Game of Thrones, the acclaimed HBO series, has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with its captivating storylines, complex characters, and breathtaking locations.
Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes have played a significant role in bringing the world of Westeros to life, serving as the backdrop for many iconic scenes throughout the series. From snow-capped mountains to majestic glaciers, Iceland’s rugged beauty has lent a sense of otherworldliness to the show’s fantastical settings.
If you’re a fan of the show or just looking to explore some of Iceland’s most stunning locations, read on to discover the magic of Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park: The Bloody Gate and The Wildlings Camp
Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its dramatic landscape of rift valleys, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear waters has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries. It’s also a significant filming location for Game of Thrones, featuring in several iconic scenes throughout the series.
In the show, Thingvellir National Park serves as the location for two pivotal moments: The Bloody Gate and The Wildlings Camp.
The Bloody Gate is the entrance to the Eyrie, the stronghold of House Arryn, located high in the mountains. In the show, the scene takes place at Thingvellir National Park, where the rocky cliffs and sheer drops make for a perfect representation of the dangerous and treacherous passageway. Visitors to the park can retrace the steps of Sansa Stark and Littlefinger and experience the same sense of awe and danger as they approach the Eyrie.
The Wildlings Camp is another iconic Game of Thrones location in Thingvellir National Park. It’s the site of the Wildlings’ camp in Season 4, where they prepare for their attack on Castle Black. The park’s rugged and wild terrain, dotted with lakes and rivers, perfectly captures the sense of the harsh and unforgiving environment beyond the Wall. Fans of the show can immerse themselves in the world of Westeros by hiking through the park and imagining themselves as part of Mance Rayder’s army.
Aside from its Game of Thrones connections, Thingvellir National Park is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Iceland. Its unique geological features and rich history make it an unforgettable place to explore. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra Fissure, or learn about Iceland’s Viking past at the park’s visitor center.
Grjótagjá Cave: Jon and Ygritte’s Romantic Hideaway
Grjótagjá Cave, located in northern Iceland, is a small lava cave that has gained international recognition for its role in the Game of Thrones series. In the show, it is the location of one of the most memorable romantic scenes between Jon Snow and Ygritte. The cave’s unique features and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit destination for any Game of Thrones fan or nature enthusiast.
The cave, which is formed from a volcanic eruption, is located near the town of Akureyri, and has a natural hot spring inside. The temperature of the water inside the cave can vary, but it’s usually around 40 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
In the show, Jon and Ygritte take refuge in the cave after escaping from a group of wildlings. The scene is famous for its romantic ambiance, with the cave’s steamy waters and dim lighting creating an intimate atmosphere for the two characters. Fans of the show can visit the cave and reenact the scene, imagining themselves as part of the epic love story between Jon and Ygritte.
The cave’s unique geological features, including the surrounding lava fields, make it an unforgettable destination whether you are a fan of the show or not. Visitors can bathe in the hot spring’s healing waters, enjoy the surreal beauty of the cave, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Vatnajökull Glacier: The Fist of the First Men and Beyond the Wall
Vatnajökull Glacier is one of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, covering an area of 8,100 square kilometers and accounting for over 8% of the country’s landmass. The glacier is not only a popular tourist destination but also a significant filming location for the Game of Thrones series.
In the show, Vatnajökull Glacier serves as the location for the Fist of the First Men and Beyond the Wall. The Fist of the First Men is the ancient fortress of the Night’s Watch, and Beyond the Wall is the vast and dangerous wilderness beyond the Wall that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the North. The glacier’s rugged and desolate terrain, coupled with its vastness, perfectly captures the sense of the harsh and unforgiving environment that exists beyond the Wall.
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon: The Entrance to the Vale of Arryn
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, located in Iceland’s south-central region, is a stunning natural wonder that’s not only popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts but also Game of Thrones fans. In the show, it serves as the entrance to the Vale of Arryn, one of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
The canyon’s dramatic cliffs, towering waterfalls, and serene stream create a unique and awe-inspiring landscape that’s perfect for Game of Thrones fans to explore. In the show, the canyon serves as the backdrop for the Vale of Arryn, where many pivotal moments in the series take place, including the infamous moon door scene.
For Game of Thrones fans, visiting Stakkholtsgjá Canyon is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros and explore the locations that helped bring the series to life. Hiking through the canyon’s winding trails, visitors can reenact the epic moments from the show, imagining themselves as part of the intricate political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms.
The narrow slot canyons and towering cliffs of Stakkholtsgjá make it a destination unlike any other. Visitors can explore the canyon’s winding trails, witness its breathtaking waterfalls, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Relive the Epic Game of Thrones Scenes in Iceland
From the rugged beauty of Vatnajökull Glacier to the dramatic cliffs of Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, Iceland’s stunning locations have brought the world of Westeros to life in a way that no other destination could.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan or simply looking to explore Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes, our local specialists can help you create a bespoke tour itinerary that includes all of the show’s iconic locations. Our team has extensive knowledge of Iceland’s filming locations and can help you plan a tour that’s tailored to your interests and preferences.
Whether you’re looking to explore the harsh and unforgiving world beyond the Wall or relax in the steamy waters of Grjótagjá Cave, our specialists can help you plan an unforgettable Game of Thrones-inspired vacation in Iceland. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you create the trip of a lifetime.
