Where Is Westeros? Travel to Real Game of Thrones Locations Around the World
Explore the Real-Life Westeros: Your Guide to Game of Thrones Filming Locations
If the sound of swords clashing, dragons soaring, and the whisper of the North calls to your wanderlust—you might just be ready to travel through the Seven Kingdoms. From the icy reaches beyond the Wall to the sunlit courts of King’s Landing, Game of Thrones brought us epic battles, legendary landscapes, and unforgettable locations. The best part? Many of them are real.
As a fantasy travel specialist, I help fans step into the worlds they love. This guide will take you through the most stunning Game of Thrones filming locations across Europe and beyond—and how you can visit them. This isn't a complete list, just a helpful guide for those diehard GoT's fans looking for a different type of travel experience.
Why Game of Thrones Travel Is So Popular
Unlike many shows that rely on CGI or studio sets, Game of Thrones was filmed in dramatic real-world locations. From medieval castles to volcanic cliffs, the scenery was as much a character as Jon Snow or Daenerys. Fans can now explore these places on guided tours, self-drives, or custom itineraries (which I can help plan for you). The series did an amazing job of moving around the world to capture unique scenery and filming locations, that helped captivate the mind and inspire people to see a different world. In a lot of instances many of us can't agree on the books versus the show or movie, but I think many can agree that this show pulled off a great way of making us believe we were in Westeros.
Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations to Visit
Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros
- Dark Hedges (Kingsroad): This eerie avenue of beech trees became one of the most photographed spots in the UK. A must-see for fans. Drive down it if you're confident in driving on that side of the road, or walk along it with one of the guided tours.
- Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands): Rugged and stormy, it’s where Theon Greyjoy returned home.
- Castle Ward (Winterfell): The actual filming location for the Stark stronghold. You can take archery lessons and explore the grounds in costume.
- Cushendun Caves (Melisandre's shadow birth): Unforgettable for fans of magic and mystery as this cave combines so many elements from not just the show, but Northern Ireland in general.
Iceland: Beyond the Wall
- Thingvellir National Park (Land of the White Walkers): Stark, otherworldly, and beautiful. Whether you're there for the show or not, this is on most people's list when coming to Iceland. So it's a bonus for those of us who want both!
- Lake Mývatn & Grjótagjá Cave (Jon & Ygritte's hideaway): Geothermal areas with serious fantasy vibes. With so many geothermal areas in Iceland, this is the one to visit for the true fan.
- Höfðabrekka (Wildling camp): Near the scenic town of Vik. Vik is known for its famous black beaches and warm and welcoming spirit.
Croatia: King’s Landing in the Flesh
- Dubrovnik (King's Landing): Wander the walls of this medieval city and recognize iconic scenes like the Walk of Shame or the Battle of Blackwater Bay.
- Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep): The stronghold above the sea that housed the Lannisters.
- Lokrum Island (Qarth): A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, filled with lush gardens and history.
Spain: Sunspear, Meereen, and Dragon Drama
- Seville (Dorne): The Alcázar of Seville played the luxurious Water Gardens of Dorne. Seville is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. There is so much to see and do including Flamenco dancing, Tapa's, and the Bullfighting Museum.
- Castell de Santa Florentina (Horn Hill): Sam Tarly’s family estate.
- Bardenas Reales (Dothraki Sea): A desert that looks nothing like you’d expect from Spain!
Tips for Planning Your Game of Thrones Adventure
Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer great weather and fewer crowds. Summer time tends to be over crowded in many of these locations. Weather is also milder in the spring and fall, with less deviation.
DIY vs Guided Tours: Guided tours often include reenactments, trivia, and access to exclusive spots. But a self-drive trip lets you explore at your own pace. I can help you choose. As a full time travel advisor, I can help you build out a custom trip and decide which is the best option for you.
What to Pack: Comfortable shoes, themed gear (optional but fun), and your GoT playlist for those scenic drives. In many of these locations, you'll also want to bring layers, to include rain gear.
Bonus Fantasy Add-Ons
- Visiting Scotland or Ireland? Add a few real castles to your trip (blog coming next week!).
- Want to tie in Viking history? Many GoT fans also love visiting Norway or Denmark for authentic Norse mythology and culture. I have a number of partners throughout Europe who offer unique Viking experiences.
Let’s Plan Your Journey Through Westeros
Whether you're House Stark, Targaryen, or just here for the dragons, I can help you build a custom Game of Thrones adventure that feels like it came straight from HBO. From private tours to epic road trips, I’ll make sure your fantasy comes to life.
Click here to start planning your Game of Thrones getaway or follow me on Facebook for next week's blog on real-world castles that inspired fantasy legends!
