6 Real-Life Game of Thrones Destinations You Should Visit
Game of Thrones (GOT) is arguably one of, if not the most, popular TV series of all time. The plot, after all, is absorbing, and the characters, either compelling or captivating (or both). Even the show’s settings are mesmerising, adding yet another reason for fans to get hooked. Curiously, many of these settings are real-life destinations, and a handful of them are located in Europe. The best part is that you can actually visit these locations, and we have compiled six of these ultimate places just for you.
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Iceland
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Image credit: Wikipedia
Long an Icelandic attraction, the Jokulsarion Glacial Lagoon boasts of spectacular vistas crowned by Europe’s biggest ice cap. The place itself gives off a unique, sometimes unnerving, vibe, which made it the perfect spot to double as GOT’s infamous North Wall, where Jon Snow and the White Walkers frequently waged fierce battles.
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
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One of Season 7’s iconic scenes is that of Daenrys Targaryen and Jon Snow walking along a fascinating footbridge. This scene from the “Dragonstone” was filmed in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a spectacular-looking islet just off the coast of Biscay. Its winding steps according to Vogue lead to an ancient monastery, which dates all the way back to the 16th century.
Trsteno Arboretum, Croatia
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The Arboretum is home to a multitude of exotic flora and fauna. Fittingly, it serves as the gardens of King’s Landing in Seasons 3 and 4. The Arboretum’s pavilion is particularly well known, as it is here where Lady Olenna infamously held court with Margaery.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Arguably one of GOT’s most famous locations, the city of Dubrovnik is best known to the show’s fans as King’s Landing. Quite simply, Dubrovnik is, indeed, a city fit for royalty, with its formidable stone walls, picturesque vistas, and dramatic cliffs. It has all the right views, and just the right vibes to be a kingdom’s epicentre.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
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Among the various GOT locations, Aït Benhaddou in Morocco stands out for being a UNESCO World Heritage site. In GOT, it is known as both Pentos and Yunkai. This heritage site most memorably served as the backdrop of the memorable battle between Daenerys and the Second Sons.
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges have made multiple appearances in GOT, the most unforgettable being in “The Kingsroad.” The surrounding areas were also featured in “Winterfell” and “Castle Black,” as well as a war encampment for the Stark family.
The six places on this list have long been attractions for their respective countries, but their association with GOT, however, has likely increased their profile even more. That is to be expected given the unprecedented popularity of the series. Proof of this popularity comes in various forms. There are obviously tons of GOT-inspired merchandise available worldwide, including T-shirts, action figures, replica weapons, and a variety of games, mostly on the mobile gaming platform. There is a dedicated online slot game for GOT titled Game of Thrones, and it is yet another manifestation of how far the Emmy Award-winning series has come in the eight years since its premier. It has become so big, in fact, that its various filming locations have become “stars” themselves, with more and more people wanting to see in person the real-life locations of GOT’s most memorable scenes. And, indeed, a visit to these destinations is well worth your time, effort, and money. They are, after all, some of the world’s ultimate places.