The Real Places Behind Game of Thrones: A Traveler’s Guide
The Real Places Behind Game of Thrones: A Traveler’s Guide
Blog Article
The Real Places Behind Game of Thrones:
A Traveler’s Guide
Game of Thrones, HBO’s epic fantasy series, swept viewers into the brutal,
breathtaking world of Westeros, where dragons soared and battles raged. Its
final chapter, Game
of Thrones season 8, aired in 2019, wrapping up the saga with fire and
ice. Beyond the screen, the show’s magic owes much to its real-world
locations—stunning spots across Europe that brought Winterfell, King’s Landing,
and beyond to life. From Croatia’s ancient walls to Iceland’s icy plains, these
places are as captivating as the story itself. If you’re a fan dreaming of
exploring Westeros IRL, netfilming’s got your back with this traveler’s guide
to the real places behind Game of Thrones. Pack your bags and channel
your inner Stark or Targaryen for an adventure through history and fantasy.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: King’s Landing
Dubrovnik’s sun-kissed fortress walls
scream King’s Landing, the scheming capital of Westeros. This UNESCO World
Heritage Site starred heavily in Season 8, hosting Cersei’s final stand and the
Red Keep’s collapse. Lovrijenac Fortress, perched on a cliff, doubled as
the Red Keep, its stone bulk perfect for tense showdowns. Walk the City
Walls for panoramic Adriatic views and spot spots like the Jesuit Stairs,
where Cersei endured her infamous walk of shame. Pile Gate and Bokar
Fortress also popped up, framing battles and betrayals.
Beyond the show, Dubrovnik’s charm lies in
its marble streets and seafood tavernas. Kayak to Lokrum Island for a quiet
escape or sip coffee at a Stradun café. Summer’s busy, so book early. Locals
embrace Game of Thrones fans—many restaurants even offer themed menus.
It’s a must for any Westeros wanderer.
Girona, Spain: Braavos and Oldtown
Girona, a medieval gem in Catalonia, played
multiple roles in Game of Thrones. Its labyrinthine streets and towering
cathedral morphed into Braavos, where Arya honed her Faceless Men skills, and
Oldtown, home of the Citadel. The Girona Cathedral, with its 91-step
staircase, is a standout, featured in Season
6 but echoing into Season 8’s lore. The Arab Baths and Sant Pere
de Galligants monastery added gritty texture to Braavos’ canals and alleys.
Girona’s compact size makes it walkable.
Grab tapas at a plaza bar or explore the Jewish Quarter’s narrow lanes
for Arya vibes. Spring or fall keeps crowds light, and the city’s flower
festival in May adds color. Girona’s less touristy than Dubrovnik, offering a
cozy, authentic vibe for fans chasing Westeros’ quieter corners.
Northern Ireland: Winterfell and the
North
Northern Ireland was Game of Thrones’
backbone, hosting Winterfell and much of the North. Castle Ward in
County Down, with its 18th-century tower house, became the Stark family’s home,
its courtyard iconic for Season 8’s gatherings. Tollymore Forest Park,
also in County Down, stood in for the Wolfswood, where direwolves roamed. Shane’s
Castle in County Antrim added ruins for Winterfell’s crypts, while Cairncastle’s
hills framed Ned Stark’s early scenes.
Fans can join guided tours from Belfast,
hitting Castle Ward and Tollymore in a day. Try archery at Winterfell’s replica
set or hike Tollymore’s trails for Stark-worthy views. Belfast’s pubs serve
hearty stews, perfect post-tour. Northern Ireland’s green hills and misty air
make it feel like the North, no dragons required.
Iceland: Beyond the Wall
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes defined
the lands beyond the Wall, especially in Season 8’s Night King saga. Vatnajökull
National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, was the Fist of the First
Men and wildling territory, its ice caves glowing with eerie beauty. Skaftafell’s
rugged trails hosted Jon Snow’s treks, while Grjótagjá Cave, with its
steaming springs, was his Season
7 hideout with Ygritte. Þingvellir National Park added stark cliffs
for White Walker scenes.
Iceland’s winter is prime for Northern
Lights, but summer’s better for hiking. Rent a 4x4 to reach Skaftafell or book
a glacier tour for Vatnajökull. Stay in Reykjavik for cozy bars serving
Brennivín schnapps. Iceland’s raw, untouched feel channels the Wall’s
wildness—just bundle up.
Seville, Spain: Dorne and Dragonstone
Seville’s sun-drenched palaces brought
Dorne’s warmth and Dragonstone’s mystique to Game of Thrones. The Alcázar
of Seville, a Moorish masterpiece, played the Water Gardens of Dorne, its
tiled courtyards lush with fountains. In Season 8, it echoed in Daenerys’ arc
as a symbol of conquest. The Casa de Pilatos added ornate interiors for
Dornish scenes, while Itálica, a nearby Roman ruin, became the
Dragonpit, hosting Season 8’s tense summit.
The Alcázar’s gardens are a
highlight—stroll them for peace or snap pics of Mudejar arches. Seville’s tapas
scene, from jamón to gazpacho, is unbeatable; try Triana’s bars. Visit in
spring to dodge summer heat. Seville’s blend of cultures feels like Dorne’s
spice, perfect for fans craving warmth.
Why These Places Shine
The Game of Thrones locations aren’t
just sets—they’re characters. Dubrovnik’s walls ooze power, Girona’s streets
whisper secrets, and Iceland’s ice screams danger. Northern Ireland’s forests
feel like home, while Seville’s palaces hum with intrigue. Filming from 2011 to
2019, the crew picked spots that matched George R.R. Martin’s vision, blending
history with fantasy. Fans visiting these places get a double hit: the thrill
of Westeros and the pull of real-world beauty. Locals, especially in Croatia
and Ireland, lean into the fandom, offering tours and trivia.
Planning Your Westeros Quest
Ready to explore? Here’s how to hit these
spots:
- Dubrovnik: Fly into Dubrovnik
Airport. Stay old town for walkable sites. June’s warm but less crowded
than July. Book wall tickets early. - Girona: Train from Barcelona (90
minutes). Crash near the cathedral. May’s flower fest is a bonus; avoid
August heat. - Northern Ireland: Fly to Belfast.
Rent a car for Castle Ward (45 minutes). Spring’s green; winter’s moody
but cold. - Iceland: Land in Reykjavik. Book
glacier tours for Vatnajökull. Summer’s midnight sun helps; winter’s for
auroras. - Seville: Fly or train to Seville.
Stay near Alcázar. April’s Feria is lively; book hotels ahead.
Tips: Join Game
of Thrones tours for insider scoop—Dubrovnik and Belfast excel here.
Respect sites; some, like Iceland’s caves, are fragile. Budget for Croatia’s
pricier spots. For full itineraries, NetFilming.com has detailed maps.
Westeros Awaits
Chasing Game of Thrones locations is
like stepping into the show’s heart. Dubrovnik’s cliffs, Iceland’s glaciers,
and Seville’s gardens bring battles and betrayals to life, while Girona and
Northern Ireland ground the saga in grit and green. Each spot offers more than
selfies—it’s a chance to feel Westeros’ pulse while exploring real-world
wonders. Whether you’re dodging crowds in King’s Landing or hiking the Wall’s
wilds, this journey’s epic. Where will your Game of Thrones adventure
begin?