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Walking Through Westeros: A Real-Life Road Trip for Game of Thrones Fans
Alright, let’s be real. The show’s over, but are we over the show? Nope. You’ve probably wasted a perfectly good afternoon daydreaming about what it would be like to actually walk through Westeros. Well, there are good news because YES, you can.
And it doesn’t mean one of those boring tours where you just take a picture of a field and someone tells you it’s where a battle happened. In reailtiy it would mean that you can actually feel it. Feeling that cold northern air, standing where the Starks stood, and seeing the world you love with your own two eyes. So, if you’re ready to make it happen, here’s a rough guide on how to do it.
For those unfamiliar with the epic fantasy saga, Game of Thrones captivated millions with its intricate plots, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. Central to its universe is Westeros, the fictional continent where much of the drama unfolds, a land filled with ancient castles, rugged landscapes, and diverse kingdoms. While the show’s narrative may be purely imaginative, many of its most iconic scenes were brought to life in breathtaking real-world locations. Jump right in as you’re invited to discover how you can step directly into the world of Westeros, exploring the actual places across Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, and Iceland that served as the dramatic backdrops for this globally renowned series.
First Stop: The North & The Iron Islands (Northern Ireland)
You have to start in the North. It’s where everything kicked off. Northern Ireland was the show’s home base, and the whole country has that grey, moody, Stark-approved vibe.
- Winterfell is Real (Castle Ward): Your first stop has to be Castle Ward. You’ll recognize it instantly as Winterfell. It’s the actual courtyard where Jon and Robb were making fun of Bran’s archery skills. You can even pay a little extra to have someone hand you a cloak and a bow. It might feel a bit cheesy, but come on, you’re shooting arrows in Winterfell. It’s awesome.
- The Kingsroad (The Dark Hedges): Remember that spooky road Arya takes when she escapes King’s Landing? It’s a real place called the Dark Hedges. A word of advice from someone who’s been there: get there at sunrise or just before sunset. Otherwise, it’s packed with tourists, and you’ll lose the magic. When it’s empty, it’s genuinely eerie and beautiful.
- The Iron Islands (Ballintoy Harbour): To see where the Greyjoys come from, head to Ballintoy Harbour. This is the exact spot where Theon had his super awkward homecoming. With the waves crashing and the smell of salt in the air, you can just feel the misery and toughness of the Ironborn.
Second Stop: King’s Landing & Meereen (Croatia)
Okay, enough of the rain. Time for some sunshine and political scheming in Croatia, which served as the main set for King’s Landing.
- The Capital City (Dubrovnik): Kidding you not, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is King’s Landing. You’ll just be walking around, turning corners, and pointing at things you recognize. You can go stand at the top of the Jesuit Staircase where Cersei started her walk of shame. It feels seriously weird to be there. The Red Keep is a real fort, Fort Lovrijenac, and when you look out over the water, you’ll half-expect to see enemy ships.
- The Dragon’s Lair (Split): A few hours away in Split, you’ll find the city of Meereen. The basement of an old Roman palace there is where Dany locked up her dragons. It’s dark, musty, and a little creepy—perfect for a dragon pit. You can walk through the cellars and just imagine hearing Rhaegal and Viserion hissing in the dark.
A quick note on logistics, because this part is important. Hopping from the United Kingdom, more precisely Northern Ireland, to Croatia and Spain means you’re crossing into the EU’s Schengen Zone. It’s not hard, but you have to be prepared. For many non-EU travelers, this means booking your Schengen visa appointments months in advance. This is why it is important not to sleep on this. It’s the kind of boring adult thing that can ruin your whole epic trip if you forget.
Third Stop: Dorne & Dragonstone (Spain)
Spain gave us some of the most stunning locations in the whole series, from the deserts of Dorne to the cliffs of Dragonstone.
- The Water Gardens of Dorne (Alcázar of Seville): The beautiful Water Gardens of Dorne are actually the Alcázar of Seville, a real-life royal palace. And honestly? The real thing is even more amazing. It’s so peaceful and beautiful, which makes it kind of funny to imagine the Martells plotting murder and revenge while strolling through the gardens.
- The Targaryen Stronghold (Gaztelugatxe): That insane winding staircase leading up to Dragonstone? It’s real. It’s on an islet called Gaztelugatxe in northern Spain. It’s a bit of a climb—241 steps—and your legs will probably be burning by the end, but it is so worth it. With the sea crashing around you, you feel completely cut off from the world, like you’re on the Targaryens’ private island.
Final Stop: Beyond the Wall (Iceland)
Last but not least, you have to go Beyond the Wall. And for that, there’s only one place to go: Iceland. The whole country looks like it was designed to be a fantasy set.
- The Frostfangs (Vatnajökull National Park): That massive, endless sheet of ice and snow where Jon and the wildlings nearly froze to death? That’s the Vatnajökull glacier. It’s huge and feels genuinely wild, however, this is not the place to be a hero, so it is important to hire a guide. They can take you on a glacier hike or into an ice cave safely.
- Jon and Ygritte’s Cave (Grjótagjá Cave): And yes, the love cave is real! It’s a little lava cave called Grjótagjá. The one bummer is that you can’t actually swim in the hot spring anymore because the water temperature is all over the place. But you can still climb down and see the steaming blue water. It’s a pretty cool spot for such a key fan-favorite scene.
Conclusion: The Trip Home
This journey goes beyond mere sightseeing; it’s a pilgrimage into a world that has captured the global imagination. By walking the same paths, feeling the same wind, and standing in the very spots where iconic scenes unfolded, you gain an unparalleled appreciation for the artistry and vision that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life. The rugged beauty of Northern Ireland, the ancient allure of Croatia, the sun-drenched majesty of Spain, and the stark wilderness of Iceland all underscore how profoundly real landscapes contributed to the show’s fantastical appeal. It’s an unforgettable experience that not only connects you more deeply with the saga, but also reveals the enduring magic that exists where fiction seamlessly merges with our magnificent world.
Overall, visiting these places isn’t just about getting cool photos. It’s about stepping into a world that you’ve loved for years. When you’re standing there, you realize how much of the show’s magic came from these real, incredible places. Westeros is out there. Go see it.