Having been a long-time fan of the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin (and impatiently awaiting his 6th book, Winds of Winter), I was understandably enthralled by the Game of Thrones television series, which brought these beautifully written, complex characters to life on screen.
The television series also brought to life the magical scenery described in the book; showcasing key locations such as Winterfell, The Wall, Kings Landing, Quarth, the Dothraki grasslands, and more. In fact, they are half the reason I eagerly await each television episode! Whether you’re a fan of the HBO show, or a devout follower of the books, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the following film locations and countries which were chosen to portray the lands of Westros and beyond.
- Croatia – Kings Landing
The Croatian city walls of Dubrovnik feature as the stone barrier protecting Kings Landing from attacks at sea, and it’s very easy to see why this was the second location chosen for the home of the Lannisters. Second you ask? Why yes, as Malta was the original film location used to shoot the streets of Kings Landing … that is until protected land was damaged by an unnamed subcontractor, and the film crew hastily proceeded to Dubrovnik to continue their work.
The Lovrijenac Fortress is the castle used throughout the seasons to depict the Lannisters home of Kings Landing, while Lokrum Island was the location chosen to depict the decadent city of Quarth, and yes, you can expect to see plenty of beautifully adorned peacocks wandering this area.
- Ireland – Numerous Scenes
Sandy Brae, at the foot of the towering Mourne Mountains, was the film location chosen for the entrance to Vaes Dothrak (the only city the Dothraki horse warriors have) and it is considered a sacred place where no man may draw blood (so good on Drogo for neatly sidestepping this rule with his giving of a ‘golden crown’ to Viserys).
The Dothraki Sea, characterized by open plains where the grass flutters in the breeze, was filmed in the Glens of County Antrim, and scenes of Khalasar Drogo and his Khaleesi Daenerys were also shot here.
Castle Ward’s exterior will be a familiar sight to most, as it was the ‘courtyard’ of Winterfell, and the backdrop of the scene where you first laid eyes on the Stark family, Lannisters, and the late king Robert Baratheon. In Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route was used to film numerous coastal scenes throughout the series. A guided tour including more film locations is available, as of mid-2013.
- Iceland – Beyond the Wall
The stark beauty of snowy white landscapes with small shrubs and thickets that characterise the northern lands beyond The Wall were shot in various locations around Iceland. Interestingly, while filming scenes in Höfðabrekkuheiði , they incorporated abandoned sets from the movies Beowulf and Grendel. Vatnajökull national park, Lake Mývatn, and Svínafellsjökull glacier were two of the other locations used for the numerous scenes of the land beyond the Wall.
- Morocco – Astapor
The slaving city of Astapor, where Daenerys frees the Unsullied, and they turn on their ex-masters at her command, was shot in the Moroccan city of Essaouira. The winding streets of Dar Al Bahar were used, as were the city walls showcasing the sparkling ocean in the distance.
There are several photographs floating around the internet of Iaian Glen (Jorah Mormont), Dan Hildebrand (Kraznys the head Good Masters slaver), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), and Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) wandering around here in full costume that includes windbreakers to ward off the chilly breezes before filming.
Which of the above places would you visit first?
Main image compiled by RR (Creative Commons)
