Song of Ice and Fire: 6 Breathtaking Game of Thrones Destinations in Europe You Need to See

Introduction
Everyone has goals before the trip. Some people want to climb all the steps of the Eiffel Tower to take tons of photos of magical Paris; some enjoy wandering through the old quarters of Barcelona. In contrast, some people prefer getting lost in the bosom of nature. However, we have good news for you if you are a Game of Thrones geek like us. This article will present some of the most breathtaking Game of Thrones destinations in Europe that will leave you astonished.
Maybe, crossing the border of Lannisters’ realm is not a good idea unless you have a legion of unsullied dragons behind you. Still, believe us, visiting these sites will feel nothing like Ice Wall, as you will enjoy every second of presence there. And if you are as excited as we are about the new adaptation of House of Dragon, it’s your time to scream “Dracarys” and enjoy the uncanny beauty of these locations. Meanwhile, don’t forget to apply for a mandatory ETIAS visa waiver before your trip to Europe to secure entry into the EU/Schengen Area.
Breathtaking Game of Thrones Destinations in Europe That Should Be on Your Bucket List
You might have been traveling to discover certain countries’ cultural and historical heritages, so why not try something new? Something that you can relate to? For example, what are the most beautiful locations from your favorite show? We live only once, after all, and we want to see it all.
Well, traveling is always fun and games. Especially if you team it up with some of your favorite shows, while for those who love Sci-Fi, this task can be relatively complex (not everyone can afford to go to space or Planet Terminus, right?) for us who enjoy the epic high-fantasy shows it can be straightforward. We need to spot the best locations on the map and go there one by one.
The filmmakers faced many challenges when trying to find suitable locations for filming because the original Thrones series, A Song of Ice and Fire, describes seven kingdoms in detail. Although rare scenes such as the bear fight were filmed in the United States of America, most Thrones scenes were shot in Northern Ireland, Iceland, and Croatia.
Spain, Morocco, and Malta played a crucial role in creating the Seven Kingdoms’ perfect look and feel. Locations like Dorne and some of the slave towns, as well as other locations in the south, wouldn’t be suitable if they were filmed in cooler climates.
Here are some of the most breathtaking Game of Thrones Destinations in Europe that should be on your bucket list for your next European getaway. And the good thing about it? You don’t need a dragon to fly there. Planes will do just fine.
Lovrijenac Fortress, Croatia
Lovrijenac Fortress is a Game of Thrones location as well-known as the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Several scenes were captured, including when Bronn, Podrick, and Tyrion are seen standing on the walls after the Battle of Blackwater in episode 1. Lovrijenac fortress was used to shoot the tournament scene celebrating King Joffrey’s name day.
Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar is the name of the fortress. It has 37 m walls, each measuring 12 m (40 feet) outside and 60 cm (2 feet) inside. The defense transforms into a theatre in the summer with the most famous Shakespeare play, Hamlet.
Legend has it that the construction of the fortress by Dubrovnik citizens took three months to stop the Venetians from capturing the city. 10 large ctennons make up the defense system. The largest, the Lizard, has never fired a shot and is now at the bottom of the ocean.
The fortress symbolizes freedom and features an inspirational quote at its entrance: ‘NON-BENE PRO TOTAL LIBERTAS AURO.’ This means that space is not worth all the gold in this world.
Seville, Spain
Seville, a city known for its extraordinary beauty, was the perfect choice to host the unconquerable kingdom of Dorne. Oberyn will not be available for you to meet due to his run-in with Mountain a few years back. However, the incredible location is still worth the effort.
Make sure you stop by the Alcazar of Seville (skip the line with these tickets). This is Dorne’s primary filming location. You’ll feel like your being whisked away to the most beloved show on earth. Be careful not to run into any sand snakes.
Seville, and its region, are well-known for their rich and delicious wines. After you’ve finished sightseeing, a tour with tapas, wine, and flamenco could be the ideal way to end your day.
Lake Myvatn, Iceland
The Lake Myvatn region is home to two critical filming locations for “Got.” This area is well-known for its unique but stunning volcanic features. Grjotagja is the small lava cavern used as Jon and Ygritte’s “love nest.” This is also where Jon lost his virginity, which sparked a real-life romance between Rose Leslie and Kit Harington.
Although the cave is surrounded by ice and snow most of the year, the spring can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit inside. This may be why Jon and Ygritte were so hot.
The Dimmuborgir volcanic field was once the Wildling Camp. It is known for its unique rock formations, which make it appear on a different planet.
Dubrovnik Walls, Croatia
The scene in which Tyrion, Podrick, and Bronn are walking along Dubrovnik’s walls after the Battle of Blackwater, episode 1 of season 3, is the best.
Seasons 3, 5, and 6 show the scenes of the walls. It measures 1,940m (6,360ft) in length by 25m (82ft), in height. The walls were built in the 13th Century and consisted of 16 towers. Three fortresses, six bastions. Two corner fortifications. Three bulwarks with rows of turrets. Three moats. Two flank fortresses. One breakwater.
Through the years, the walls have been influenced by the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. This made them an excellent backdrop for King’s Landing.
Fort Ricasoli, Malta
Fort Ricasoli was built in the late 17th century by the order of Saint John. It is the largest of Malta’s forts. Although bombings in World War II destroyed parts of the defense, most of them still stand today. In June 2019, plans were approved to restore the fort. However, it is currently only open to film crews and visitors who need a permit to enter. Thanks to the Malta film commissioner, we were able to visit.
Fort Ricasoli’s main entrance will be most familiar to Game of Thrones viewers. This is The Gate of the Gods. Through this gate, the Stark convoy arrives at King’s Landing in Episode 3 of the first season. In episode 5, Arya Stark attempts to re-enter Red Keep after she chases a cat through the dungeons. However, the guards cannot believe that the ragged-looking Arya is in The Hand of the King.
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland played a significant role in Game of Thrones. You’ll see stunning Northern Ireland scenery whenever you pass someone on Kingsroad. You might also find the White Walkers’ Haunted Forest and parts of Eyrie in this Game of Thrones scene. Also, you may spot the Dark Hedges in a few stages with Arya Stark or Gendry.
You can see the longest highway in all of the Seven Kingdoms. The Kingsroad runs from Jon Snow’s old home at the Wall to King’s Landing in the series. This road was filmed in Northern Ireland at the Dark Hedges, one of Northern Ireland’s most mysterious attractions. You’ll be awestruck by this natural wonder and see why it’s the perfect location for a show like Game of Thrones.
Conclusion
All Game of Thrones fans, are you feeling nostalgic as the final season ends? We understand the feeling. While you wait anxiously for the next episode, here’s a list of Game of Thrones locations you can visit in person. These locations are accessible from anywhere. It’s easy to reach some of the most iconic Game of Thrones locations on a weekend trip if you are planning to study abroad in Europe. You’ll be glad you did.