Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit – 2025 Travel Guide

From the windswept cliffs of Dragonstone to the winding streets of King’s Landing, Game of Thrones captivated audiences not just with its storytelling, but with its breathtaking scenery. What’s more exciting? Most of these locations actually exist — and many are open to visitors. Here's your complete guide to Game of Thrones filming locations around the world.

Part 1: Where Was Game of Thrones Mostly Filmed?

While Game of Thrones was a global production, Northern Ireland served as its primary filming hub. Other major filming countries include:

• Croatia – Known for the real-life King’s Landing.
• Spain – Dragonstone, Dorne, and more.
• Iceland – The North and lands beyond the Wall.
• Malta – Early seasons, including Daenerys’ wedding.
• Morocco – Slaver’s Bay cities like Yunkai and Astapor.

Most filming took place between 2010–2018 across dozens of natural and historic sites, many of which are now popular tourist destinations.

Part 2: Iconic Game of Thrones Filming Locations by Scene

Winterfell – Castle Ward, Northern Ireland

Located in County Down, Castle Ward became the backdrop for Winterfell. The estate still retains set elements like the archery range and medieval courtyard.

• Location: Castle Ward, Strangford, Northern Ireland
• Tours Available?: Yes, including Stark family experiences.

King's Landing – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Starting from Season 2, the walled city of Dubrovnik replaced Malta as the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Its medieval architecture and Adriatic backdrop made it an ideal stand-in.

• Location: Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia
• Notable Scenes: Cersei's walk of shame, Blackwater Bay, Red Keep courtyard.

The Wall & Castle Black – Thingvellir, Iceland

Iceland’s glaciers and dramatic landscapes stood in for the North and Beyond the Wall. Scenes at Castle Black and the Wall used studio backdrops combined with Icelandic terrain.

• Location: Thingvellir National Park, Lake Mývatn, Iceland
• Best Time to Visit: Winter months for that true “North of the Wall” feel.

Dragonstone – Itzurun Beach, Zumaia & San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain

These coastal Spanish locations were combined via CGI to create the dramatic Dragonstone cliffs and castle.

• Location: Zumaia (Itzurun Beach), Basque Country + San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
• Must-See: The winding stairs at Gaztelugatxe are real — and breathtaking.

The Kingsroad – The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Arya Stark famously fled King’s Landing down this tree-lined road. Known as The Dark Hedges, it’s now a photo hotspot.

• Location: Bregagh Road, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid tourists and capture misty atmospheres.

Iron Islands – Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland

This rugged Northern Ireland harbor became the homeland of House Greyjoy.

• Location: Ballintoy, Causeway Coast
• Notable Scene: Theon Greyjoy returns home after pledging loyalty to Robb Stark.

Tower of Joy – Castle of Zafra, Spain

In Season 6, this castle served as the setting for Bran’s vision of Jon Snow’s birth.

• Location: Guadalajara, Spain
• Access: Remote, but reachable by car and hiking trail.

The Eyrie – Meteora, Greece

While most of the Eyrie was CGI, the towering rocks of Meteora inspired its vertiginous visuals.

• Location: Thessaly, Central Greece
• Notable: Home to centuries-old cliff-top monasteries.

Meereen / Slaver’s Bay – Split & Klis Fortress, Croatia

Daenerys' storyline in Slaver’s Bay featured the ancient Roman city of Split and nearby Klis Fortress.

• Locations: Diocletian’s Palace (Split) and Klis Fortress
• Tours: Available in both locations, often bundled with King’s Landing tours.

Dothraki Wedding – Azure Window, Gozo (Malta)

Though collapsed in 2017, the Azure Window was where Daenerys and Khal Drogo wed in Season 1.

• Location: Gozo Island, Malta
• Trivia: The site is still popular despite the arch no longer standing.

Part 3: House of the Dragon – Filming Locations from the Prequel

The HBO prequel House of the Dragon used both returning and new locations:

• Spain: Cáceres, Trujillo, and Girona used for King’s Landing and royal estates.
• UK: Cornwall (St. Michael’s Mount), Derbyshire caves, and Bourne Woods.
• Portugal: Monsanto village for House Velaryon settings.

Part 4: Can You Visit These Game of Thrones Locations?

Yes, and many are tourist-ready! Here’s what you need to know:

• Northern Ireland: Offers the most official tours (Winterfell, Iron Islands, studio sets).
• Croatia: Self-guided and guided King’s Landing tours in Dubrovnik and Split.
• Spain: Dragonstone and Dorne filming sites often included in cultural heritage itineraries.
• Iceland: Best visited in winter, but some locations are remote and need local guidance.

Part 5: Most Instagrammable Game of Thrones Spots

Want epic shots? Don't miss:

Tip: Use wide-angle lenses and go at sunrise for the best photos without crowds.

Part 6: FAQs About Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Where was Game of Thrones mostly filmed?

Primarily in Northern Ireland, with key locations in Croatia, Spain, and Iceland.

Where is Winterfell Castle filmed?

Castle Ward in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Where is King’s Landing in real life?

Dubrovnik, Croatia, was used from Season 2 onwards.

Where is House Targaryen located in real life?

Dragonstone scenes were filmed in Spain (Zumaia and Gaztelugatxe).

Was any of Game of Thrones filmed in the UK?

Yes — Northern Ireland, as part of the UK, hosted the majority of production.

Where is Casterly Rock filmed?

Primarily created with CGI and partial set pieces; no single real-world location.

Part 7: Final Thoughts – Why These Locations Captured the World’s Imagination

Game of Thrones’ production team blended fantasy and reality seamlessly. They selected real-world locations that offered:

• Epic natural backdrops: from Icelandic volcanoes to Spanish beaches.
• Rich medieval history: castles, ruins, and preserved walled cities.
• Unforgettable scenery: which helped sell the illusion of Westeros.

Visiting these locations is more than sightseeing — it’s stepping into a world of dragons, politics, and legend.