Iceland has some incredible Game of Thrones filming locations… and I know exactly where to find the best ones!
Those dramatic, icy landscapes you remember from the show?
They’re real, and they’re here!
That’s why die-hard fans are obsessed with tracking down these spots. And once you see them in person, you’ll understand why.
I’m a huge fan of Game of Thrones. And I’ve spent years exploring Iceland.
So it just made sense to create a guide that lets you explore these real-life locations. 👏
If you enjoyed the show, you’re going to love this!
Let’s get into it!
Game of Thrones Filming Locations: North Iceland
When it comes to Game of Thrones, starting in the North seems like the obvious choice.
In the series, it’s the land of the Starks, known for its wild beauty, harsh conditions, and dramatic landscapes.
In Iceland, the steaming caves and lava fields of North Iceland were the perfect setting for some memorable scenes.
Grjótagjá Cave Game of Thrones
You might recognize this spot from Season 3 and the ever-so-famous love scene from Jon Snow and Ygritte.
This hot spring inside a cave is located in the Mývatn area in North Iceland. If you’re visiting Akureyri (the capital of the North), it’s a little over an hour’s drive away.
Those geothermal waters look warm and inviting, but if you’re tempted to recreate the scene 😉… just remember that taking a dip here is strictly forbidden!
Dimmuborgir: Game of Thrones
Only 4 miles (6.4km) south of Grjótagjá, you’ll find Dimmuborgir.
It’s one of the biggest lava fields in Iceland. You’ll notice all these unique lava formations, some even reaching 33 feet (20m).
It’s impressive to see them up close!
You might remember this Game of Thrones filming location as the site of the Wildling Camp in Season 3.
West Iceland: Mount Kirkjufell
Probably the most famous (and most photographed) location is Mount Kirkjufell, found on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Snæfellsnes is often referred to as mini Iceland, and this Game of Thrones mountain in Iceland is one of the must-see sites in the area.
And there’s a bonus when you visit – not one, but two waterfalls close by. You really can’t go wrong with waterfalls, can you?!
This mountain is featured in Season 7, when the men head north of the Wall and spot Arrowhead Mountain.
Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland’s Capital Region: Þórufoss Waterfall
In Season 4 there’s a waterfall scene when Daenerys’ dragon eats the goat and sets fire to the rest of the flock.
This moment was filmed at Þórufoss waterfall.
(Þórufoss is one of Jeannie’s gems I recommend seeing).
This waterfall is close to Þingvellir National Park and a short detour off the Golden Circle Route – one of the most popular driving routes in the country.
To visit these and all the other epic Game of Thrones filming locations at your own pace, renting a car is the easiest option.
I recommend 👉 Blue Car Rental, they have offices in Keflavík and downtown Reykjavík, and their selection of vehicles are rigged to handle Iceland’s rugged terrain.
You’ll get a 5% discount automatically applied at checkout (no code needed!) when you use this 👉 VIP LINK.
GOT Locations: South Iceland
There are truly so many incredible spots in South Iceland, it’s no wonder that A LOT of filming took place here!
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
The first major stop on the Golden Circle Route is Þingvellir National Park.
You’ll find incredible hiking trails here and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even snorkel in the Silfra fissure!
Þingvellir also appears a few times throughout the series with the most famous showcasing the ridge between the continents in Season 4. This was the narrow path leading to the Bloody Gate.
We’ve seen both Sansa and Arya walk this trail at different points in the show.
Here are more fun stops on the Golden Circle route. 👇
➡️ READ: Golden Circle, Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for a Dream Trip
Þjórsárdalur Valley
You’ll find green landscapes, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes in Þjórsárdalur Valley – no wonder it caught the eye of the GOT crew!
Gjáin Valley
This scenic valley looks absolutely magical – it’s even said that elves live here! Oh, and there are waterfalls everywhere… say no more, I’m in!
You’ll see this lush green valley in Season 4 where Arya and the Hound travel together.
Pro tip: Just remember that this Game of Thrones filming location is only accessible in the summer months.
Commonwealth Farm (Þjóðveldisbærinn)
This turf house in Þjórsárdalur (Thjorsardalur )Valley was reconstructed after it was destroyed by the Hekla volcano.
Þjóðveldisbærinn appears in Season 4 and is featured in the scene where all the inhabitants were killed by the Wildlings when they climbed the wall. Later, it’s where Arya and the Hound take shelter with a farmer and his daughter.
Skógafoss: Game of Thrones
Probably one of the most dramatic landscape scenes in Game of Thrones takes place at Skógafoss Waterfall.
This is where Jon Snow rides a dragon for the first time in Season 8.
There’s a huge waterfall surrounded by snow and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Not even the show’s incredible cinematography does it justice!
You can visit Skógafoss year-round, but if you want to experience hiking trails safely in winter please make sure to pack the right gear.
Hiking around waterfalls can get extremely slippery!
If you’re not sure what to pack for your trip, I’ve put together an 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
It includes weather averages, a layering cheat sheet, monthly packing lists, and items I personally recommend for the whole family.
Aside from what clothes to pack, there are also lists for electronics, documentation, accessories, luggage, and more.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below. 👇
Dyrholaey + Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Iceland: Game of Thrones
Other iconic Iceland Game of Thrones filming locations include Reynisfjara Beach and Dyrholaey.
Reynisfjara is the famous black sand beach and the interesting rock formations of Dyrholaey.
These are the locations for Eastwatch-by-the-sea where the men in the Knights Watch are guarding the wall in Season seven.
Fun fact: They’re also popular elopement locations in Iceland! Here are a few more ideas on 👉 How To Be Romantic in Iceland.
Game of Thrones Iceland: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
One of the most beautiful spots in Iceland has to be Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. It’s just off the Ring Road, under an hour’s drive from the village of Vík and a must-see on your itinerary!
It’s also featured in Season 8 in the dragon-riding scene.
There’s a scenic hike you can take, and it’s not a difficult one, so most people should manage. Just remember to take lots of photos!
Explore the guide to Fjaðrárgljúfur here. 👇
➡️ READ: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: How to Explore Iceland’s Most Beautiful Canyon on the Ring Road
Game of Thrones Glacier Filming Locations in Iceland
With so many snowy scenes in the series, Iceland’s glaciers were the perfect backdrop to film Game of Thrones.
In fact, about 11% of the country is covered in glaciers!
That’s why many of the north of the Wall and White Walker scenes were filmed on Svínafellsjökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Vatnajökull.
Svínafellsjökull is a glacier tongue off Vatnajökull (the main/biggest glacier), located in the Skaftafell region of Vatnajökull National Park.
There are so many incredible natural landscapes in Skaftafell, from forests and glaciers to waterfalls. This is a great one to add to your Iceland itinerary.
You can explore the full guide here. 👇
➡️ READ: Skaftafell National Park: Expert Tips on Where to Hike, Amazing Sites & More
Game of Thrones Tours, Iceland
While I personally love taking self-drive tours across the country, you can also let someone else handle all the planning for you.
Just show up at the meeting point and let the tour guides take care of the rest.
Check out my 👉 tour desk and select any of the places in this post you want to visit.
If you’re after a tour focused on the show, this Game of Thrones guided tour will take you through the Mývatn region, where Season 3’s Beyond the Wall scenes were filmed.
See waterfalls, lava fields, bubbling mud pools, and steaming hot springs while your expert guide shares insider Game of Thrones stories.
Finish the tour with a relaxing soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Myvatn Mystery & Magic – Game of Thrones
FAQs
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about Game of Thrones filming location. 👇
Was Game of Thrones Filmed in Iceland?
Yes, a lot of the filming was done in Iceland.
Where is Game of Thrones Filmed?
A few countries where Game of Thrones was filmed were Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, Spain, Malta, and Morocco.
What’s the Name of the Game of Thrones Iceland Waterfall?
There are a few famous waterfalls featured, but the massive waterfall in the Dragon Riding scene in Season 8 is Skógafoss.
Where is Arrowhead Mountain, Game of Thrones?
Mount Kirkjufell is in West Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a couple of miles from the fishing village of Grundarfjörður.
Game of Thrones Locations Map + Iceland Guidebook
As you can see, Team Iceland, there are a lot of incredible places to explore all around Iceland.
If seeing the real-life Game of Thrones filming locations is on your bucket list, preparation is key.
This is where my 👉 Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook makes your life A LOT easier.
All the Game of Thrones locations from this post are pinned on my digital map, from the steaming caves of Grjótagjá to the black sands of Reynisfjara.
In fact, there are hundreds of pinned locations including restrooms, gas stations, restaurants, hidden gems, and must-see natural wonders.
You’ll know exactly where to go, what to pack, and how to navigate Iceland’s roads with confidence – especially when ‘Winter is coming’. 😉
This guide makes it easy to experience it all at your own pace.
I can’t wait for you to see all these magical places in person!
Happy Planning!
