Where Game of Thrones Was Filmed: A Complete Guide to the Real-World Locations Behind Westeros and Essos

Game of Thrones captivated audiences worldwide not only with its intricate storylines and complex characters but also with its breathtaking landscapes and majestic settings. The HBO series, based on George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, transformed real-world locations into the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. From the frozen landscapes of the North to the sun-drenched cities of Slaver’s Bay, the production team scoured Europe, North Africa, and beyond to find perfect backdrops for this epic tale. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse filming locations that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life, offering insights into how these places were transformed and how fans can visit them today.

Northern Ireland: The Heart of Production

Northern Ireland served as the primary production base for Game of Thrones throughout its eight-season run. The country’s varied landscapes, historic castles, and rugged coastlines provided the perfect canvas for creating much of Westeros. Belfast’s Titanic Studios housed the show’s main sound stages, where elaborate sets including the Red Keep, the Great Sept of Baelor, and parts of Castle Black were constructed.

The significance of Northern Ireland to Game of Thrones cannot be overstated. The country’s natural and architectural features became synonymous with the show’s aesthetic, particularly for scenes set in the North, the Iron Islands, and parts of the Riverlands. The production brought substantial economic benefits to Northern Ireland, with tourism increasing dramatically as fans sought out filming locations. The “Game of Thrones effect” created thousands of jobs and injected millions into the local economy, transforming Northern Ireland into a premier filming destination and tourist attraction.

Beyond the economic impact, the show’s presence in Northern Ireland created a lasting cultural legacy. Local communities embraced their connection to the series, with themed tours, exhibitions, and experiences emerging across the region. The show’s departure in 2019 left behind not only memories but also infrastructure and expertise that continue to attract film and television productions to Northern Ireland.

The North and Winterfell

Castle Ward in County Down served as the original Winterfell in Season 1. This 18th-century mansion and its sprawling estate were transformed into the ancestral home of House Stark. The castle’s farmyard became Winterfell’s courtyard, where pivotal scenes were filmed, including King Robert Baratheon’s arrival in the very first episode. Today, visitors to Castle Ward can participate in Game of Thrones experiences, including archery in the exact spot where the Stark children practiced their bow skills.

For later seasons, the production moved Winterfell to Moneyglass in County Antrim, where they constructed a more complete and controllable set. This purpose-built set allowed for greater creative freedom and featured the distinctive architecture that became associated with the North’s capital. The nearby Toome Canal represented the riverlands where Brienne of Tarth escorted Jaime Lannister.

Tollymore Forest Park in County Down appeared in the show’s very first episode as the Haunted Forest beyond the Wall, where the White Walkers made their chilling debut. This 630-hectare forest also served as the Wolfswood near Winterfell, where Ned Stark and his sons found the direwolf pups. With ancient stone structures, Gothic-style bridges, and dense woodland, Tollymore provided the perfect mysterious atmosphere for these crucial early scenes.

The Iron Islands and Dragonstone

The rugged coastline of Northern Ireland perfectly embodied the harsh, unforgiving nature of the Iron Islands, home to House Greyjoy. Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim was transformed into Pyke’s harbor, where Theon Greyjoy returned to his homeland in Season 2. The distinctive landscape, with its weathered rocks and crashing waves, captured the austere character of the Ironborn culture.

Nearby, the dramatic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge area appeared as the location for Balon Greyjoy’s death scene. Though the actual bridge itself wasn’t used in filming, the surrounding cliffs and seascapes created the perfect backdrop for this pivotal moment in the Iron Islands storyline.

For Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen and later claimed by Stannis Baratheon, the production utilized several locations. Downhill Strand, a seven-mile beach in County Londonderry, became the setting for the burning of the Seven Gods by Melisandre. The nearby Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge, represented part of Dragonstone Castle. In later seasons, when Daenerys Targaryen returns to her birthplace, the production moved to Spain for exterior shots, but Northern Irish locations continued to be used for some scenes.

The Wall and Beyond

While much of the Wall itself was created through visual effects, several Northern Irish locations provided the backdrop for scenes set in the frozen North. Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim housed an enormous Castle Black set, including a functional winch elevator and sections of the Wall. This abandoned quarry allowed the production team to build permanent structures that remained throughout the series.

For scenes beyond the Wall, the production frequently used the ethereal landscapes of the Mourne Mountains in County Down. These granite mountains, with their distinctive shapes and often misty atmosphere, became the backdrop for the Night’s Watch’s expeditions into wildling territory. Particularly notable is Leitrim Lodge, which served as the Haunted Forest where Samwell Tarly and Lord Commander Mormont were attacked by White Walkers.

The Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees in County Antrim, appeared briefly but memorably as the Kingsroad in Season 2, when Arya Stark escapes from King’s Landing disguised as a boy. This iconic location has become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and a must-visit site for Game of Thrones fans.

Croatia: King’s Landing and Beyond

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast provided the sun-soaked Mediterranean atmosphere required for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, as well as other locations in the warmer southern regions of Westeros and across the Narrow Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik became the primary filming location for King’s Landing from Season 2 onwards, replacing Malta, which was used in Season 1.

Dubrovnik: The Real King’s Landing

Dubrovnik’s Old Town, with its distinctive red-tiled roofs, limestone streets, and imposing city walls, became immediately recognizable to fans as King’s Landing. The historic fortifications surrounding the city doubled as the walls of the capital, featured prominently during scenes of battle and siege. Fort Lovrijenac, a fortress perched on a 37-meter-high cliff outside the western wall, served as the Red Keep, home to the Iron Throne.

Numerous iconic scenes were filmed throughout Dubrovnik’s winding streets and plazas. The Jesuit Staircase became the setting for Cersei Lannister’s harrowing “walk of shame” in Season 5. The Pile Gate area featured in many scenes of city life, while St. Dominika Street served as various market areas and the setting for the “Gold Cloaks” scenes, where King Joffrey’s men search for and kill Robert Baratheon’s illegitimate children.

The impact of Game of Thrones on Dubrovnik has been profound and somewhat double-edged. Tourism increased dramatically, bringing economic benefits but also challenges related to overcrowding in the small historic center. The city has embraced its association with the show, offering specialized tours that take visitors to filming locations while providing behind-the-scenes information about how the ancient city was transformed into the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Split and Klis Fortress: Meereen and More

Further north along Croatia’s coast, the city of Split and its surroundings provided several important locations. The 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, which forms about half of Split’s Old Town, appeared as the underground chambers where Daenerys kept her dragons in Meereen. The cavernous substructures of this ancient Roman palace, with their imposing stone columns and atmospheric lighting, created a suitably imposing dungeon for the growing dragons.

Above Split sits Klis Fortress, a medieval stronghold perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop. This fortress became the city of Meereen, which Daenerys conquers and rules in Seasons 4-6. The panoramic views from the fortress, overlooking Split and the Adriatic Sea, provided spectacular establishing shots for the city. Production designers added digital elements to transform the medieval fortress into the ancient slave city of Meereen, complete with the distinctive pyramid structures described in the books.

The nearby Krka National Park and its stunning waterfalls appeared in various scenes depicting the lush landscapes of western Essos. The distinctive travertine formations and crystal-clear waters provided a striking natural backdrop that contrasted with the more barren landscapes used for other parts of Essos.

Šibenik: Braavos

The coastal city of Šibenik joined the Game of Thrones locations list in later seasons, representing parts of Braavos, the Free City where Arya Stark trains with the Faceless Men. The Cathedral of St. James, another UNESCO World Heritage site, appeared as the exterior of the Iron Bank of Braavos. The city’s narrow stone streets and medieval architecture were ideal for depicting the cosmopolitan trading city described in Martin’s books.

St. Dominic’s Cathedral and its plaza were featured prominently in Arya’s storyline, appearing as the area where she worked as an oyster seller while gathering intelligence for the House of Black and White. The distinctive Renaissance and Gothic elements of Šibenik’s architecture helped distinguish Braavos from other locations in the show, giving it a unique visual identity that matched its status as a culturally distinct Free City.

Spain: Dorne and Essos

As Game of Thrones expanded its scope in later seasons, Spain became an increasingly important filming location, providing the backdrop for Dorne, parts of Essos, and even new locations in Westeros. The country’s diverse landscapes, from desert regions to lush gardens and historic Islamic architecture, offered fresh visuals that distinguished these regions from previously established locations.

Seville: Dorne and Meereen

The Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning example of Moorish architecture and another UNESCO World Heritage site, became the Water Gardens of Dorne, the private residence of House Martell. The Alcázar’s ornate courtyards, reflecting pools, and exotic gardens perfectly embodied the sensual, pleasure-loving culture of Dorne as described in the novels. The distinctive architecture, with its horseshoe arches, intricate tilework, and cooling water features, created a visual identity for Dorne that was markedly different from other regions of Westeros.

Scenes featuring Doran Martell, Ellaria Sand, and the Sand Snakes were filmed throughout the Alcázar’s gardens and pavilions. The Ambassador’s Hall served as Prince Doran’s private chambers, while the Mercury Pool and surrounding areas became the setting for pivotal conversations between the major Dornish characters.

Outside Seville, the ancient Roman city of Italica provided the location for the Dragonpit scenes in Season 7. This archaeological site, with its massive amphitheater, hosted the dramatic meeting of major characters in the season finale, where Jon Snow attempts to convince Cersei Lannister of the threat posed by the White Walkers. The scale of the amphitheater, which could once seat 25,000 spectators, lent appropriate grandeur to this crucial summit.

Córdoba and Osuna: More of Essos and Westeros

The Roman Bridge of Córdoba, spanning the Guadalquivir River, was digitally transformed to become the Long Bridge of Volantis, one of the Free Cities of Essos. This ancient structure, with its 16 arches, provided the base for the visual effects team to create the massive inhabited bridge described in the books, complete with buildings rising from its span.

In the province of Osuna, the Plaza de Toros (bullring) became Daznak’s Pit in Meereen, where Daenerys attends the fighting contests and is attacked by the Sons of the Harpy, leading to one of the most spectacular dragon scenes in the series. This 1903 bullring, with its distinct Neo-Mudejar style, provided both the architectural grandeur required for the scene and practical considerations for filming the complex action sequence.

Castillo de Zafra and Bardenas Reales: Tower of Joy and Dothraki Sea

The isolated Castillo de Zafra in Guadalajara province, perched atop a sandstone outcrop, appeared as the Tower of Joy in Bran Stark’s visions of the past. This important location, where Lyanna Stark died giving birth to Jon Snow, required a suitably dramatic and remote setting, which the medieval fortress provided.

The semi-desert landscape of Bardenas Reales Natural Park in Navarre represented parts of the Dothraki Sea, the vast grassland crossed by the horse-riding nomads. This unique badlands area, with its eroded clay, chalk, and sandstone formations, created an otherworldly backdrop that emphasized the alien nature of Dothraki culture in comparison to Westeros.

Iceland: Beyond the Wall

Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and black sand beaches provided the perfect setting for the frozen wastes beyond the Wall. The production was typically filmed in Iceland during winter to capture authentic snow-covered scenery, though some summer shooting also took place to represent different areas beyond the Wall.

Frozen Lakes and Glaciers

Þingvellir National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site, appeared in several seasons, most notably as the pathway leading to the Eyrie and the location of Brienne and the Hound’s brutal fight scene. This historic site, where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930 CE, features dramatic fissures and cliffs formed by the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, provided the snowy wilderness where Jon Snow and the wildlings, and later the expedition to capture a wight, ventured into the territories of the White Walkers. The glacial landscapes, with their otherworldly ice formations and stark beauty, created a convincing backdrop for the lands of perpetual winter.

Lake Mývatn and the nearby Grjótagjá cave appeared in Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love scene, where the cave’s geothermal spring formed a natural pool. This location illustrated Iceland’s unique combination of ice and fire, with volcanic activity creating warm oases amid the frozen landscape.

Black Sand Beaches and Volcanic Landscapes

Reynisfjara, a black sand beach near the village of Vík, depicted Eastwatch-by-the-Sea in Season 7. The distinctive basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks offshore created a memorable visual for this important Night’s Watch castle. The dark coloration of the beach, resulting from volcanic activity, added to the grim atmosphere associated with the Wall and its defenses.

Svínafellsjökull glacier in Skaftafell was used for numerous scenes showing the Army of the Dead and White Walkers marching south. The glacier’s blue ice and deep crevasses created a suitably ominous environment for these supernatural antagonists.

Malta: Original King’s Landing and Pentos

In the first season, before production moved to Croatia, Malta provided the locations for King’s Landing and parts of Essos. The Mediterranean island nation’s historic architecture, dating back to the medieval and Renaissance periods, offered an appropriate setting for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Fort Ricasoli, a large 17th-century fortification, served as the Red Keep gate and outer walls. The ancient capital of Mdina, with its narrow streets and honey-colored stone buildings, provided locations for several King’s Landing scenes. The distinctive Azure Window on Gozo Island (before its collapse in 2017) appeared as the backdrop for Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding.

San Anton Palace, the official residence of the President of Malta, became the exterior of the Red Keep, while various scenes in the palace gardens were filmed at both San Anton Gardens and the nearby Verdala Palace gardens. Fort St. Angelo in Birgu represented parts of the Red Keep dungeon where Ned Stark was imprisoned.

Morocco: Slaver’s Bay Cities

For the third season, the production traveled to Morocco to find appropriate settings for Astapor and Yunkai, slave cities conquered by Daenerys Targaryen. The distinctive North African architecture provided a clear visual distinction from the European-influenced settings used for Westeros.

Essaouira: Astapor

The coastal city of Essaouira, with its fortified medina (another UNESCO World Heritage site), became Astapor, where Daenerys acquires her army of Unsullied. The city’s distinctive ramparts, constructed in the 18th century in a European style but with North African elements, provided the walls of Astapor. The earthy red color of these fortifications matched the description of Astapor as the “Red City” in the novels.

Scenes showing Daenerys walking with the Unsullied along the waterfront utilized Essaouira’s scenic harbor and Skala de la Ville, an impressive seaside battery with brass cannons. The narrow streets within the medina appeared in scenes where Daenerys explores the slave city before making her iconic deal with the slave masters.

Aït Benhaddou: Yunkai

The ancient ksar (fortified village) of Aït Benhaddou, a spectacular example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture, represented Yunkai, the “Yellow City.” This UNESCO World Heritage site has appeared in numerous films, including “Gladiator” and “Lawrence of Arabia,” due to its well-preserved medieval appearance.

The distinctive mud brick structures built along a hillside created a dramatic silhouette for establishing shots of Yunkai. Production designers enhanced the location with digital extensions and color grading to emphasize its “yellow” aspect. This location appeared primarily in Season 3, when Daenerys and her growing forces lay siege to the slave city.

Key Filming Locations by Region

To help fans plan their Game of Thrones-inspired travels, here’s a breakdown of the most significant filming locations organized by the fictional regions they represented:

The North

Location	Real-World Site	Country	Notable Scenes
Winterfell	Castle Ward (S1), Moneyglass (S2-8)	Northern Ireland	Stark family home, King Robert’s arrival
Wolfswood	Tollymore Forest Park	Northern Ireland	Finding of direwolf pups, White Walker appearances
Northern landscapes	Mourne Mountains	Northern Ireland	Various North scenes, Robb Stark’s camp
Kingsroad	Dark Hedges	Northern Ireland	Arya’s escape from King’s Landing

Beyond the Wall

Location	Real-World Site	Country	Notable Scenes
Haunted Forest	Tollymore Forest Park, Leitrim Lodge	Northern Ireland	White Walker encounters
First of the First Men	Hverfjall Volcano	Iceland	Night’s Watch camp, White Walker attack
White Walker territory	Vatnajökull glacier, Svínafellsjökull	Iceland	Army of the Dead marching
Cave of Jon and Ygritte	Grjótagjá	Iceland	Jon and Ygritte’s love scene
Wildling camps	Þingvellir National Park	Iceland	Wildling settlements
Frozen lake	Kirkjufell Mountain area	Iceland	Jon’s expedition beyond the Wall in S7

King’s Landing

Location	Real-World Site	Country	Notable Scenes
City streets and walls	Dubrovnik Old Town	Croatia	Street scenes, riots, royal processions
Red Keep	Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik	Croatia	Royal palace scenes
Great Sept steps	Jesuit Staircase, Dubrovnik	Croatia	Cersei’s walk of shame
Blackwater Bay	Various Dubrovnik coastal areas	Croatia	Shipping scenes, battle scenes
Dragon pit	Italica ruins near Seville	Spain	Season 7 summit meeting
Original King’s Landing (S1)	Mdina, Fort Ricasoli	Malta	Early King’s Landing scenes

Visiting Game of Thrones Filming Locations Today

The global success of Game of Thrones has created a thriving tourism industry centered around visiting the show’s filming locations. Fans from around the world make pilgrimages to these sites, seeking to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros and Essos. Many locations have embraced their connection to the series, offering specialized tours and experiences.

Northern Ireland Tourism

Northern Ireland has particularly capitalized on its status as the heart of Game of Thrones production. Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board developed the “Game of Thrones Territory” campaign, which includes:

• The Game of Thrones Trail, a self-guided tour linking major filming locations
• Interactive experiences at Castle Ward (Winterfell), including archery and costume opportunities
• Door of Thrones – 10 intricately carved doors made from fallen beech trees of the Dark Hedges, installed in pubs and restaurants near filming locations
• Exhibition of props, costumes, and sets in Belfast
• Specialized tour companies offering guided visits to multiple locations

Experiences in Croatia and Spain

Dubrovnik offers numerous Game of Thrones walking tours that take visitors through the streets of “King’s Landing” while guides share behind-the-scenes information about filming. Similar tours operate in Split, Šibenik, and Seville. The Spanish tourism industry has also developed Game of Thrones routes connecting filming locations across Andalusia and other regions.

Preservation Challenges

The popularity of these sites presents preservation challenges. Increased foot traffic at sensitive historical locations can cause physical damage, while overcrowding impacts both the visitor experience and residents’ quality of life. In Dubrovnik, authorities have implemented measures to limit cruise ship arrivals and manage tourist numbers in the Old Town. Similar concerns exist at other popular filming sites, leading to ongoing discussions about sustainable film tourism.

Impact on Local Economies and Film Tourism

The “Game of Thrones effect” on local economies has been substantial and well-documented. Northern Ireland Screen estimated that the production brought approximately £251 million into the Northern Ireland economy over its eight seasons. Beyond direct production spending, the tourism boost has created long-term economic benefits for many filming locations.

Croatia’s National Tourist Board reported that visits to Dubrovnik increased by 10% annually in the years following the show’s success, with similar patterns observed in other Croatian filming locations. In Spain, sites like the Alcázar of Seville saw visitor numbers increase by 21% after appearing in the series.

This phenomenon has transformed film tourism from a niche interest to a major market segment. Destination marketing organizations increasingly court film and television productions, recognizing their potential to drive tourism in a way traditional advertising cannot. The authenticity of visiting actual filming locations creates a powerful emotional connection for fans that generic tourist experiences may lack.

Game of Thrones demonstrated that television series, which offer sustained exposure over many years, can have an even greater tourism impact than feature films. This has influenced both the film industry’s location choices and tourism development strategies worldwide.

Visual Effects: Enhancing Real Locations

While this article focuses on physical filming locations, it’s important to acknowledge the crucial role of visual effects in transforming these real-world sites into the fictional world of Game of Thrones. The show’s production team used a sophisticated blend of physical sets, on-location shooting, and digital enhancements to create the final images seen on screen.

Many locations were digitally extended or modified. The Wall, for instance, used physical sets at Magheramorne Quarry but was greatly enhanced with CGI to achieve its 700-foot height. Similarly, the Red Keep seen in wide shots of King’s Landing was a digital addition to Dubrovnik’s skyline, while the Iron Islands’ distinctive bridges connecting sea stacks were digital constructions added to the natural coastal formations of Northern Ireland.

Understanding the interplay between real locations and visual effects adds another dimension to appreciating these filming sites. Visitors should approach these places with both an appreciation for their natural and historical significance and an understanding of how they were transformed for the screen.

Legacy and Future

The filming locations of Game of Thrones have secured a place in both television history and popular culture. These sites now carry dual identities: their actual historical and cultural significance, and their association with the fictional world that captured global imagination. This duality creates new narratives around these places, attracting visitors who might otherwise never have discovered them.

For the tourism and film industries, Game of Thrones established new benchmarks for successful location-based production and subsequent tourism development. The show demonstrated that the authenticity of place contributes significantly to storytelling, while also highlighting the economic and cultural impacts of major productions on host communities.

As Game of Thrones spin-offs enter production, including “House of the Dragon,” new filming locations will join this geographical tapestry. Early reports indicate that Cornwall in England and various locations in Portugal have been used, expanding the physical footprint of Martin’s fictional world.

For fans planning pilgrimages to these sites, the journey offers more than just recognition of familiar scenes. These locations provide insight into the creative process behind the series, the technical challenges of filming, and the careful location scouting that helped establish the show’s distinctive visual identity. Beyond the Game of Thrones connection, many of these sites offer their own rich histories and cultural significance, providing layers of discovery for the thoughtful visitor.

In traversing the real-world map of Game of Thrones filming locations, fans participate in a unique form of cultural tourism that bridges fiction and reality, creating memories and connections that extend the story beyond the screen. The stone walls, ancient forests, and dramatic coastlines that gave life to Westeros and Essos continue to stand, inviting visitors to step—however briefly—into a world of ice and fire.