7 Shooting Locations from Game of Thrones You Didn’t Know Were Real

The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros have captured our imagination with their unique shock-and-awe art of storytelling. While Mr. Martin leaves us in suspended animation on the plot and fate of the central characters (#JonSnowComeBack), let’s take a tour of the real places where this epic series was shot. Because all we can do while we wait for the next season of GoT is take a trip to the unbelievable destinations (ideally, on a dragon, Khaleesi-style!)

7. Winterfell

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‘Winter is coming’ – Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North

The House of Stark and the direwolf, this blissful castle where Season 1 starts is soon drenched in murder, treachery and bloodbath. The haunting castle scenes in the series were shot at Doune Castle in Scotland and Castle Ward in County Down, Northern Ireland. The architecture is Gothic and Classical and the sprawling lawns add to the charm of the outdoors.

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Read more: 10 Things to Do in Northern Ireland

 

6. King’s Landing

‘When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.’ —Cersei Lannister, Queen Regent

The centre of power, politics and passion, the decadent King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms, is ruled by House Baratheon and later, House Lannister. The King’s Landing scenes were primarily shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Minceta Tower, a UNESCO heritage site, was where the Season 2 finale was shot. This was the House of the Undying where an attempt is made to capture Daenerys, the mother of dragons.

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5. North of the Wall

‘You know nothing, Jon Snow’- Ygritte

The northern-most part of Westeros, the home of mythical creatures and the dreaded White Walkers, is really Vatnajökull in south-east Iceland. Most of the scenes with miles of snow in the background were shot here. A must-visit when in Iceland is Grjótagjá, the thermal spring made famous as Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love nest. This thermal spring has temperatures that can rise up to 50 degrees Celsius. Don’t forget to take a dip! Close to the thermal springs is a region with lava fields called Dimmuborgir, which is also the Wildling Camp in the series.

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Read more: Go off the Beaten Path with these 10 Unique Honeymoon Destinations

 

4. Braavos

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‘What do we say to the God of death?’ - Syrio Forel

‘Not today.’– Arya Stark

One of the Free Cities across the narrow sea, folks in this port town are primarily sailors and adventurers. Arya Stark spends her time here serving the God of Many Faces and (#SpoilerAlert) eventually loses her vision. The city is actually the medieval town of Sibenik in Croatia famous for the Saint James Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, featured as the Iron Bank of Braavos.

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3. The Iron Islands

‘I wish I was the monster you think I am’– Tyrion Lannister, ex-Master of Coin, ex-Hand of the King

Theon Greyjoy became Reek on the fateful journey to the Isle of Pyke and the Iron Islands. Although a dark and gory place in the series, the actual place—Ballintoy Harbour in Northern Ireland—is a sunny, serene fishing village with a picture-perfect harbour.

Read more: Top 5 Up-and-Coming Destinations in Europe

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2. Daenerys and Drogo’s Wedding Venue

‘I’m not going to stop the wheel, I’m going to break the wheel’ – Daenerys Targaryen

The rather uncomfortable wedding of the then-demure Daenerys with Khal was shot around the limestone caves on the Maltese island of Gozo. Very popular with scuba divers, this is a place for witnessing sunsets like never before.

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1. The Kingsroad

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‘Hodor’– Hodor

This highway which, in the series, seems to stretch on forever is actually the iconic Dark Hedges in Ireland. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the place in the morning and the eerie feeling which descends around it towards the evening. A couple of hours away is the enchanting Tollymore Forest, where the White Walkers embark on their journey to the realm of men and the Starks first find their direwolves. The forest is perfect for a short trek through ancient redwoods, Gothic stone arches and bridges.

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Read more: 7 Places That Look Fictional But Aren’t!

Which ones are your favourites? Write to us if you’ve been to any of the locations (with pictures) and you’ll get featured! Do that soon though, because as you know, winter is coming…