Land of Fire and Ice – Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland

I’ve seen how the land stretches much farther than any man knows, into the Land of Always Winter where the White Walkers came from during the Long Night.”

―Jon Snow

Jon Snow’s words send a chill down our spine even if we’re safe on the couch in our homes far far away from the frigid territories of the White Walkers.

The Land of Fire and Ice – Iceland

The real Beyond The Wall lies spread out over nomadic ice sheets across the uncharted and wild snow caps of Iceland. Cold, frigid, but unbelievably scenic, Iceland hosts a wide range of conditions such as active volcanoes, lava fields, grasslands and waterfalls under its spellbinding auroras.

game of thrones locations in iceland

Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland

Because of the vast types of terrains available, Iceland naturally sought attention for GoT filming.  The lands of the Free Folk, the blizzard-ridden North and the monumental Wall are dispersed around various locations in the country.

Vatnajökull National Park

On the Eastern shore of Iceland, this huge national park of approximately 14,000 square kilometers hosted the cast and crew of GoT over many seasons. Its unyielding terrain is a favourite with adventurers as it offers plenty of glacier climbing, ice walking and lagoon boating opportunities. Watch out for the unruly wildlings hurtling towards you over its frozen rivers, bubbling lava sheets and hidden caves!

game of thrones locations in iceland

game of thrones locations in iceland

Beyond The Wall

game of thrones locations in iceland

game of thrones locations in iceland

Jon Snow and Ygritte at the Skaftafell National Park, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park

This park covers 13% of the country and notably is home to Europe’s largest glacier, the Vatnajökull glacier. Its also home to the continent’s most powerful waterfall, the Dettifoss. Since GoT filming began in Iceland, this park has witnessed a steady annual increase in tourists (566,000 in 2011 to over 1 million in 2015) wanting to try out snow camping and wild exploration.

Grjótagjá Cave

Another one of the Game of Thrones locations in Iceland is the Grjótagjá Cave. This elusive cave near Lake Mývatn in north eastern Iceland. Its often covered under heaps of snow and you need to scramble around a bit before you can reach it. The cave houses a hot thermal spring where Icelanders have been bathing for centuries in waters hovering around 43°C.

game of thrones locations in iceland

Inside the warm thermal bathing cave

The quietness of the cave makes you forget the icy chills and hollering winds raging outside. Perhaps its intimate solitude is what led to the creation of Jon Snow’s and Ygritte’s love scene inside in season 3.

game of thrones locations in iceland

Around 100 people can easily bask and relax in the soothing lava cave for free. However, you must check in advance with regards to the bathing rules at the cave. Bring torches and headlamps as its quite dark inside.

Dimmuborgir

Again near Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir a dark lava field with spectacular rock formations, is where Mance Rayder’s wildling army camped in season 3. You can identify them as wild northern landscapes in many other GoT episodes.

game of thrones locations in iceland

game of thrones locations in iceland

Dimmuborgir during winter

game of thrones locations in iceland

Other Game of Thrones locations in Iceland:

Kirkjufell Mountain – This mountain was filmed as the birthplace of the Night King. Its the real life Arrowhead Mountain in the Hound’s vision and battle scene location beyond the wall in season 7.

game of thrones locations in iceland

game of thrones locations in iceland

game of thrones locations in iceland

Kirkjufell seen in the background in season 6

game of thrones locations in iceland

Pingvellir National Park – Served as the backdrop for the Vale landscape.

Hengilssvæðið – The place where the fighting between the Hound and Brienne of Tarth took place in season 4.

game of thrones locations in iceland

The Game of Thrones and Iceland love story doesn’t stop with just the filming!

Did you know that the Mountain, aka Gregor Clegane is played by Iceland actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson from season 4th onwards?

game of thrones locations in iceland

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson aka the Mountain, in Game of Thrones

game of thrones locations in iceland

The 200 kg strongman has had a vivid career in basketball and has won the title of Europe’s Strongest Man in 2014. He is extremely famous for his rock-lifting capabilities. Locals often refer to him as the ‘King of the Stones.’

 

Planning a trip to Iceland?

Iceland is interspersed with lots of nomadic scenery and vegetation. And Icelanders prefer to keep it that way, living at par with nature.

game of thrones locations in iceland

Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park

Coming across loaded rest stations every now and then is not a realistic expectation. Pack heavy gear and go on guided excursions only. Keep copies updated maps and take stock of driving times and the weather always. Visit Icelandic Road Administration website for live updates.

Government-approved campsites, huts and hiking routes can be found on the Icelandic Touring Association website.

Roam at a leisurely pace, but avoid provoking nature. Most importantly, use your common sense.

Ever wondered where the real Pandora of Avatar is? We have answers!

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4 Responses

  1. Iceland is indeed a very beautiful country! These photos are just WOW! There is probably nowhere on earth like it. GOT is indeed very fortunate to finding these beautiful natural spots. I hope I can visit this place soon.

    • Travel and Trots says:

      Thank you! Yes! There’s a lot of pristine beauty in seeing nomadic ice sheets floating across frozen landscapes. Iceland is an amazing country! We’re glad we could inspire you to travel!

  1. September 20, 2017

    […] Other Game of Thrones filming locations in Europe – Click here […]

  2. October 10, 2017

    […] Why you should head to Iceland if you’re a Game of Thrones fan – GoT filming locations in Iceland […]

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