey guide leaves you feeling enlightened.
You will find the Stark’s home at Winterfell and sights from the northern kingdoms in this region too. Visit Castle Ward—Winterfell itself—and partake in an archery lesson, standing in the same courtyard where Bran, Robb, and Jon Snow practiced in happier days for the Stark family.
At Castle Ward you can also meet two of the show’s stars: Odin and Thor, the Direwolf puppies! These two Northern Inuit dogs are all grown up but still perfectly cuddly and happy to visit. You’ll also see where the Direwolf pups were first found in nearby Tollymore Forest Park.
Alternatively, visit Inch Abbey, where Lady Catelyn Stark hears of Ned’s fate and where Robb becomes King of the North. Walk through the Dark Hedge of Amoy, an atmospheric avenue of beech trees used to depict the Kingsroad. While plagued by bandits and thieves in Westeros, it’s quite safe in real life and is a truly magical spot.
Along the spectacular Antrim Coast road you will find the Cushendun Caves. Fans will recognize this place as the spot where the Red Priestess Melisandre conjures up a menacing shadow creature in season 2. At nearby Larrybane, Renly Baratheon meets the shadow creature as a terrified Brienne of Tarth looks on.
If you’re a House Greyjoy fan, make sure to visit the sleepy port of Ballintoy Harbour and Murlough Bay. These areas served as the rugged Iron Islands for Theon’s homecoming scene in season 2.
Visit the Game of Thrones Filming Locations with Ker & Downey
Want to see the Game of Thrones settings for yourself? Contact the Ker & Downey luxury travel consultants to begin planning your own epic journey. We’ll create a custom travel package just for you. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for daily travel inspiration.
