24-05-2023
As the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes served as the perfect backdrop for HBO’s epic TV saga, Game of Thrones. From ancient caves and expansive glaciers, to stunning fjords, lava fields and canyons, Iceland truly has it all. No wonder producers have been filming blockbusters like Star Wars and Interstellar in Iceland for decades!
Let’s take a look through some of the most notable Game of Thrones Iceland filming locations that you won’t want to miss. We’ll give you a rundown of each location, some of our favorite guided Game of Thrones Iceland tours and our top travel tips. If you’ve not finished watching the show, be warned as there will be spoilers!
Iceland is a haven for diverse geological wonders. It boasts volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal lagoons. It has preserved its natural landscapes, making it one of the world's prime destinations for experiencing the raw beauty of nature. The country’s incredible and striking natural scenery looks otherworldly in its beauty and drama. That makes it the perfect filming location for this epic fantasy series.
Iceland was the backdrop to many Game of Thrones scenes Beyond the Wall. It displayed the harsh and sometimes barren landscapes, depicting the difficulties of life there. Several of the Seven Kingdom locations were also filmed in Iceland. During winter, this snow-covered country provided the perfect setting for White-Walkers, Wildlings and Crows.
In fact, Iceland appears in every Game of Thrones season after the first series. So, if you’re planning on visiting some of the best Game of Thrones scenes in Iceland, check out our handy list of the most notable filming locations to explore.
Thingvellir National Park is a beautiful and expansive natural area located 45 minutes away from Reykjavík by car. This epic park featured in season 4 of Game of Thrones as the location of Arya and the Hound’s journey to Eeyrie.
Oxarafoss Waterfall, which is located within Thingvellir National Park, was also the setting of the Bloody Gate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the famous Golden Circle route in Iceland and is home to the world’s oldest parliament, dating back to 930 AD!
The stunning volcanic Lake Myvatn and its surrounding areas have been used for many Game of Thrones scenes over the various seasons of the show. Located in North Iceland, this incredible lake is situated in a geothermal area with volcanoes, caves and hot springs nearby.
Lake Myvatn served as a Game of Thrones filming location in Iceland for the scenes where Samwell Tarly and Lord Commander Mormont were attacked by White Walkers, among many others. While you’re here, why not enjoy a soak in the gorgeous Myvatn Nature Baths nearby?
Located to the south of Thingvellir National Park, the dramatic Hengill Mountain appears in season 4 of Game of Thrones. It was in the scene of the fight between Brienne of Tarth and the Hound, as well as the place where Arya and the Hound part ways.
A popular hiking spot, this volcanic mountain is well worth a visit. Just be careful in winter, as snow and ice can make this a treacherous walk. Hengill Mountain is located close to Reykjavik, but you’ll need to drive a little of the beaten path to reach this amazing location.
If you’re looking for the famous black sand beach in Iceland from Game of Thrones, you’ll want to head to the incredible Reynisfjara Beach. Lined by striking basalt rock columns, this volcanic beach features in Game of Thrones as Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
You might recognize the incredible scenery of Reynisfjara as an outpost guarded by the men of the Night’s Watch. Located next to the picturesque town of Vik, Reynisfjara Beach is in Southwest Iceland. It is quite easy to access as it lies just off the main Ring Road in Iceland: Route 1.
If you hear about the famous Game of Thrones cave in Iceland, Grotagja Cave is the one! Located near Lake Myvatn, Grotagja Cave was used for the iconic scene where Jon Snow and Ygritte share an intimate moment in a hot spring cave.
Situated in the north east of Iceland, the volcanic Grotagja Cave is part of the Lake Myvatn area. While the geothermal waters of the cave were once a popular bathing site, the water is now far too hot to bathe in. The incredible cave and its surroundings are still worth visiting on your Game of Thrones Iceland tour!
Located in the expansive Vatnajokull National Park, this impressive glacier was first used in season 2 of Game of Thrones to represent the icy and snowy scenery Beyond the Wall. Nicknamed ‘the Hollywood Glacier’, Svinafellsjokull Glacier has appeared in many blockbusters, including Batman Begins.
Svinafellsjokull also stood in as the Frostfangs, the mountain range Beyond the Wall where the Night's Watch ventures. You can reach the epic Svinafellsjokull Glacier by taking Route 1 heading along the southern coast of Iceland from Reykjavik.
The beautiful Thorufoss Waterfall was the place where the fearsome dragon, Drogon, ate a goat in season 4. Soak in the striking landscape around this amazing waterfall as you imagine a dragon swooping overhead!
You can reach Thorufoss Waterfall by taking a short drive northwards off the popular Golden Circle route. At the end of Road 48, you’ll find a small parking lot near the waterfall.
Home to waterfalls, hot springs and lava flows, the scenic Thjorsardalur Valley is located around 1.5 hours from Reykjavik and houses a special Viking village reproduction.
The replica Viking longhouse and farm in Thjorsardalur Valley served as Olly’s Village in season 4, where a group of Wildings storm the village, leaving Olly as the only survivor. Open every day for visitors during the summer season, this village recreation can be reached by taking Route 32.
Another Game of Thrones Iceland filming location in the Lake Myvatn area, Hverfjall Volcano is where the White Walkers stomped Beyond the Wall in season 2. This volcanic crater can be found in North Iceland, just off Route 1.
Sitting to the east of Lake Myvatn, you can walk around the rim of this tuff ring volcano and experience one of the most incredible volcanic landscapes in Iceland.
This unique lava field near Lake Myvatn was used to depict the lands Beyond the Wall and was the setting for Mance Rayder's Wildling camp. These scenes were filmed during winter in bitterly cold conditions – brrr!
Dimmuborgir is a short 10-minute drive from Grotagja Cave and translates to ‘Dark Fortress’. At Dimmuborgir, you’ll find a whole range of amazing lava features, including caves and fascinating structures. If you’re a keen hiker, you can take one of the hiking paths to further explore this unique Game of Thrones Iceland filming location.
Hevrir, near Lake Myvatn, is one of the most active geothermal areas in the whole of Icleand. Appearing in season 3 of Game of Thrones as the place where Sam Tarly is battling through a thick blizzard, the ‘snow’ in this scene is, in fact, steam from the geothermal vents at Hevrir.
Situated just off Route 1 in Northern Iceland, Hevrir can be reached easily by car. Just be prepared for the potent sulfuric smell of the vents at Hevrir!
The 100-meter deep Stakkholtsgja Canyon runs through the stunning Thormorsk region of Iceland. Its name means ‘Valley of Thor’ and is of the county’s most popular hiking destinations. It’s here that Jon Snow and his team capture a wight during their arduous trek from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea in season 7.
You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the F-roads required to reach this impressive canyon, or you can take a dedicated bus. There are many river crossings around the Stakkholtsgja Canyon area, so be sure to bring your wellies!
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skogafoss, was used as a backdrop in season 8 of Game of Thrones. It was for the scene where Jon and Daenerys ride dragons across wintry landscapes and land next to a waterfall. While digital effects were used to add more waterfalls, the mighty Skogafoss served as the center of this impressive shot.
Located in Southern Iceland, just over 2 hours from Reykjavik by car, you can easily reach Skogafoss by taking the Ring Road.
Iceland’s most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell, was a Game of Thrones Iceland filming location in both seasons 6 and 7. In the show, Jon Snow and his men are searching for a mountain that looks like an arrowhead, which is actually Kirkjufell.
Located on the beautiful Snaefellsness Peninsula, Kirkjufell Mountain can be reached easily by a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik. Many visitors choose to view Kirkjufell from the waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss. That's because it is very close to the mountain and enhances the stunning view of this natural landmark.
Situated in the Lake Myvatn area, the rocky outcrops of Hofdi Nature Preserve featured as one of the Game of Thrones Iceland filming locations for Mance Rayder’s Wilding camp. This beautiful area is perfect for a peaceful walk among tranquil natural surroundings.
Sat on the bank of Lake Myvatn, Hofdi Nature Preserve was the location for many wide shot scenes across the lake. The lava structures at Hofdi make a striking landscape and can be easily visited by taking a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the nearby parking lot.
Head to all the best spots and hidden filming locations on a guided Game of Thrones tour in Iceland with an expert guide who can show and tell you all the Game of Thrones secrets! You can choose from a half-day adventure or a full day of discovery with these different tour packages. Here are some recommended guided Game of Thrones tours to explore:
Make the most of your Game of Thrones Iceland tour with our top travel tips, including what to bring along, how to dress and helpful pointers for organizing your tour.
Inspired to take a trip to our amazing country of Iceland to enjoy an epic Game of Thrones tour around these breathtaking filming locations? We don’t blame you!
Get started planning your Iceland vacation by taking a look through accommodation options and working out your ideal Iceland itinerary. As for rental vehicles, that’s where we can help you out. Simply choose from our range of affordable Reykjavik rental cars to pick up from the airport when you arrive and you’re good to go! We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland soon.