Game of Thrones has become an international phenomenon. Over the past four seasons the show has become as known for its dramatic locations as its storyline. Here's our guide to the top ten filming locations.
1. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Named after Iceland’s largest glacier, this national park covers more than 8 per cent of the country’s area and is home to one of Europe’s largest ice caps. Located under the ice are some of the island’s most active volcanoes. The area’s latest sizable eruption saw ash and lava thrown more than 20 kilometres into the air.
Parts of the show’s second season were filmed among the park’s icy plains and high peaks.
2. Mdina, Malta
The Maltese capital until 1571, Mdina has a population of just 300 and is today known as ‘the Silent City’. The small town is still encircled by intact city walls and boasts an impressive number of historic buildings, displaying both Norman and Baroque architecture. In the first series of Game of Thrones, Mdina was used as King’s Landing.
3. Ballintoy Harbour, Nothern Ireland
Characterised by its low-key appearance surrounded by cliffs, the Ballintoy harbour is one of the northernmost points of Ireland. This atmosphere makes it the perfect stand-in for the Iron Islands, with the picturesque harbour serving as the shooting location for Lordsport, a village on the island of Pyke.
4. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
The walled city of Aït Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most popular attractions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the fortified city is filled with small houses constructed from a mixture of clay and straw. The city walls and primitive dwellings make Aït Benhaddou the perfect choice for the city of Yunkai, known as the ‘Yellow City’.
5. Mýtavn, Iceland
Several scenes in the series were shot at Mývatn, a lake and wetlands in the north of the country. The area takes its name from the huge number of midges that breed there in summer and form the basis for the rich fish and bird life. The surrounding area is home to vast plains and unusually-shaped rock formations known as 'dimmuborgir' or 'dark castles'.
Anyone who wants to venture beyond the Wall themselves should head to Mývatn.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Some of the most beautiful scenes in the series have been filmed in the Adriatic city of Dubrovnik. In addition to the port, the city boasts an old town with a fortress, forming a perfect backdrop for various cities from the Game of Thrones universe, including King’s Landing and Qarth.
Lying adjacent to the city, Fort Lovrijenac has been used as the setting for the King’s palace, The Red Keep, from the second season onwards.
7. Dwerja Bay, Malta
Dwerja Bay is found on the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago. The wedding ceremony between Daenerys and Khal Drogo took place nearby at Tieqa Zerqa or ‘Azure Window’ – a natural arch which was formed when two sea caves collapsed. The area is famous for its clear blue waters and is popular with scuba divers.
8. Essaouira, Morocco
The Moroccan port town of Essaouria has been used as the city of Astapor, synonymous in the series with the slave trade. The oldest seaport in Morocco, Essaouira was seized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, giving the city's historic architecture a unique and distinctly Portuguese character, not found elsewhere. The city's Berber name means 'the wall', in reference to the fortress walls which once encircled the city.
9. Grjótagjá, Iceland
West of Mývatn lake is Grjótagjá cave, known for its hot thermal springs. Once a popular site for bathing, the temperature of the water increased dramatically during eruptions in the area from 1975 to 1984, reaching more than 50°C. The temperature now is gradually dropping and should be suitable for bathing again in the near future.
Jon Snow and Ygritte’s famous scene in the fifth episode of the third season was filmed here.
10. Fort Ricasoli, Malta
Situated in the small village of Il-Kalkara, Fort Ricasoli was built in the 17th century and was used as the Red Keep, the King's fortress at King's Landing. The fort is currently threatened by coastal erosion and public entrance is no longer permitted. However, it is still possible to view the entrance to the fort with its characteristic twisted columns, which can be seen in the series.
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The Game of Thrones finale is on Sky Atlantic Monday June 16th at 9pm
