If you are anything like me, hitting up all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe is a personal dream of fandom proportions. Like most, the Game of Thrones hiatus probably has you climbing the walls, you’re in for some good news.
The cool thing is, even though the show has ended, the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe are very much thriving. So, if you want to be a little “extra” about coping with your Game of Thrones withdrawals, you’re going to want to visit these filming locations. And you’ll be in for quite an invigorating trip, these locations are some of the best places to visit in Europe!
Here’s How to Visit All of the Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Europe
Getting Around
We’re going to review all the hotspots you’ll want to visit in a minute, but first, let’s talk logistics. Once you get to Europe, the most efficient way to get around and see all the sights is by car.
Consider renting a car so you won’t have to worry about maintenance or roadside assistance. Your GPS should get you from location to location without too many hiccups.
But if you’re really tight on time, you may want to forget the car and take flights or train rides to each of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe. This won’t be the cheapest option, and it will require some planning, but it will help you get the most out of a short trip.
Trust me, you’ll want to see it all.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Europe, the Bucket List
You’re ready to explore, and we’re ready to reveal your destinations, but we do have one word of caution before we begin. If you’ve waited until now to watch Game of Thrones, you may encounter some spoilers.
If that’s the case, simply stop at this list before reading the rest of the post.
- Doune Castle, Scotland
- Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
- Ballintoy Harbour, Ireland
- Vatnajökull, Iceland
- Almería, Spain
- Girona, Spain
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
Okay, now that there are only us diehard GoT fans left, we can proceed. Read on and enjoy the journey.
Doune Castle, Scotland (the original Winterfell)
If you thought Winterfell had changed since the first season, you would be right. But Doune Castle was the very first House of Bolton, and it’s a real fortress located in central Scotland near the Sterling District where the original Winterfell scenes were filmed.
But that’s not all this castle is famous for. If you’re planning a visit, you should also know that Doune Castle was the primary filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. If you’re up for some fun, you may want to visit on the annual Monty Python Day.
While you’re here, nothing is off-limits. You can explore every nook and cranny of the House of Bolton.
Location: Castle Hill, Doune, Stirling FK16 6EA Scotland
Castle Ward (The Winterfell after the pilot episode)
In my opinion, one of the most exciting of all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe is Castle Ward. (Home to Winterfell and where we are introduced to key characters in S1E1 Winter is Coming).
Castle Ward is a 16th-century tower that sits on 820 walled acres of gardens and woodland. It’s also the exterior of where Bran falls from a window, arguably one of the most memorable scenes in the series.
Here you’ll get to meet with the great folks at Winterfell Tours who will get you into costume and teach you a thing or two about archery with their official Game of Thrones Experience.
Location: Along the GoT Trail in Northern Ireland
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland (the King’s Road)
In an iconic on-screen moment, Arya Stark, disguised as a boy, flees from King’s Landing along an ominous tree-lined pathway (also known as King’s Road). King’s Road’s real name is Dark Hedges (even more ominous), and you can find it in Northern Ireland.
And if you have someone tagging along who isn’t a GoT fan, no worries. They’ll still enjoy this trip. The Dark Hedges were voted one of the top 10 most beautiful places in the world by Architectural Digest Magazine.
Fun fact: In 2014 a massive storm destroyed a few of the trees known as the Dark Hedges. HBO commissioned a woodworker to take the wood and craft ten doors depicting scenes from the show.
The ten Game of Thrones doors can be found in pubs along with the Game of Thrones trail in Northern Ireland where the cast and crew would wind down after a day’s work.
Location: Bregagh Road Stranocum, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8PX
Ballintoy Harbour, Ireland (the Iron Islands)
Remember when Theon returned to the Iron Islands and was met by his sister Yara? Okay, so this may not look like the most fun place to visit, but it was intentionally portrayed that way for the show.
Yes, the Harbour has its dark days, but it can also be sunny and beautiful. The weather can be unpredictable, so try to plan for the weather you want. Some people may want the dark and dreary because it’s almost like Game of Thrones, but others prefer sunshine no matter what.
Location: Alongside the B15 coast road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle
For a more comprehensive list of filming locations in Northern Ireland, check my first tour and second tour of these places. There are so many places to explore in Northern Ireland along the GoT Trail that you really want to go into a rabbit hole in this one.
For example, you have the Cushendun Caves where Melisandre had her shadow baby. Antrim Hills at Cairncastle is where Ned Stark beheaded the Night’s Watch deserter while Larrybane is where Brienne beat Sir Loras in a tourney and is given a place in Renley’s Kingsguard.
It’s also where Renley swore to Lady Stark he would avenge Ned Stark’s death and where Renley met his fate by Melisandre’s shadow baby. Downhill Beach is where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned, the Canal at Carnlough Harbour is where Arya Stark was repeatedly stabbed by the Waif.
Portstewart Strand, Northern is filmed as the Coast of Dorne and Tollymore Forest is where you will recognize just about any forest scene and the scenes with the Dire Wolves and White Walkers in the earlier seasons. Of course, you can’t forget Audley’s Castle where the Red Wedding was filmed and one of the “Twins”.
Vatnajökull, Iceland (Beyond the Wall)
If you’re a true fan, you’re going to want to bundle up and head to Vatnajökull. Not only is it the largest ice cap in Iceland, but it’s also the location where they filmed scenes that took place “beyond the wall.”
You might be surprised to learn that there are many volcanoes and volcanic lakes that lie beneath the ice cap. There are a few other places in Iceland to explore film locations as well.
Location: Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
Almería, Spain (Vaes Dothrak and Dorne)
If you only have a short time to visit Spain, this is the location you’ll want to hit. Why? Well, it’s a two-for-one kind of deal. In Almeria, Spain, you can visit the home of the Dothraki Warriors.
But as the desert makes way to the Alcazaba fortress, which is known to GoT diehards as the capital of Dorne, as rules by the House Martel. But if you have some extra time, you’ll want to check out the Alcazar of Seville as well (in Seville).
You should also know the Portstewart Strand, Northern is filmed as the Coast of Dorne
Location: Andalusia, Spain
Girona, Spain (Braavos)
Arya Stark spent a great deal of time learning the ways of the Many-Faced God in the city of Braavos. But you too can visit the House of Black and White in Girona, Spain.
Maybe you won’t learn how to fight like a badass and shapeshift, but this stunning location is still worth the trip. Please note there is also a very recognizable place in Northern Ireland which is considered Braavos as well.
Location: Catalonia, Spain
Dubrovnik, Croatia (King’s Landing)
This jaw-droppingly beautiful location is home to none other than King’s Landing in Dubrovnik. Visit the city and you’ll feel like you were transported into an episode of Game of Thrones. And then you’ll take a GoT tour (naturally) and get pictures at all the memorable locations.
While you’re on this epic vacation, don’t forget to take pics and drop your Instagram handle, so we can be there in spirit!
Location: Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia
Mdina, Malta
Lately, Malta has become one of the most popular places to explore the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe, and understandably so.
The walled city of Mdina doubled as King’s Landing, the island’s forts served as the Red Keep, and the stunning natural arch known as the Azure Window in Gozo was the setting for Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding.
Location: Malta, Mediterranean
For more information about the Malta locations, check out my post here.
Hitting up all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe is probably a pipe dream for most, but it’s still really fun to see the places in their natural form. I hope you have some time to click the links to my other posts where I share first hand my experiences to these locations.
If I had to make one trip, I would make it to Northern Ireland. It’s where they film the most and where there is a full-on trail for you to explore. Good luck! And hang tight, winter is coming!
