All Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Iceland

Explore the Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland and experience the landscapes that shaped the series’ most iconic moments. Glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches set the stage for unforgettable scenes beyond the Wall and at the Bloody Gate.

Walk through the same landscapes seen on screen during Game of Thrones tours and see how Iceland’s wild beauty became Westeros. Independent travelers can also book car rentals and explore these routes on self-drive tours to reach each filming site at their own pace.

For a complete experience, a summer vacation package in Iceland with Game of Thrones locations combines guided excursions, scenic drives, and comfortable stays. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Iceland’s landscapes while tracing the path of Jon Snow, Arya Stark, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Keep reading to discover every filming site across Iceland, learn how to plan your route, and find the best ways to step into the world of Game of Thrones.

Legacy of Game of Thrones and Its Filming Locations

When Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, it transformed television with its vast world and cinematic visuals. Viewers were drawn into its battles, politics, and landscapes that felt real and lived in. The series ended in 2019, but its influence remains strong in the places where it was filmed.

The show used real destinations to portray its fantasy continents. Northern Ireland appeared as Winterfell and the Kingsroad, while Croatia became King’s Landing. Spain hosted Dorne and Dragonstone, and early seasons featured Malta and Morocco for their historic look.

Among all the filming countries, Iceland stood out for its dramatic scenery. Its glaciers, lava fields, and black-sand beaches shaped the frozen wilderness north of the Wall. The country’s rugged terrain became the backdrop for many of the show’s most striking moments.

Today, fans still travel to see these filming sites in person. In Iceland, you can explore many of the same places where Jon Snow, Arya Stark, and Daenerys Targaryen’s stories unfolded. The next sections show where each scene was filmed and how you can visit them yourself.

List of Iceland Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Iceland was one of the most important filming destinations for Game of Thrones. If you don’t want to book a Game of Thrones vacation package, use this list as a quick guide to all the confirmed Iceland filming sites and the scenes they appeared in.

The next sections will discuss these Game of Thrones attractions in Iceland by region, helping you plan a route that follows the show’s most iconic landscapes.

Southwest Iceland Game of Thrones Filming Locations

The southwest is home to several of the most famous Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland. Many of the show’s Season 4 scenes were filmed here, including the Bloody Gate, Brienne and the Hound’s duel, and Drogon’s first attack.

These sites are all within a few hours’ drive from the capital, which makes them perfect for a Game of Thrones day trip from Reykjavik. You can start your journey at Thingvellir National Park, continue east to Hengill and Nesjavellir, and finish at Thorufoss Waterfall in Kjos Valley.

Thingvellir National Park (The Vale of Arryn and the Bloody Gate)

Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most popular stops on the Golden Circle Route and one of the most recognizable Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland. It’s about 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik, and you can reach it by car in roughly 45 minutes.

The park is open year-round and has paid parking of about 1,000 ISK to 1,200 ISK (7 USD to 9 USD). To reach the film locations, start at the main entrance on Route 36. Follow the paved path into Almannagja Gorge and continue along the same trail to reach Oxararfoss Waterfall.

Fun fact: The horses used by Arya and the Hound in the scenes filmed around Thingvellir were Icelandic horses. Their small, sturdy build made them a natural fit for the rough terrain, helping the production capture a realistic journey through the mountains toward the Bloody Gate.

Almannagja Gorge (The Passage to the Bloody Gate)

The Almannagja Gorge was used as the mountain pass leading to the Bloody Gate, the fortress guarding the Vale of Arryn. The site appears in Season 4 when Sansa Stark travels with Petyr Baelish toward the Vale and again when Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane arrive at the gate later in the season.

Oxararfoss Trail: The Bloody Gate and Wildling Scenes

The Oxararfoss Trail runs through the same gorge and was the exact spot where the Bloody Gate was digitally added for the show. In real life, the trail continues to a small parking area near the Oxararfoss Waterfall.

Hengill and Nesjavellir Area (Brienne and the Hound’s Duel)

The area around Hengill Mountain and the Nesjavellir Geothermal Fields in Southwest Iceland was used to film the fight between Brienne of Tarth and the Hound in Season 4, Episode 10 of Game of Thrones. The exact filming points are not marked, but the surrounding trails offer similar views and landscapes.

In this episode, Brienne and Podrick encounter Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane. When Brienne insists on taking Arya under her protection, the Hound refuses, leading to one of the show’s most intense duels. The brutal fight ends with Brienne defeating the Hound and leaving him gravely injured on the mountainside.

Hengill is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. There is free parking near the main hiking entrances along Route 435 and Route 360. The area is open year-round and free to enter, with walking paths leading to viewpoints over the Nesjavellir Power Station.

Thorufoss Waterfall (Drogon Attacks the Goatherd’s Flock)

Thorufoss Waterfall appears in Episode 6 of Season 4 when Drogon, one of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, attacks a goatherd’s flock. The scene shows the dragon swooping down over a quiet valley before setting it ablaze, marking one of the first signs of Drogon’s growing independence.

The filming took place at Thorufoss on the Laxa i Kjos River. It’s about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik. The drive takes around 45 minutes from the city or 25 minutes from Thingvellir. The waterfall sits just off Route 48 (Kjosarskardsvegur) and is reached by a short gravel road.

The waterfall is free to visit and open year-round, though the path can get muddy or icy in winter. Walk to the riverbank opposite the falls to see the same angle used in the show.

South Iceland Game of Thrones Locations To Visit

South Iceland features some of the most scenic Game of Thrones Iceland locations, which helped create the landscapes of the North. Many of these sites are easily accessible from the Ring Road and can be visited in a single day from Reykjavik or as part of a longer South Coast trip.

Travelers can visit Game of Thrones sites in Iceland, such as Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong, Skogafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Beach, and Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Each spot offers a mix of Icelandic natural beauty and recognizable backdrops from the series.

Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong in Thjorsardalur Valley (Arya’s Village Scene)

Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong, a reconstructed Viking-era farm in Thjorsardalur Valley, appears in Season 4 of Game of Thrones. The site was used for the tragic scene where a wildling raid devastates a small village. In the episode, a boy named Olly witnesses his home being attacked and his parents being killed.

Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Reykjavik and roughly a two-hour drive. The site is open from May to September. Entrance costs 2,500 ISK (about 18 USD) for adults.

Skogafoss Waterfall (Jon and Daenerys’ Dragon Flight Scene

Skogafoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks and a highlight along the South Coast. It appears in Season 8, Episode 1 of Game of Thrones during the dragon flight scene with Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.

After landing near the base of the waterfall, they share a quiet moment before continuing north. The scene was filmed at the bottom of the falls, where the spray often creates rainbows on sunny days. 

Skogafoss is located about 95 miles (150 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, or a two-hour drive along the Ring Road. It’s free to visit and open year-round. Travelers can view the falls from the ground or climb the staircase to the top for a panoramic view of the river and surrounding cliffs.

Fun fact: Like many scenes in the series, the landscape was enhanced with CGI to make it more dramatic and romantic, which might make it hard to recognize at first. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (Eastwatch by the Sea)

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach appears in Season 7, Episode 5 of Game of Thrones as the coastline near Eastwatch by the Sea. This is where Jon Snow, Tormund Giantsbane, and the Night’s Watch prepare for their mission beyond the Wall.

Filming took place along the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks and the cliffs near the town of Vik. The beach’s dark sand, towering basalt cliffs, and crashing waves made it a perfect stand-in for the icy northern shore.

Reynisfjara is about 112 miles (180 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik, or around a two-and-a-half-hour drive along the Ring Road. The beach is open year-round and parking costs about 1,000 ISK (7 USD). Visitors should stay well back from the surf, as powerful “sneaker waves” can surge suddenly up the shore.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon (Dragon Flight Over the South)

Fjadrargljufur Canyon appears in Season 8, Episode 1 of Game of Thrones during the dragon flight scene featuring Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. It’s one of the many Icelandic landscapes shown as they soar through the North before landing at Skogafoss.

Fjadrargljufur is about 155 miles (250 kilometers) east of Reykjavik and a short drive from the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It’s easy to access off the Ring Road, and parking costs 1,000 ISK (about 7 USD) per car. Walking paths along the upper rim provide views of the canyon and the river below.

Southeast Iceland Glaciers From Game of Thrones

The southeast is home to some of the most dramatic Game of Thrones glacier filming locations in Iceland. These glaciers provided the ideal setting for the frozen lands beyond the Wall and scenes with the Night’s Watch, the wildlings, and the White Walkers.

Most of these sites lie within or near Vatnajokull National Park, easily reached along the Ring Road from the South Coast. Travelers can explore viewpoints, join a Vatnajokull glacier hike, and experience the same striking landscapes featured throughout the series.

Gigjokull Glacier (Wight Expedition Base)

Gigjokull Glacier, a small outlet glacier from the larger Eyjafjallajokull Ice Cap, was used during the Wight-capture sequence in Season 7, Episode 6. The site’s rugged terrain provided the backdrop for the expedition’s trek.

Gigjokull is about 95 miles (150 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, near the town of Hvolsvollur. It’s challenging to reach and is best visited on a Super Jeep tour to Thorsmork Valley. With a tour, you can view the glacier from the valley floor, though access to the ice is limited due to unstable terrain.

Myrdalsjokull Glacier (The Fist of the First Men)

Myrdalsjokull Glacier served as one of the filming sites for the area known as the Fist of the First Men, first seen in Season 2 of Game of Thrones. In the show, Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch camp on a frozen plateau during their expedition beyond the Wall.

Myrdalsjokull is about 105 miles (170 kilometers) east of Reykjavik and around a two-hour drive along the Ring Road. Visitors can visit the Solheimajokull Outlet Glacier, though access to the ice is only available via tours. Parking is available at the Solheimajokull Car Park for 750 ISK (5 USD).

Fun fact: The outlet glacier is one of Iceland’s best spots for glacier hiking, with a Solheimajokull glacier hike suitable for beginners available. These walks allow you to experience the same icy landscapes that appeared on screen.

Svinafellsjokull Glacier (Beyond the Wall Expeditions)

Svinafellsjokull Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajokull Ice Cap, was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones for scenes set north of the Wall. This glacier appeared in the show beginning in Season 2 as part of the icy wilderness backdrop for the Night’s Watch and wildlings storyline.

Svinafellsjokull is about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east of Reykjavik and a four-and-a-half-hour drive along the Ring Road. You can reach the viewing area by a short gravel road off Route 1, just past Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The site is free to visit, though hiking on the ice is only possible with a certified guide.

Fun fact: Svinafellsjokull had also appeared in films like “Interstellar” and “Batman Begins,” earning it the nickname of Hollywood Glacier. The viewing point near Skaftafell remains one of the most photographed glacier scenes in Iceland.

Vatnajokull Glacier (North of the Wall)

Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe, was used as a filming location for scenes set beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones. Its vast ice fields and southern outlets near Skaftafell provided the dramatic backdrop for the frozen wilderness seen in Seasons 2 and 3.

Vatnajokull is about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, around a five-hour drive along the Ring Road. Visitors can see the glacier from several viewpoints within Vatnajokull National Park or join a guided tour to explore its Blue Ice Cave and outlets safely.

Fun fact: Early northern scenes were filmed in Ireland using studio sets and artificial snow, then moved to Iceland from Season 2 onward. The Vatnajokull shoots were challenging, with teams working in midwinter and hauling gear on and off the ice in near darkness.

North Iceland Game of Thrones Filming Locations

The northern region is home to some of the most striking Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland, centered around the volcanic landscapes of Lake Myvatn. This region captured the wild, untamed look of the lands beyond the Wall.

Most of these sites are close together and easy to explore by car or with a Game of Thrones tour around Lake Myvatn. The area is open year-round and makes an ideal stop for travelers driving the Ring Road through North Iceland.

Grjotagja Cave (Jon and Ygritte’s Hideaway)

Grjotagja Cave near Lake Myvatn appears in Season 3, Episode 5 of Game of Thrones as Jon Snow and Ygritte’s secret hideaway. The small lava cave shelters a bright-blue geothermal pool framed by dark volcanic rock. A waterfall was added through CGI to enhance the beauty of the setting, but the cave is instantly recognizable.

Grjotagja is about 295 miles (475 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik, or roughly a six-hour drive along the Ring Road. It’s easily accessible by car from the village of Reykjahlid near Lake Myvatn, with free parking available beside the cave. 

Fun fact: Grjotagja was once a popular local bathing spot, but volcanic activity in the 1970s made the water dangerously hot. Swimming is no longer allowed here, but the site remains one of Iceland’s most famous Game of Thrones filming locations.

Hverir Geothermal Area (Steam Fields North of the Wall)

The Hverir Geothermal Area near Lake Myvatn appears in Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 1, during Samwell Tarly’s journey north of the Wall. Its steaming vents and bubbling mud pools were used to simulate the blinding snowstorm that Sam struggles through in the frozen wilderness.

Hverir is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik, or a six-hour drive along the Ring Road. It’s a short distance from the village of Reykjahlid and easily combined with visits to Grjotagja. Parking costs about 1,200 ISK (8 USD), and wooden walkways allow visitors to explore safely.

Dimmuborgir Lava Field (Wildling Camp)

Dimmuborgir Lava Field appears in Season 3 of Game of Thrones as the wildling camp led by Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall. Scenes filmed here show Jon Snow meeting Mance Rayder and earning the trust of the wildlings during his infiltration of their ranks.

Dimmuborgir is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik, or roughly a six-hour drive along the Ring Road. It’s a short drive from Reykjahlid Village, with walking paths and parking. Entry is free, and the site is open year-round.

Fun fact: According to Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to be home to trolls and the mischievous Yule Lads. This eerie legend made it an even more fitting backdrop for the wildlings’ camp in the show.

Hofdi Peninsula (Wildling Encampment near Lake Myvatn)

The Hofdi Peninsula on the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn appears in Season 3 of Game of Thrones as part of the wildling encampment beyond the Wall. Its lava pillars, moss-covered rocks, and coves created a fitting landscape for the Free Folk’s camp scenes alongside nearby Dimmuborgir.

The crew used this area for wide, sweeping shots of the wildlings’ gatherings, highlighting the volcanic shapes and still waters of the lake. The natural terrain required little alteration, blending seamlessly with the surrounding filming sites used for Mance Rayder’s army.

Hofdi is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik, or a six-hour drive along the Ring Road. It’s easily reached from the village of Reykjahlid and offers walking trails and views across Lake Myvatn. Entry and parking are free.

West Iceland Game of Thrones Filming Location

West Iceland is home to the Kirkjufell Game of Thrones filming site, one of the most recognizable landscapes in the series. Featured as the Arrowhead Mountain beyond the Wall, Mount Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula appeared in key moments of Seasons 6 and 7.

Its dramatic cone shape and nearby waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss, made it the perfect symbol of the frozen North. Travelers can easily reach the site from Reykjavik with Snaefellsness tours to see the same view that appeared on screen.

Kirkjufell Mountain (The Arrowhead Peak Beyond the Wall)

Kirkjufell Mountain appears in Game of Thrones as the Arrowhead Mountain Beyond the Wall. It appears in Season 6, Episode 5, during Bran’s vision of the Children of the Forest creating the first White Walker. The mountain returns in Season 7, Episode 6, when Jon Snow and his group travel north to capture a wight.

Kirkjufell is about 110 miles (180 kilometers) northwest of Reykjavik, or a two-and-a-half-hour drive along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Entry is free, and parking costs about 1,000 ISK (7 USD).

Fun fact: Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. The best viewing spot is by the parking area near Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, where visitors can see the same angle used in the show.

Game of Thrones Iceland Map and Travel Route

Use this Game of Thrones Iceland map to plan your own journey through the country’s most famous filming locations. The stops are spread across Iceland, many of them located along or near the Ring Road.

Click on each marker to see photos, episode details, and travel tips for visiting the sites. The map is especially helpful if you’re taking a Game of Thrones self-drive trip or joining a Game of Thrones tour in Iceland to understand driving distances and the attractions.

FAQs About Game of Thrones Filming in Iceland

If you’re planning to visit the Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland, the answers to these common questions will help you make the most of your trip.

Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Iceland?

Filming took place across Iceland in locations such as Thingvellir National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Svinafellsjokull. The lava fields of Dimmuborgir near Lake Myvatn were also featured.

Where is the Game of Thrones mountain in Iceland?

The mountain known in the show as “the Mountain Shaped Like an Arrowhead” is Kirkjufell, located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. It appears in Seasons 6 and 7 and is one of the most photographed mountains in the country.

Was the black sand beach in Game of Thrones in Iceland?

Yes. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach on Iceland’s South Coast was used as the filming location for Eastwatch by the Sea in Season 7. The dramatic cliffs and volcanic sand made it a perfect setting for the show’s northern coastline.

Can you visit the Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland?

Yes. Most sites are open year-round and easy to reach by car. Remote areas such as Svinafellsjokull Glacier are best explored with a local guide for safety. Popular locations like Thingvellir and Kirkjufell are freely accessible.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the Game of Thrones filming locations?

Many filming sites can be reached with a regular car during the summer. In winter, 4x4 rental cars are recommended, especially when visiting remote areas like Lake Myvatn or the glaciers in the southeast.

Is it safe to visit these filming locations year-round?

Most Game of Thrones locations are safe and accessible throughout the year. However, conditions can change quickly, particularly on glaciers and mountain roads. Always check the weather and road updates before traveling.

What is the best time to visit the Game of Thrones sites in Iceland?

Visit between November and March if you want snow-covered scenery similar to what appears on screen. For easier driving and longer daylight hours, plan your trip between June and August.

Why was Game of Thrones filmed in Iceland?

Iceland’s landscapes made it the perfect setting for the lands North of the Wall. Glaciers, volcanic plains, and icy valleys gave the show its wild, otherworldly atmosphere. Many striking locations lie close to the Ring Road, and local crews are experienced in working across rugged terrain.

How hard was filming Game of Thrones in Iceland?

Filming in Iceland posed challenges for the Game of Thrones cast and crew. Much of the production took place in winter, when daylight lasts only about five hours, so every scene had to be filmed within a narrow window.

The landscapes were often remote and rugged, including glaciers and lava fields that required four-wheel-drive access and careful planning. Crews also faced freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snow.

What are the similarities between Game of Thrones and Icelandic folklore?

George R. R. Martin never stated that Icelandic folklore inspired A Song of Ice and Fire, but the parallels are clear. The hidden people, or Huldufolk, resemble the Children of the Forest as both are ancient, nature-bound beings who live apart from humans.

The giants north of the Wall share traits with Icelandic trolls, who are said to dwell in mountains and turn to stone in sunlight. Even the North’s old religion reflects Iceland’s pagan roots, where nature and the unseen world once shaped daily life.

Who is the Icelandic actor who played The Mountain in Game of Thrones?

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson played Ser Gregor Clegane, also known as The Mountain That Rides, in Game of Thrones. Hafþór is a professional strongman who won the title of World’s Strongest Man in 2018.

Plan Your Game of Thrones Road Trip in Iceland

Exploring Iceland through its Game of Thrones filming sites is one of the most memorable ways to experience the country’s dramatic scenery. Each location offers a glimpse of the landscapes that shaped the series, from glaciers and lava fields to waterfalls and black-sand beaches.

You can take a guided Game of Thrones tour or follow along a Game of Thrones self-drive itinerary. Many of these sites are close to popular routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast, which makes it easy to combine a Game of Thrones adventure with other Iceland highlights.

Iceland’s connection to the series has become part of its storytelling charm. Visiting these filming locations lets you relive key moments from Westeros while discovering why the country’s landscapes continue to inspire filmmakers and travelers alike.

Which of these Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland would you most like to visit first? Leave a comment below.