Branches from the Ring Road – multi info
14 enchanting places where the iconic series was filmed
The unique beauty of magical Iceland does not attract only travelers. The least densely populated European country also attracted the creators of one of the most successful series of all time. At which locations were the popular scenes filmed and why did the production choose them? The iconic series with the largest cast in the history of HBO projects, which after its relatively recent ending received a wave of sharp criticism, had a truly rich production design.
Filming took place in a total of 7 countries – in the USA, Northern Ireland, Croatia, Morocco, Spain, Malta, and also Iceland. Few people know that the main soundtrack of the series was recorded in Prague. All of these mentioned destinations have long enjoyed increased tourism thanks to their appearance in the series. Iceland is no exception. Fans of Game of Thrones no longer travel to these countries only for historical, cultural, or natural landmarks – they simply want to see with their own eyes the places where their favorite scenes were filmed. So if you are planning a trip to Iceland and are a fan of this television phenomenon, then you have even more reason to visit Iceland. More precisely, 14 more reasons.
But before I introduce all those magnificent places immortalized on television screens, take a closer look at why Iceland made it onto the list of filming locations. “Winter is coming” is a phrase that was spoken so many times in the series that over time it became a kind of main motto of the show. And there are indeed a lot of winter scenes, especially in the final part of the saga. The island country, which features glaciers and freezing weather, served perfectly for scenes taking place beyond the Wall.
“Iceland offers many locations that are very fantastical, mysterious, and evoke a sense of adventure, which fits the series well. At the same time, we have many places that are easily accessible, even though they look like they are in the middle of nowhere,” comments Einar Sveinn Þórðarson, a crew member responsible for selecting filming locations in Iceland.
1. Gjáin Valley
Do you remember the scene from season 4 where the Hound wakes up one morning and sees Arya practicing with her Needle by the river? A small skirmish occurs between them. Their paths joined after the Hound decided to take the young fighter under his protective wing. And it is right here, in Gjáin Valley, that they make a stop. In this place you will feel like in a fairy tale. Around you stretch crystal-clear streams lined with rocky formations and enchanting greenery typical of Iceland.
2. Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng Farm
Suddenly an arrow flies through the air and strikes the back of an unsuspecting man walking next to a small boy. The camera shows the face of Ygritte standing nearby with a bow in her hands. In this scene from season 4 we witness the brutality of the Wildlings, who attack a peaceful village. In reality, it is a reconstructed farm once inhabited by Vikings and now serving as a historical monument. According to historians, the farm was destroyed in 1104 by the eruption of the Hekla volcano. Icelanders restored it in 1974 as part of the celebrations of the 1100th anniversary of the settlement of Iceland, dated to the year 874.
Jon Snow boldly sets out beyond the Wall in season 7 with several companions to face the White Walkers. They then set out across snowy plains. The scene where they fight the Night King’s wights and Jon kills one of them was filmed right here. As you may remember, this is followed by a frantic escape of Jon and his allies from the horde of White Walkers. They are saved by the cracking ice surface of a lake into which the undead begin to fall. In reality, however, it is not a real lake – it was artificially created for filming this scene. This canyon is also a popular tourist destination and is especially loved for its striking rock formations.
And here we have another canyon. This time we move further in the storyline, all the way to the final season 8. Jon is already working with Daenerys, who takes him to her dragon children. And you surely remember what followed – the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, with hidden Targaryen blood in his veins, mounts a dragon and flies on it. This took place right here in this canyon.
Afterwards, viewers are presented with a romantic scene where Jon kisses Daenerys for the first time. He did not yet know she was his aunt. Their lips meet right in front of this famous Icelandic waterfall, which is considered by tourists to be one of the most beautiful in Iceland and also one of the most easily accessible. If you want to kiss your loved one at the same place as Jon and Daenerys, you will appreciate that there is free parking on site.
We return to season 7, when Jon Snow arrives on the shores of Eastwatch to meet his allies at the Black Castle and discuss the next steps in their fight against the White Walkers. Filming of this scene took place in the southernmost part of Iceland near the village of Vík, where you will find a 120-meter-high cliff above sea level. It is nicknamed the Gateway to Iceland. The cape is part of a nature reserve. From the top of the cliff you can enjoy breathtaking views of a bird colony and surrounding landscape. To the north lies the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and to the east you can see the Reynisdrangar basalt cliffs rising from the sea up to 66 meters. And it would not be Iceland without a legend – in this case, the rocks are said to be trolls turned into stone by sunlight after attacking a passing ship.
In episode 6 of season 2, Jon Snow meets the wildling Ygritte for the first time, with whom he later falls in love – both in the world of Game of Thrones and in real life. In the scene filmed on this glacier, he captures her and nearly executes her. But as we know, Jon knows nothing, so she eventually escapes right in front of him. The glacier has attracted several film productions. In addition to Game of Thrones, Hollywood hits such as Interstellar and Batman Begins were also filmed here.
Let’s go back to season 4. Joffrey is dead and Littlefinger has successfully manipulated Sansa, who becomes a victim of his schemes. Together they arrive at the Eyrie, where Sansa’s aunt Lysa Arryn resides, and where Sansa finds refuge for a while. This national park lies in southwestern Iceland and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, was formed here. This location appears twice in the series – the second time Arya and the Hound walk through the park while also trying to reach the Eyrie.
9. Lava field Hengill
Hengill is a volcano in southwestern Iceland. It is still active, although lava last erupted from it 2,000 years ago. The area beneath it is known as a lava field. And it is here that the fight between Brienne of Tarth and the Hound took place in the final episode of season 4. You surely remember how it ended.
It is located near Reykjavík, is 15 meters high, and appears only briefly in the series. It was in season 4 when Drogon, a lost dragon, suddenly flies over a young boy peacefully herding goats.
This 463-meter-high mountain also had its 15 minutes of fame. Well, more like a few seconds. And there must be something special about it – it has fascinated not only filmmakers but also photographers. It is the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland. It appears briefly in season 7 when it catches the eye of the Hound, who had previously seen it in a mysterious vision. It was also seen in season 6 when Bran witnesses the Children of the Forest turning a man into a White Walker.
12. Kálfaströnd Farm and Höfði Cape (Lake Mývatn area)
On this farm, Jon stayed with the Wildlings in season 3 in northeastern Iceland near the volcanic lake Mývatn and Höfði cape, while trying to win their trust. Here you will also find many rock formations which Icelanders claim are petrified elves.
13. Grjótagjá Cave
And what followed next, you probably already know. Who could forget the scene from season 3 where Jon and Ygritte hide together in a cozy cave… and have their intimate moment? He enjoyed it with Ygritte in this lava cave with a thermal spring. And if you did not know, the actors are married in real life, so their chemistry apparently worked off-camera as well.
And we stay in season 3. East of Lake Mývatn lies a large lava field area. It consists of various volcanic caves and rock formations resembling a collapsed ancient fortress. The lava tunnels were formed about 2,300 years ago from a lava lake. Here, the Wildling leader Mance Rayder had his camp, where Jon was brought so that Mance could decide whether he would join them or be executed. Dimmuborgir is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.
Main attractions on the route
Meet an experienced guide in Iceland
10 seasons of experience. 99% chance of nice weather and places you didn't know existed.
