Winter isn’t coming. It’s already here—and you can walk right into it. From windswept castles to eerie forest paths, these places aren’t just backdrops—they’re characters in their own right. And guess what? They’re real. You can stand where Jon brooded, where Arya trained, where dragons once soared (well… almost). This is your chance to step out of the living room and straight into Westeros. No CGI. No green screens. Just raw, rugged beauty that made HBO’s epic come alive. So pack your cloak, summon your inner Stark (or Lannister—we won’t judge), and prepare for a journey that feels like fantasy but looks a lot like your next flight itinerary.
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Imagine driving through a tunnel of ancient beech trees, their branches intertwining to form a canopy. The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland serve as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, a path full of intrigue.
These trees, planted in the 18th century, offer a glimpse into another world, making it a must-visit for fans and nature lovers alike. Strolling down this avenue feels like stepping into a fairytale.
The history embedded in these woods adds to their mystique, captivating visitors with stories whispered through the leaves.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s fortified walls and baroque buildings were the perfect stand-in for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The city’s allure lies in its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning Adriatic views.
Walking along the walls offers panoramic vistas, with each corner echoing tales of power and intrigue from the show. The vibrant streets are alive with history and charm.
This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a full sensory experience, combining the allure of fiction with the richness of real-world history.
Ballintoy, Northern Ireland
Perched on the rugged Antrim Coast, Ballintoy portrays the Iron Islands in the series. Its dramatic cliffs and crashing waves reflect the fierce and untamed spirit of the Greyjoys.
Exploring the harbor and surrounding coastline reveals the raw beauty that makes this location unforgettable. Each wave carries whispers of maritime legends.
The natural drama of the landscape is perfectly suited to the epic tales of the Ironborn, making it an essential stop for fans seeking to retrace their favorite characters’ steps.
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward’s unique architectural style served as the backdrop for Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Its sprawling gardens and stately manor exude the grace and strength associated with the North.
Visitors can engage in interactive experiences, from archery to medieval banquets, immersing themselves in the Stark family saga.
The blend of Gothic and classical design elements offers a visual feast, inviting you to explore the history and grandeur of Winterfell, where honor and loyalty reign supreme.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, with its dramatic landscapes, served as the backdrop for Arya’s journey through the Riverlands. The park’s rugged terrain and natural beauty mirror the challenges Arya faced.
The visible tectonic plates provide a fascinating geological insight, enhancing the park’s allure. Snow-dusted peaks and clear streams complete the picture.
In this UNESCO site, the beauty of the natural world meets the epic storytelling of Game of Thrones, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
Svínafellsjökull, Iceland
Svínafellsjökull, a breathtaking glacier in Iceland, was the icy setting for scenes Beyond the Wall. Its stark, frozen beauty provides a haunting atmosphere that echoes the show’s tension.
The glacier’s icy crevasses and towering peaks are awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into the harsh, otherworldly realms that the Night’s Watch braved.
Visitors can explore the glacier’s surface, feeling the chill and isolation that defined many pivotal moments in the series.
Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik’s white stone buildings and rich history made it a fitting location for the Free City of Braavos. Its architecture captures the essence of a place filled with mystery and power.
The city is home to the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site that adds to its charm. Wandering its narrow streets feels like stepping into another world.
Šibenik’s picturesque setting and historical significance make it an ideal destination for fans looking to explore the world of Braavos.
Alcázar of Seville, Spain
The Alcázar of Seville, with its Moorish design, was transformed into the Water Gardens of Dorne. Its ornate arches and lush gardens create an atmosphere of elegance and exotic allure.
Exploring the Alcázar’s courtyards reveals a tapestry of cultural influences, from Islamic to Gothic. The interplay of light and shadow enhances its enchanting quality.
This royal palace’s beauty and history make it a captivating destination, offering a glimpse into the world of Dorne’s ruling family.
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
Gaztelugatxe, a striking islet on Spain’s northern coast, stood in for Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen. Its winding stone staircase and dramatic setting evoke a sense of power and mystery.
The small chapel perched atop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea, making the climb worthwhile. The isolation of the place adds to its mystique.
This location’s natural beauty and cinematic appeal draw visitors seeking the spirit of dragons and destiny.
Girona, Spain
Girona’s medieval architecture served as the backdrop for parts of King’s Landing and Oldtown. Its stone buildings and Roman walls provide an authentic medieval atmosphere.
Walking through Girona feels like travelling back in time, with each alleyway whispering secrets of the past. The city’s bridges and cathedrals add to its grandeur.
This charming city’s historic allure makes it an essential visit for fans wanting to explore more of Westeros’s rich tapestry.
Mdina, Malta
Mdina, known as the Silent City, was an early stand-in for King’s Landing. Its medieval fortifications and narrow streets create an atmosphere of intrigue and history.
Walking through Mdina feels like stepping into a realm of legends, with each corner harboring stories of knights and nobility. The city’s tranquil beauty is captivating.
Mdina’s enduring charm and historical richness make it a remarkable destination for any Game of Thrones enthusiast.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Vatnajökull National Park’s expansive glaciers served as the icy backdrop for Beyond the Wall. Its towering ice formations and sweeping views evoke a sense of wonder and desolation.
The park’s glacial landscapes offer a window into the frozen world that challenged Jon Snow and his companions. Each icy breath tells a tale of survival.
Exploring this park provides an unforgettable encounter with the elemental forces that shaped many of the show’s iconic scenes.
Dubrovnik Fort Lovrijenac, Croatia
Fort Lovrijenac, perched high above the sea, represents the Red Keep, the seat of power in King’s Landing. Its imposing presence and strategic location make it a symbol of strength.
The fortress’s thick walls and commanding views offer a sense of medieval majesty, enhancing its role as a key filming location.
Visitors can explore the fort’s ramparts, where echoes of battles and courtly intrigue linger in the air.
Grjótagjá, Iceland
Grjótagjá, a stunning lava cave in Iceland, was the site of Jon Snow and Ygritte’s memorable scene. Its warm, blue waters and rocky surroundings create an intimate and magical atmosphere.
The cave’s natural warmth contrasts with the harsh Icelandic environment, offering a cozy retreat from the world outside.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the cave’s unique ambiance, reliving one of the show’s most tender moments.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO heritage site in Morocco, portrayed the city of Yunkai. Its clay buildings and desert surroundings capture the essence of an ancient and exotic world.
The city’s historic architecture provides a sense of timelessness, resonating with tales of conquest and liberation.
Exploring Aït Benhaddou offers a journey into a world where history and fantasy blend seamlessly into a vivid tapestry.
Klis Fortress, Croatia
Klis Fortress, with its commanding views over Split, Croatia, served as the setting for Meereen. Its stone fortifications and strategic location bring the world of Daenerys Targaryen to life.
The fortress’s rugged beauty and panoramic vistas highlight its historical significance and cinematic appeal.
Visitors can walk the same paths as the show’s characters, feeling the echoes of power struggles and dragon flights.
Bardenas Reales, Spain
Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert in Spain, transformed into the Dothraki Sea. Its unique rock formations and arid landscape capture the wild, untamed spirit of the nomadic Dothraki.
The vastness of the desert offers a sense of freedom and adventure, echoing the journeys of the show’s fierce horsemen.
Exploring this natural wonder gives fans a taste of the open expanse that defined the Dothraki’s world.