Game of Thrones was full of adventure, drama, plot twists, and breathtaking scenery. Its popularity was so grand that it has one of the best opening credits of the decade. Although most of the HBO series was filmed on indoor studio sets in Belfast, Ireland, many scenes were shot on location throughout Europe.
The show features many locations like Iceland, Croatia, and Spain, and for those who want to experience them in real life, Game of Thrones fans or avid travelers can visit them. There are plenty of places they can wander around and feel as if they are actually in Westeros, among their fan-favorite characters. These are the must-see locations any GoT fans must visit at least once in their lifetime.
8 Winterfell: Scotland & Ireland
The iconic home of the Starks was filmed in two different countries. The Doune Castle in Stirling, Scotland served as the exterior of Winterfell Castle in the show's pilot episode. The Doune Castle is a medieval stronghold, and has been used in many film and TV productions. Fans of the series Outlander may also recognize it as the fictional Castle Leoch.
As for the scenes filmed inside the castle, they took place at the farmyard of Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. Many scenes from the first season were filmed there, for example, the scene in which Bran practices his archery skills but is beaten by Arya. The castles are a must-see for any House Stark fans who want to connect even more with their Dire Wolf family.
7 King's Landing: Croatia
Most of the scenes in King's Landing were filmed in the studios in Belfast. However, the exterior shots of the largest city in Westeros were filmed in Croatia, in the cities of Dubrovnik and Split.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik served as the perfect medieval setting for a few scenes. This location is home to the stairs of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, where Cersei had her walk of shame. The city has gained so much popularity since the release of GoT that it even offers fans a walking tour of the filming locations.
6 Behind The Wall: Iceland
Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, was a part of the Night Watch, and he often had to venture out beyond the Wall with his friends. Beyond the Wall may be a dangerous place, but it has some of the most beautiful views in the series.
Most of their scenes were filmed at the Hverfjall volcano, the Vatnajökull glacier, the Myrdalsjokull glacier, and the Kirkjufella Mountain in Iceland. Fans should definitely visit these locations to see where some of the show's best action scenes took place. For instance, the mountain seen in the background of episode 6 of the 7th season, when Daenerys and her dragons came to everyone's rescue, is actually the Kirkjufella.
5 Braavos: Croatia
Arya Stark's training with the Faceless Man in Braavos, one of the Free Cities in Westeros, was filmed in Sibenik, Croatia. One of Arya's scenes was filmed at the Cathedral of St. James, the only cathedral in Europe built entirely out of stone.
Sibenik is a beautiful coastal town filled with rich history and culture. It is home to many stone-made medieval architectures, fortresses, beaches, and festivals. Any medieval and Game of Thrones fans would enjoy exploring the quaint, historical streets of Sibenik.
4 The Kingsroad: Northern Ireland
The famous and most grand road of Westeros connects Castle Black, near the Wall, all the way to King's Landing. And this road features some of the most breathtaking scenery. Filmed in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges line a road located near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim. The scene where Arya escapes from King's Landing after her father's death was filmed at this location.
The Dark Hedges were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family, and they have been a source of inspiration since then. The picturesque scenery would make any fan believe they are in Westeros.
3 Dragonstone: Northern Coast Of Spain
The ancestral home of House Targaryen is visited a few times during the series. Dragonstone is where Daenarys, played by Emilia Clarke, finally goes home in Season 7 to rally up a plan to retake the Iron Throne. The interiors of Dany's home were filmed in the studio, while the outside shots took place at the Muriola and Itzurun beaches in Spain.
Any House Targaryen fans will love visiting the cave, beaches, cliffs, and the stone footbridge seen in the series. Its magnificent views and the scenery are definitely worth the trip.
2 The Water Palaces of Dorne: Spain
One of the most beautiful homes in Westeros belongs to House Martell. Many fans dream of wandering in the garden of Water Palaces of Dorne, and they can. The palace's real name is the Royal Alcázar of Seville, and it is located in Spain.
The palace was built in the 11th century by Alfonso X of Castile, and it is one of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe today. The palace is one of a kind, sharing many architectural elements from Islamic to Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Romantic styles. GoT fans will enjoy exploring every detail of this magnificent beauty.
1 Jon & Ygritte's Cave: Iceland
When Jon Snow went beyond the Wall, he met a Wildling named Ygritte. Although the two shared a short romance, many fans were rooting for their love. At one point, the couple shared an intimate moment in one of the most beautiful and romantic places they could find beyond the Wall. The cave is known as Grjótagiá, a lava cave in Iceland near Lake Myvatn.
Although the actual scene was filmed in the studios instead of the cave, the GoT crew recreated the cave perfectly. They even added a waterfall as a bonus. Fortunately, fans of the show can visit the real cave on their next trip to Iceland.