Winter is coming to your travel bucket list! The Game of Thrones filming locations guide 2025 reveals the real-world destinations where HBO’s epic fantasy series brought Westeros to life. From the dramatic cliffs of Northern Ireland to the sun-soaked palaces of Spain, you can now walk in the footsteps of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and your favorite characters.
This comprehensive guide covers all major game of thrones filming locations across multiple countries, providing you with detailed maps, tour options, and practical travel advice for planning your own Seven Kingdoms adventure.
- Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros
- Croatia: King’s Landing and Essos
- Spain: The Kingdom of Dorne
- Iceland: Beyond the Wall
- Malta: Early Seasons Locations
- Morocco: Essos and Slaver’s Bay
- Planning Your Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Luggage Storage Solutions for Your Game of Thrones Adventure
Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros
Northern Ireland served as the primary filming headquarters for Game of Thrones, with most interior sets located at the Paint Hall studios in Belfast. The country’s dramatic landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for many iconic scenes throughout the series.
Key Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland
Castle Ward (Winterfell) The ancestral home of House Stark was filmed at Castle Ward in County Down. This 18th-century mansion and its surrounding grounds served as the exterior shots of Winterfell, where the Stark family ruled the North.
The Dark Hedges (The Kingsroad) The Dark Hedges represented the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark disguised herself as a boy while fleeing King’s Landing. This tunnel of intertwined beech trees has become one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland.
Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands) Ballintoy Harbour stood in for the Iron Islands, home to the Greyjoy family. The rugged coastline perfectly captured the harsh, maritime culture of the Iron Islands.
Cushendun Caves (Melisandre’s Birthplace) The Cushendun Caves in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, are famous filming locations for HBO’s Game of Thrones, located 82 km north of Belfast. These limestone caves provided the dramatic setting where Melisandre gave birth to her shadow assassin.
Game of Thrones Northern Ireland Tour Options
| Tour Type | Duration | Price Range | Highlights |
| Official Studio Tour | 3-4 hours | £39-£49 | Paint Hall Studios, authentic sets, costumes |
| Belfast Day Tour | 8 hours | £45-£65 | Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves |
| Giant’s Causeway & GoT Tour | 10 hours | £55-£75 | UNESCO site + Castle Ward |
| Private Car Tour | Full day | £200-£350 | Customizable itinerary, small group |
Prices are approximate and vary by season and operator
For official tour bookings, visit Visit Belfast or contact Tourism Northern Ireland.
Croatia: King’s Landing and Essos
Probably the most well known Game of Thrones filming location is Dubrovnik in Croatia, which made up the iconic setting for King’s Landing. The medieval city’s stunning architecture and coastal setting provided the perfect backdrop for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Essential Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia
Dubrovnik (King’s Landing) The UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing. The ancient city walls, red-roofed buildings, and Mediterranean atmosphere perfectly embodied the show’s southern capital.
Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep) This fortress overlooking the Adriatic Sea served as the exterior of the Red Keep, where the Iron Throne resided and much of the political intrigue unfolded.
Trsteno Arboretum (Red Keep Gardens) The beautiful botanical gardens provided the lush setting for many garden scenes, including Olenna Tyrell’s conversations with other characters.
Lokrum Island (Qarth) Lokrum Island is the place where most of Daenerys Targaryen’s visit to Qarth was filmed (including the super-creepy House of the Undying).
Game of Thrones Croatia Filming Locations Tours
For Croatia-specific tours, contact Croatian National Tourist Board or book through local operators in Dubrovnik. Walking tours through the Old Town are available daily, with specialized Game of Thrones tours offered by multiple companies.
Spain: The Kingdom of Dorne
Spain played a significant role, featuring Seville’s Alcázar as the opulent Water Gardens of Dorne. The country’s diverse landscapes and stunning architecture brought the exotic southern kingdom to life.
Major Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Spain
Real Alcázar of Seville (Water Gardens of Dorne) Game of Thrones fans will recognize Seville, Spain as the setting for the tropical kingdom of Dorne. As you walk through the palaces and gardens of Alcazar, you will recognize the courtyards where the Ellaria and the Sand Snakes plotted their revenge.
Plaza de España, Seville (Long Bridge of Volantis) This magnificent semi-circular plaza served as the Long Bridge of Volantis, where Tyrion and Jorah Mormont were captured by slavers.
Osuna (Fighting Pits of Meereen) The bullring in Osuna provided the setting for Daenerys’s visit to the fighting pits, where she reunited with Jorah and met the Sons of the Harpy.
For Spanish locations, visit Spain.info for official tourism information and tour bookings.
Iceland: Beyond the Wall
Iceland was used for scenes in the North, with areas like Thingvellir National Park symbolizing the wall beyond the North. The country’s otherworldly landscapes perfectly captured the harsh, frozen wilderness beyond the Wall.
Key Game of Thrones Iceland Filming Locations
Thingvellir National Park (Beyond the Wall) This UNESCO World Heritage site provided the dramatic backdrop for scenes beyond the Wall, where the Night’s Watch ventured into wildling territory.
Grjótagjá Cave (Jon Snow & Ygritte’s Cave) From Jon and Ygritte’s love nest in Grjótagjá, Iceland – this thermal cave served as the romantic hideaway where their forbidden love story unfolded.
Vatnajökull Glacier (The Wall) The massive glacier provided establishing shots of the Wall, the massive ice barrier protecting the Seven Kingdoms from the threats beyond.
Visit Visit Iceland for official tour information and travel planning resources.
Malta: Early Seasons Locations
Malta served as a filming location primarily in Season 1, providing Mediterranean settings for various scenes in Essos and King’s Landing before production moved to other locations.
Game of Thrones Malta Filming Locations
Fort Ricasoli (Red Keep Exteriors) Used in Season 1 for exterior shots of the Red Keep and the tournament grounds.
Mdina (King’s Landing Streets) The ancient capital of Malta provided narrow medieval streets for King’s Landing scenes in the first season.
Contact Visit Malta for tourism information and local tour operators.
Morocco: Essos and Slaver’s Bay
Aït Benhaddou (Yunkai) This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the exterior of Yunkai, one of the slave cities conquered by Daenerys Targaryen.
Essaouira (Astapor) The coastal city provided the setting for Astapor, where Daenerys acquired her Unsullied army.
For Morocco travel information, visit Visit Morocco.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations Map
To help plan your journey, here are the countries and regions where Game of Thrones was filmed:
- Northern Ireland: Winterfell, Iron Islands, Beyond the Wall
- Croatia: King’s Landing, Qarth, Braavos
- Spain: Dorne, Volantis, Meereen
- Iceland: Beyond the Wall, The Wall
- Malta: Early King’s Landing scenes
- Morocco: Slaver’s Bay cities
Planning Your Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour
Best Time to Visit
Northern Ireland: May-September for best weather Croatia: April-October for warm weather and fewer crowds Spain: March-May and September-November for comfortable temperatures Iceland: June-August for accessible roads and milder weather
Travel Tips for Game of Thrones Locations
- Book tours in advance during peak season (July-August)
- Consider off-season visits for fewer crowds and better prices
- Download location apps for self-guided tours
- Pack weather-appropriate clothing for Northern Ireland and Iceland
- Allow extra time for photo opportunities at iconic spots
Baggage Storage During Tours
Many Game of Thrones filming locations tours require significant walking and may not accommodate large luggage. Most tour operators have specific baggage policies:
- Coach tours: Small backpacks only
- Walking tours: No large bags permitted
- Boat tours: Limited storage space
- Private tours: Check with operator regarding luggage
Visitors should plan to store larger bags at hotels or use luggage storage services before joining tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many countries was Game of Thrones filmed in? A: Game of Thrones was filmed in 6 main countries: Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, Iceland, Malta, and Morocco.
Q: Can you visit all Game of Thrones filming locations? A: Yes, most filming locations are accessible to the public, though some require guided tours or have restricted access hours.
Q: What is the best Game of Thrones filming locations tour? A: The Belfast-based Northern Ireland tours are most comprehensive, covering multiple seasons’ locations. For King’s Landing specifically, Dubrovnik walking tours are ideal.
Q: How long does it take to visit all major Game of Thrones locations? A: A comprehensive tour visiting all major locations across multiple countries would require 2-3 weeks minimum.
Q: Are Game of Thrones sets still standing? A: Some exterior locations remain unchanged, while purpose-built sets have been dismantled. The official studio tour in Northern Ireland preserves many authentic sets.
Q: Do you need to book Game of Thrones tours in advance? A: Yes, especially during summer months. Popular tours can sell out weeks in advance.
Luggage Storage Solutions for Your Game of Thrones Adventure
When exploring the Seven Kingdoms, carrying heavy luggage can significantly hinder your experience. Many filming locations require extensive walking, climbing, or boat transfers that aren’t suitable for large bags.
Radical Storage offers the perfect solution for Game of Thrones fans visiting filming locations worldwide. As an international luggage storage service, Radical Storage provides secure, convenient storage options in all major Game of Thrones filming destination cities.
Why Choose Radical Storage for Your Game of Thrones Tour?
Global Network: With locations in Belfast, Dubrovnik, Seville, Reykjavik, and other filming destination cities, you can store your bags wherever your Seven Kingdoms journey takes you.
Affordable Rates: Fixed daily rates starting from €5 per bag, regardless of size or weight, making it budget-friendly for extended tours.
Convenient Locations: Partners include hotels, shops, and restaurants near major attractions and filming locations, so you can drop off and collect your bags easily.
Secure Storage: All items are covered by a security guarantee, providing peace of mind while you explore Westeros.
Easy Booking: Reserve storage space online through the Radical Storage app or website, with instant confirmation and easy check-in.
Flexible Hours: Many partner locations offer extended hours, accommodating early morning tours and late evening pickups.
Whether you’re spending a day touring Castle Ward as Winterfell, walking the walls of Dubrovnik’s King’s Landing, or exploring the Water Gardens in Seville’s Alcázar, Radical Storage ensures your luggage doesn’t slow down your quest through the Seven Kingdoms.
Plan your epic Game of Thrones filming locations adventure with confidence, knowing your belongings are safely stored while you immerse yourself in the world of Westeros and beyond.
