For eight seasons, Game of Thrones captivated global audiences with epic battles, intricate political drama, and some of the most stunning cinematography ever captured on screen. What many fans don’t realize is that Westeros and Essos weren’t entirely constructed on studio sets—much of the magic happened on location across Europe. From the marble-cliffed game of thrones to the windswept shores beyond the Wall, this comprehensive guide reveals where you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters across multiple European countries.

Game of Thrones was more geographically diverse in its filming than almost any television series ever produced, utilizing locations across five countries. Whether you’re a devoted fan who’s watched the series multiple times or someone curious about how TV production works, a Game of Thrones European pilgrimage offers remarkable cultural experiences combined with genuine film history.

Croatia: The Heart of the Seven Kingdoms

Dubrovnik – King’s Landing

The most iconic Game of Thrones location is undoubtedly the walled city of Dubrovnik, which served as the primary backdrop for King’s Landing throughout the series. This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s medieval Old Town, with its marble streets, towering city walls, and terracotta-roofed buildings, became synonymous with the fictional capital of Westeros.

Specific Filming Locations:

• City Walls: Walk the 1,972-meter circuit around the Old Town’s walls (the same route viewers see repeatedly). The walk takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and offers spectacular views. Entry costs around €30 for non-residents.
• Lovrijenac Fortress: This sea fortress (sometimes called “Red Keep”) appears throughout the series as an iconic exterior shot. It’s perched on a rocky outcrop outside the walls and is visitable.
• Onofrio’s Great Fountain: Located just inside the Pile Gate, this 15th-century fountain appears in multiple episodes.
• Sponza Palace: This Renaissance palace served as the Stark’s base in King’s Landing.
• Jesuit Stairs: The dramatic stone staircase where Cersei performed her walk of shame episode is still there, though modern railings have been added for safety.

Practical Information:
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most visited destination, so expect crowds, especially in summer. Visit in shoulder seasons (May or September-October) for better experiences. Book accommodations well in advance. The Old Town is wonderfully walkable, but streets are narrow and steep. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Where to Stay:

Inside the Old Town offers atmosphere but premium prices.

Just outside the walls (Pile or Ploče neighborhoods) offers better value with easy Old Town access.

The Lapad Peninsula, a short bus ride away, has budget hotels and beaches.

Local Tours:
Multiple Game of Thrones-specific tour operators offer guided walks. These tours typically cost €20-50 and last 2-3 hours, providing context you won’t get on your own. They’re popular and should be booked ahead.

Northern Ireland: The Realm Beyond the Wall

Toll’s Island Quarry, Ballintoy, and Murlough Bay – Beyond the Wall

While much of the “wildling” North of the Wall is represented by Iceland, Northern Ireland provided crucial landscape for scenes beyond the Wall, particularly the haunting environments where the White Walkers and free folk reside.

Specific Locations:

Ballintoy Harbour: This picturesque fishing village appears in multiple episodes. The natural basalt columns and coastal cliffs create otherworldly scenery perfect for the show’s fantasy setting.

Murlough Bay: Located on the scenic northeast Antrim coast, this dramatic beach with its golden sands and dark basalt cliffs appears in several wildling scenes.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Not an actual filming location, but this thrilling rope bridge near Ballintoy was used for inspiration for beyond-the-Wall aesthetics.

Practical Information:
Northern Ireland, particularly the Antrim Coast, is extraordinarily beautiful and less crowded than many Game of Thrones locations. Rent a car and drive the Causeway Coastal Route for spectacular scenery. The drive from Belfast to these coastal villages takes 1-2 hours depending on exact location.

Where to Stay:

Ballintoy: Tiny village with a few bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses.

Bushmills: Larger nearby town with more accommodation options (famous for its distillery—worth visiting).

Belfast: Northern Ireland’s capital offers full tourist infrastructure, 1-2 hours’ drive away.

Spain: The Southern Kingdoms

Seville – Dorne

The sun-baked, exotic Dorne region was primarily filmed in southern Spain, and Seville served as the primary location. This Andalusian capital’s blend of Moorish architecture, narrow medieval streets, and golden-hour lighting perfectly captured Dorne’s sensual aesthetic.

Specific Filming Locations:

Alcázar Palace (Real Alcázar): This UNESCO-listed palace complex served as the Water Gardens and Dorne’s royal residence. While much of the interior filming used sets, the palace’s architectural style heavily influenced the visual representation of Dorne. Visitors can tour the palace (€13.50) and recognize certain courtyard and garden aesthetics.

Cathedral and Giralda Tower: These iconic Seville landmarks appear in wide establishing shots of Dorne.

Plaza de España: This spectacular plaza with its Renaissance architecture appears in various Dorne scenes.

Granada – Additional Dorne Locations

The city of Granada, located about 250 km south of Seville, also featured in Dorne sequences. The Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex, provided architectural and visual inspiration, and some location filming occurred in the surrounding Albaicín neighborhood.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – Dragonstone (Isle of Spears)

This dramatic rocky islet off the Basque coast served as the exterior for Dragonstone, home of House Targaryen. The location is spectacular: a small island topped with a church, connected to the mainland by a narrow footbridge, surrounded by crashing Atlantic waves.

How to Visit:
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located near Bermeo in the Basque Country (Euskadi), about 450 km from Seville. From June onwards, the site experiences restrictions due to popularity from Game of Thrones tourism. You can hike down to the footbridge, but access to the island itself is often limited. The walk takes about 45 minutes from the parking area. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, or visit in shoulder seasons.

Practical Information:

Parking fills quickly; arrive by 9 AM during high season.

The walk is moderately strenuous with stairs and uneven terrain.

Basque country has different culture and language than Andalusia; consider basing yourself in nearby Bilbao or San Sebastian.

Where to Stay in Andalusia:

Seville: Full tourist infrastructure, excellent food scene, Moorish architecture.

Granada: Smaller, charming, closer to Alhambra and nearby mountain villages.

Málaga: Coastal access, about 2 hours from Seville.

Iceland: The True North and Beyond the Wall

Various Locations – The North, Wildling Lands, and Harrenhal Region

Iceland’s otherworldly landscape—volcanic plains, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, and windswept moorlands—provided many of the vistas north of the Wall. Several specific natural features became iconic Game of Thrones locations.

Specific Filming Locations:

Thingvellir National Park: This UNESCO site where the North American and European tectonic plates visibly separate appears in multiple beyond-the-Wall scenes. The park is about 50 km from Reykjavik and is accessible by car (roughly 1 hour). Entry is free.

Skaftafell Glacier: Located in Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, this glacier’s icy expanses and dark volcanic sand represent the haunting wildling lands. This location is about 5 hours’ drive from Reykjavik; plan accordingly.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This stunning lagoon with icebergs and black sand is another beyond-the-Wall location. It’s adjacent to Skaftafell and equally spectacular.

Krafla Geothermal Area: The hissing geysers, sulfurous vents, and alien landscape appear in various northern scenes.

Practical Information:
Iceland is expensive and remote. A rental car is essential for exploring these locations. Many sites are accessible only in summer (June-September) due to snow and ice. The drive from Reykjavik to southeastern Iceland is a full day of driving through some of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes.

Where to Stay:

Reykjavik: Capital city with full amenities, excellent restaurants, museums, and nightlife.

Akureyri: Northern Iceland hub, closer to Krafla and other northern locations.

Skaftafell: Tiny village adjacent to the glacier; book accommodations far in advance or stay in nearby Höfn (about 70 km away).

Malta: Additional European Locations

While not as prominent as other locations, Malta’s warm Mediterranean climate and dramatic limestone cliffs appear in several Dorne scenes and other sunny locations. The island is small and easily explored by car in a few days if you’re visiting nearby Mediterranean locations.

Multi-Country Game of Thrones European Itinerary

21-Day Complete Journey

Days 1-4: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Spend 4 days exploring the Old Town, walking the walls multiple times to identify all filming locations, taking a GoT-specific tour, and relaxing on nearby beaches. Day trip to the nearby Elaphite Islands by boat.

Days 5-8: Iceland
Fly from Dubrovnik to Reykjavik (approximately 6 hours with connections). Spend 4 days on a circular road trip: Thingvellir, Skaftafell Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Krafla Geothermal Area. This is driving-intensive but extraordinarily rewarding.

Days 9-11: Northern Ireland
Fly to Belfast (via London or other hub; expect long connections). Rent a car and drive the Antrim Coast to visit Ballintoy and Murlough Bay. Explore the Giant’s Causeway while you’re there. This location requires a car and flexibility.

Days 12-18: Andalusia, Spain
Fly to Málaga or Seville. Spend 2 days in Seville exploring Alcázar, Cathedral, and Plaza de España. Drive south to Granada for 2 days (Alhambra is essential). Drive to the Basque Country for San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (about 8-10 hours; consider breaking this journey with overnight stops).

Days 19-21: Basque Country and Return
Spend 2-3 days in San Sebastian or Bilbao (excellent food cities), visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and explore the Basque cultural landscape before flying home.

Practical Multi-Country Considerations

Visas and Travel Documents:
Most US and Commonwealth citizens need only a valid passport for 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone (which includes all countries mentioned except Ireland/Northern Ireland). Check current requirements before booking.

Transportation:

Flights between countries; rental cars for regional exploration.

Budget 4-6 weeks realistically for a comprehensive journey; 2-3 weeks for highlights.

Approximate driving times: Seville to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (8-10 hours), Reykjavik to Skaftafell (5 hours), Belfast to Dubrovnik (requires ferry or flights).

Budget:
Game of Thrones tourism varies by location:

Dubrovnik: Most expensive; €50-120 for midrange hotels, €15-30 for meals.

Iceland: Very expensive; €150-250 for accommodations, €20-40 for meals.

Spain: Moderate; €40-80 for accommodations, €10-25 for meals.

Northern Ireland: Moderate; €50-100 for accommodations, €12-25 for meals.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer (June-August): All locations accessible and beautiful, but most crowded and expensive.

Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Excellent weather, fewer crowds, better prices.

Winter: Iceland’s thermal pools and northern lights are magical, but many locations become inaccessible. Avoid Dubrovnik in peak winter.

Conclusion: The Realm Awaits

Game of Thrones’ seven-season run across Europe transformed tourism to multiple regions. The good news for fans is that unlike some fictional worlds, you can actually visit these locations. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and pop culture excitement makes a Game of Thrones-themed European journey uniquely rewarding.

These locations are magnificent regardless of whether you’ve watched the show. Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Iceland’s landscape is transformative. The Spanish regions offer centuries of history. Northern Ireland’s coast rivals anywhere in the British Isles.

Plan your journey, book your accommodations, and prepare to walk the lands where kings and queens battled for a throne. Just remember—in Game of Thrones, and in European travel, winter is always coming, so book accordingly. Your adventure through the Seven Kingdoms awaits.