11 of the coolest Game of Thrones locations and how to photograph them
Here at PhotoHound we are massive G.o.T fans and are still mourning the ending of the final series! If you’re missing it as much as we are, console yourself by exploring 11 of the coolest Game of Thrones locations and discover how to photograph them. Why not use PhotoHound to plan a photography trip to explore some of the actual locations used in the hit HBO TV series and relive some of those memorable scenes.
King’s Landing, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a must-visit destination for any G.o.T fan! Most of the scenes in King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms, were filmed in Dubrovnik, a stunning city and fortified port nestled on the Adriatic sea. It features in multiple episodes where the Red Keep is shown. The producers really didn’t have to change much for the series here as it looks so authentic.
Fort Bokar, Dubrovnik
Luka Esenko
St Dominic Street, Old Town Dubrovnik
In season 5, episode 10 Cersei Lannister begins her “Walk of Shame” from the Great Sept of Baelor, forced to walk naked down the elegant Baroque stairs on the south side of Gundulic Square, then through St Dominika Street – possibly one of the most iconic scenes of the entire show.
St Dominika Street
Luka Esenko
Stradun Street Classic View
Luka Esenko
City Walls, Dubrovnik
The city walls of Dubrovnik feature in many G.o.T scenes. Not least in the iconic battle of Blackwater Bay in season two, where the green wild fire ripped apart Stannis Baratheon’s attacking fleet. Fort Bokar featured in season 2 of Game of Thrones – memorably Tyrion and Lord Varys planned the defense of King’s Landing here while looking out to sea. In season 7 Cersei tells Jaime at this spot that she is planning to establish an alliance with Euron Greyjoy. The west wall near the Pile Gate is used as a practice yard in season 4. Cersei visits the Mountain here while he is killing prisoners and asks him to be her champion at Tyrion’s trial by combat.
City Walls, Dubrovnik
Luka Esenko
Fort Lovrijenac
The tournament for Joffrey’s 13th name day was held in this fort. At the tourney Ser Dontos is too drunk to joust and is almost drowned by Joffrey in a cask of wine. At the last minute he is saved by Sansa who pleads with Joffrey to spare him as a ‘fool’. The fort was also used for that memorable moment when Cersei reminds Littlefinger, with the help of her armed guards, that “power is power”.
Fort Lovrijenac
Luka Esenko
Trogir
Trogir´s old town doubles as the trading harbour of of Qarth and St. Dominic’s monastery is used as a key filming location for a number of scenes. In season 2, episode 6 Daenerys finds her guards dead here and her dragons stolen by the Warlocks of Qarth.
View of Trogir from the Kamerlengo Tower
Luka Esenko
Šibenik
The renaissance city of Šibenik doubles as the City of Braavos in season 5. UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cathedral of St James is the setting of the Iron Bank, the most powerful financial institution in the Free world.
The Cathedral of St James, Šibenik
Luka Esenko
Kirkjufell, Iceland
Moving now to Iceland… Kirkjufell is located on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, not far from Grundarfjörður. It is probably the most photographed mountain in Iceland. It features in season 7, episode 6 when the heroes go to north of the Wall, to the ‘Arrowhead mountain’. It also appears briefly in season 6, episode 5 with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall visible as the children of the forest create the first White Walker.
Kirkjufell, Iceland
Richard Lizzimore
Thingvellir
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) national park is located approximately 40 km from Reykjavík. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pass to the impenetrable Eyrie, the principal stronghold of House Arryn, is located in this national park – remember the scene in season 4 when Littlefinger and Sansa Stark arrive at the Eyrie? In the same season, Brienne and the Hound engage in a gruelling battle here, and in season 1 Catelyn Stark arrives via the pass to visit her sister.
Skala du Port
Luka Esenko
Moving back again to warmer climes… Essaouira’s ramparts date back to the 18th century and are the setting for the scene in season 3, episode 4 where Daenerys meets The Unsullied Army for the first time. This is the location of the ‘Walk of Punishment’, a road where slaves are crucified and displayed as examples to the slaves who thought of disobeying their masters. Nice!
Aït Benhaddou Morocco
Morocco’s Kasbah, Ait Benhaddou, is one of the most eye-catching filming locations featured in G.o.T. Featuring in the third season as both fictional cities of Yunkai and Pentos, this was the setting for most of the scenes filmed with Daenerys Targaryen. This fortified historical city is shown as the Slaving city in the series and provides the backdrop for Daenerys’ battle with the Second Sons to liberate the slaves.
Aït Benhaddou
Luka Esenko
Responsible Photography Note
Remember that many of these locations have become ‘honeypot spots’ as a result of being featured in Game of Thrones. When you arrive raring to shoot, don’t forget that for many locals this new found attention is likely to be unwelcome. Be mindful as you shoot of others going about their daily lives, especially at places of worship or where shop and market traders are trying to earn a living. Go early in the morning or later when the tour groups have departed to avoid the crowds – and also to get the best light. You might have to be patient to get the shot you want, so make sure you allow enough time for taking turns with other photographers.
When in national parks or areas of natural beauty, respect any guidelines and boundaries in place and don’t be tempted to step off marked pathways or ‘clean’ an area to get the perfect shot (even if you see others doing just that!). Lead by example and try to make as little impact as you can and leave the area as you found it.
Starry night at Aït Benhaddou
Luka Esenko
Share your favourite G.o.T spots with us
We’re sure you’ll spot other G.o.T locations on the PhotoHound world map. Or maybe you’ve been to one of the Seven Kingdoms yourself? Share your favourite G.o.T spots and photos with the PhotoHound community if so, or let us know your favorite locations you’d like to see added to PhotoHound map.
