If the hot springs and glaciers don’t catch you, the ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations could be the reason you’re planning your next trip to Iceland. It’s no exaggeration for anyone who has seen at least one episode of the hit HBO show that this surreal location is home to a surprising number of scenes in the series.
Whether it’s snowfields, bleaching conditions, or a scene of volcanic rock formations, Iceland has no shortage of stages to stop you in your tracks, perfect for a show that makes you wish pet dragons were the real thing.
Later, consider this your official itinerary to make all your “Game of Thrones” friends jealous. From the place where Ygritte and Jon Snow first met for the iconic fight between Brienne of Tarth and The Hound, there is a place for every “Game of Thrones” enthusiast.
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Kirkjufell
Direction
Snæfellsnesvegur, IcelandGet directions
Also known as “Church Mountain,” Kirkjufell appeared several times in the show’s sixth season and seventh season. He served as a very important destination for Jon Snow and his loyal hunters in season seven, episode six, making a guest appearance as the “arrowhead-shaped mountain” the group was searching for.
Be sure to visit the little set of waterfalls across the street from Kirkjufell. You can also hike up the mountain, but make sure you know what you are doing. The hike can be quite technical to the top where there is a rope to help you get to the top. As you climb, keep an eye out for fossils embedded in the mountain.
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Head
Direction
IcelandGet directions
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If you’re looking to live like the savages did, head to Höfði, where Mance Rayder’s group (known to his fans as the “King Beyond the Wall”) camped out in episode five of season three.
This area, right on the edge of Lake Myvatn, is known for its strange volcanic rock formations. Höfði’s images were also used for more general stage moments in the show, such as the opening credits.
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Veingvellir national park
Direction
IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 482 2660
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As the home of Gulfoss, Geysir, Silfra Fissure, and a seemingly endless field of lava rocks and deep cracks in the Earth, veingvellir National Park will make you think of “Game of Thrones,” even if you’ve never seen the show. . One of the less crowded places to visit in the park, partly due to the fact that it cannot be seen from the road, is Oxararfoss. The canyon of this waterfall was doubled as the Bloody Gate, or the castle that acted as a defense for the Vale of Arryn in season four.
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Ruórufoss
Direction
Kjósarskarðsvegur, IcelandGet directions
Get away from the tourist crowds and brave the gravel road to visit Þórufoss. This waterfall is just a few minutes’ drive along Route 48 off the ring road east of Þingvallavatn lake (veingvellir national park lake). Here, Drogon, one of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, swooped in to enjoy a roasted goat right in front of his shepherd in season four.
Continue to 5 of 9 below.
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Valle de Þjórsárdalur
Direction
The Republic, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 423 8723
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The Þjórsárdalur valley is actually a massive part of the country, consisting of many attractions that are worth visiting. Among them is Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, or a structure made to look like a house and farm during the country’s Viking era. You will see him in episode three of the fourth season when he serves as Olly’s town.
A quick review: Olly joined the Night’s Watch after her home was destroyed by Free Folk. He became Jon Snow’s personal manager once he joined.
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The Hengill area
Direction
Hengill, IcelandGet directions
Hengilssvæðið is the closest active volcano to Iceland, which is about a 30-minute drive from the capital city. During the summer months, it is a busy hiking destination for tourists and locals. It is also accessible during the winter, but you will need a 4 × 4 vehicle with adequate clearance on the F road to make the trip. If you’re feeling particularly upbeat, take a hike from Hengilssvæðið to Reykjadalur Valley, a hot spring river that will provide the perfect way to relax after a long day of hiking.
In episode 10 of the fourth season, you will see Hengilssvæðið as the iconic place where Brienne of Tarth and The Hound have their big showdown.
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Reynisfjara
Direction
IcelandGet directions
Iceland’s black sand beach near Vik, halfway between Reykjavik and Glacier Lagoon, is one of the most visited places in the country. It is also an incredibly dangerous and powerful place – the waves crashing onto the shoreline are predictable and have claimed multiple lives. Stay away from the water here.
In season seven, Reynisfjara stands out as Eastwatch-by-the-sea, the point where the wall crosses Westeros. Here, Jon Snow and his group of hunters made landfall before continuing north.
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Svínafellsjökull
Direction
Svínafellsjökull, IcelandGet directions
This glacial tongue is where Ygritte and Jon Snow’s story begins, marking the spot where the Night’s Watch captures the Wildling in season two. The icy scene also served as the perfect venue to stage a battle with the White Walkers, specifically one seen in season seven.
Svínafellsjökull is a place that perfectly shows the extreme environment you can find here: jarring volcanic rock against sharp ice needles – the perfect setting for a scene from ‘Game of Thrones’.
If you are looking to see it in person, you will find Svínafellsjökull just off Ring Road, just north of Hof, near Skaftafell.
Continue to 9 of 9 below.
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Dimmuborgir
Direction
Geiteyjarströnd 1, 660 Mývatn, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 464 4210
Web
Visit the website
If you are curious about the lava rock formations that you can find all over the country, head to Dimmuborgir. This area has more lava rock than you can imagine being in one place, and the formations can be massive. To get there, drive six hours north and east of Reykjavik, just outside of Grjótagjá.
The area appears in season three as another Wildling camp, this time attempting to capture a different kind of difficulty that doesn’t involve dragons or sword fights: incredibly cold temperatures.
