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Arguably one of the most popular fantasy drama television shows of the recent decade, Game Of Thrones not only portrays a magical, make-believe world, but it also has roots in reality. Many Game of Thrones filming locations are actual places in real life, worth a trip not just for their link to the show, but also for the spectacular views and travel opportunities. Read on to discover the top 3 filming destination each real fan and passionate traveler must visit!
1. Northern Ireland
Visitors to Northern Ireland may recognize its background in many GoT episodes. Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim in Northern Ireland is disguised as The Wall, the enormous fortification bordering the Seven Kingdoms that keeps the wilding out. Castle Black, headquarters of the Nights Watch and home of Jon Snow, stands halfway down The Wall and is a also a CGIed version of the Quarry.
Ballintoy, a small village in Northern Ireland, has been used to portray Pyke island and castle in the second season of GoT. Its a picturesque setting for the ancient stronghold of the House of Greyjoy, its lush, undulating harbor and sharp rock stacks portraying the castle built on a cliff jutting out into the ocean.
2. Croatia
Hardcore fans of the show might recognize the craggy coastal ambiance of Croatia as a continual presence from season two onwards. Kings Landing, the all important capital of Westeros, is actually Dubrovnik. Many of the citys locations are still recognizable in the show. The packed Old City, with its St. Dominika Street sets the scene for market shots. Mineta Tower, built in the 1400s as the highest point in Dubrovniks ancient city walls appears numerous times in GoT episodes. Visitors are encouraged to walk routes along the Old City walls, taking in each spot set against the beauty of the Dalmation Coast.
Gradac Park and the deserted Hotel Belvedere which stand on Dubrovniks outskirts have also made appearances in GoT seasons and are worth checking out in any Croatian itinerary. Lokrum, a small island in the Adriatic less than 2,000 feet from the city of Dubrovnik has also been a popular filming spot. The island can easily be visited with a local charter in Croatia which will get you on and off the island any given time off the day, so you can explore the hidden gems of Lokrum in your own pace. The islands Fort Royal Castle was built by the French in the 1800s and has served as background scenery for Game of Thrones. The islands nature reserve, which contains lush plant varieties and even wild peacocks was the setting of a garden party from season two.
3. Iceland
Icelands stark and cold Nordic landscapes provide the setting for the GoT world beyond The Wall. The glacier at Snfellsjkull, and the glacier of Svnafellsjkull in Smyrlabjrg, set on Icelands eastern coast are the setting for the Fist of the First Men in the land beyond The Wall as well as the bitter, frigid ice mounts of the Frostfangs, in the far north of Westeros.
Mvatn Lake, an icy lava range that borders Akureyri, Icelands fourth largest municipality, was the backdrop for Mance Rayders wilding base camp from season three. Grjtagj Cave, which is also near Mvatn Lake, was a prominent setting from the third season, but in real life is a popular tourist bathing spot.
Many of these cities have capitalized on their newfound television fame with a host of tourism companies and holiday packages for exploring the best of the Game of Thrones filming locations. If you still have nothing planned for your next holidays, maybe one of the destinations above could be the right one for you.
