July 20, 2018 | Interests
Game of Thrones is real and we have proof
By Reid F.
It’s so easy to get lost in the beauty of Westeros. And not in the “let’s wander around the woods outside Craster’s Keep for five seasons” way. More like, daydreaming about the fairytale cityscapes and fantastical wilderness wishing that you could see them for real.
Well, we have good news and great news for you:
The good news is that almost all of “Game of Thrones” is shot in real-life locations (#nogreenscreen). The great news is that you can see them all for yourself.
Keep it 100 at the Red Keep
No “Game of Thrones” fortification may be more iconic than that of King’s Landing. Home of the Lannisters, and site of the Battle of the Blackwater Bay (AKA the most stressful hour of my life, AKA the reason my couch is all ripped up from my fingernails).
King’s Landing is actually Dubrovnik, Croatia. This beautiful medieval city has become a Mediterranean must-visit. Spend a day sieging a feast of seafood, and retracing Cersei’s walk of shame (but for the love of Hodor, PLEASE wear some clothes).
Dubrovnik, Croatia or...King's Landing?
Stark Beauty
Had enough of the bad guys? You’ll find Winterfell (not to mention the Iron Islands) located conveniently just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland. Try and resist the urge to start chanting “the King of the North!” after sampling Bushmill’s at the nearby distillery.
Where are all the direwolves?
The Song of Ice & Fire in the Land of Fire & Ice
Much like in Westeros, it’s not a far leap from Winterfell to north of the wall, filmed almost entirely in Iceland. Hop on the Ring Road and take a tour of the Frostfangs like the brave Night’s Watchman (or woman) that you are. Be sure to hit Thingvellir National Park and practice your fencing in the oversized footsteps of Brienne of Tarth in the very spot she fought the Hound.
Thingvellir National Park
Gosh Dorne Beautiful
Spain is not all tapas and siestas. You’d know that if you’re a true Thrones fan. Dragonstone Beach with its snaking walkway? Outside Bilbao in northern Basque country. And the Arabic-inspired flourishes of Dorne are none other than the sun-kissed palatial estates of Seville.
The bridge to Dragonstone
It doesn’t matter what the haters say, “Game of Thrones” is real and spectacular. And not all the clairvoyance of the Three-Eyed Raven can make up for seeing the world of Westeros in person. So, get out there and see it for yourself.
