Are you a die-hard Game of Thrones fan? If so, we have good news: You don’t need to cross the Narrow Sea to walk in Jon Snow’s boots.
Welcome to Iceland, where winter isn't just coming, it's already here, full-on and face-slapping.
The icy love story between Iceland and the GOT universe began when the showrunners needed a landscape brutal enough to pass as Beyond the Wall.
Enter Iceland: cold, dramatic, full of lava, glaciers, and "did-you-hear-that?" winds. Basically, the perfect backdrop for White Walkers, epic battles, and the occasional undead bear.
🎬 Filming wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. During season 7, temps dropped to a cozy -28°C. And no, the cast did not get the memo on proper thermal underwear.
Enter Kristofer Hivju (aka Tormund Giantsbane), real-life legend and wool enthusiast, who saved the day by supplying the team with merino layers from Norwegian brand Devold.
Giantsbane with a heart of (warm) gold.
❄️ Where Game of Thrones Came to Life in Iceland
Where was game of thrones filmed in iceland – and how do you get there in a campervan?
Excellent question, noble traveler of the North!
If you're planning the ultimate Game of Thrones tour in Iceland, we've got you covered: No need for a raven or a map drawn in dragon blood!
Below you’ll find the top 10 Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland that every true fan should see at least once in their lifetime (or at least once per rewatch).
And yes, they’re all accessible by campervan, so you can chase White Walkers by day and grill hot dogs by night.
Ready for the ultimate road trip through Westeros? Because we are. Let's roll!
#1 - Þórufoss - S4 E06
Ready for a dragon sighting? Þórufoss is one of the most accessible Game of Thrones locations in Iceland, just a short detour off the Golden Circle before Þingvellir National Park.
No need to scale icy peaks or battle White Walkers – this one's easy.
In Season 4, Episode 6, Daenerys’ dragon drops in for a quick goat-flambé snack right here. So yeah, maybe leave your goat at home. You never know who's still hungry.
Fun twist: this scene takes place in Essos, a land known for heat and deserts... and yet Iceland nailed the look.
Blame it on the moody volcanic landscape, mossy textures, and that eerie “yep, a dragon could totally live here” vibe Iceland pulls off so well in summer.
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#2 - Thingvellir National Park - S1 E05, S4 E05, S4 E08
If there’s one place in Iceland that screams Westeros, it’s Thingvellir National Park.
This stunning rift valley is packed with jagged cliffs, lava rocks, and “is that a Wildling?” vibes at every turn. No wonder the Game of Thrones crew kept coming back!
It’s featured in several episodes across seasons 1 and 4, although it’s hard to pinpoint exact spots. Still, wandering through this landscape, you'll feel like you're in the show – minus the sword fights and frostbite.
Getting there from Reykjavík? Easy. Take Route 1 north, hop on Route 36, and you’re in. Cue the epic soundtrack.
🧠 KuKu Fact:
Before filming one of the show’s key battles here, stunt coordinator Paul Herbert scouted the location and planned out the entire choreography based on the terrain.
He even showed the actors photos beforehand so they could mentally prep for the fight. Respect the craft.
#3 - Svinafellsjokull Glacier - S2, S3, S7
Welcome to Svínafellsjökull, a tongue of ice so cinematic it’s earned the nickname “Hollywood Glacier.”
And for good reason: this place has starred in Game of Thrones, Batman Begins, and more Icelandic films than your Netflix queue can handle.
Located in Skaftafell National Park, this glacier made its first GoT appearance in Seasons 2 and 3, standing in as the unforgiving land Beyond the Wall.
It came back with a vengeance in Season 7 during that epic ice lake battle... you know, the one with zombie bears and terrible rescue plans.
Getting there is a breeze: just take Route 1 east from Reykjavík. The drive takes about four hours in your campervan, with perfect pit stops in Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur (try saying that five times fast) for snacks, gas, and some much-needed leg stretches.
And don’t miss the legendary road trip trio on the way:
By the time you reach the glacier, you’ll be so deep in Game of Thrones vibes, you’ll half expect to see a White Walker casually strolling by.
#4 - Dimmuborgir, Wildling Camp - S3 E01, S3 E02, S3 E05
If you’re a true fan, you’ll spot it immediately: the strange, twisted lava shapes of Dimmuborgir, a.k.a. the lava fortress.
This surreal landscape near Lake Mývatn is more than just one of the most famous attractions in north Iceland: it’s also where Mance Rayder’s Wildling army set up camp in Season 3.
So yes, you’re basically standing in Wildling HQ. And as if that wasn’t enough, this is also where Samwell Tarly and Lord Commander Mormont had a very bad time with some very cold undead visitors. You know the scene.
Beyond the GoT lore, Dimmuborgir is steeped in Icelandic legend too – it’s said to be the home of the troll lady Grýla and her charming third husband Leppalúði, who are just as creepy as the White Walkers, but more into cooking children than raising armies.
Locals say the place has a vibe. Some even claim to have seen White Walkers here.
Coincidence? Maybe. But bring a scarf. And maybe a dragonglass knife. Just in case.
#5 - Grjotagja - S3 E05
Ah yes, Grjótagjá, also known as that cave scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan with a soft spot for steam (and steamy scenes), this is your holy grail.
Made famous in the Season 3 episode “Kissed by Fire,” this natural hot spring cave near Lake Mývatn set the stage for one of the most romantic – and rewatched – moments in the entire series. Jon breaks vows, Ygritte steals hearts, and steam steals the show.
Getting there? Not exactly a stroll. The trail to the entrance can be rocky and a bit sketchy, so bring decent shoes and leave the flowing cloaks at home.
🧠 KuKu Fact:
Despite the cave being real, the actual scene was filmed on a studio set (with an added waterfall for extra romance). Icelandic nature’s gorgeous, but apparently not cinematically romantic enough for HBO.
Bonus tip: pair your visit to Grjótagjá with nearby Dimmuborgir and you’ve got the perfect day for fans of lava, legends, and longing stares across thermal pools.
And yes, Jon Snow knows how to pick a good hot spring.
#6 - Þjórsárdalur Valley - S4 E03
Even if you’re not on a quest to tick off every Game of Thrones filming location in Iceland, Þjórsárdalur Valley is absolutely worth the detour.
Dramatic cliffs, Viking vibes, and one of the tallest waterfalls in the country? Sign us up.
The valley runs along the Þjórsá River – Iceland’s longest – and is home to the epic Háifoss, which plunges 122 meters straight into black volcanic rock. A viewing point gives you full "whoa, am I in a fantasy movie?" feels.
But GoT-wise, this is the spot where things got dark. In Episode 3, Season 4, a Wildling ambush wipes out an innocent village: no mercy, no survivors.
The bloody scene was shot in Þjóðveldisbærinn, a Viking-era turf farm and church that still stands today (well, a reconstructed version of it, anyway).
Walking through the site, with its turf house and longhouse replica, feels like stepping into a different century – just maybe skip re-enacting the massacre part. Unless you're method acting. In which case... maybe dial it down?
#7 - Gjáin (Þjórsárdalur Valley) - S4 E05
Gjáin is basically Iceland in miniature: Like someone took waterfalls, lava caves, mossy rocks, and a red river (yes, red) and said, “Let’s make this magical.”
This little valley, just a short hike from the Saga Age Farm at Stöng, was the peaceful-ish resting spot for Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane in Season 4, Episode 5.
You know, that iconic moment when they stopped to bicker under a waterfall like two angry siblings on a forced family vacation.
With the Rauðá River running through and the surreal surroundings, Gjáin looks more like a fantasy dreamscape than a real place. Honestly, don’t be surprised if a fairy pokes its head out while you’re taking selfies.
Wear good shoes, bring your camera, and don’t forget to channel your inner Arya.
#8 - Hengilssvæðið - S4 E10
Brienne of Tarth vs. The Hound (one of the most brutal, emotional, muddy brawls in GoT history) was filmed right here in the Hengill mountain area.
The exact spots? Scattered across the volcanic hills. But once you’re there, the terrain screams “someone’s about to get kicked down a slope.”
Just a short trip from Reykjavík and part of the Golden Circle, Hengill is not only a GoT location, but also a killer hiking spot – literally.
To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to grab onto a chain bolted into the rock and climb your way up like a warrior. No pressure.
Just bring your best boots and maybe a little Brienne-level determination.
You’ll be rewarded with geothermal views, rocky drama, and serious “I could win a duel here” energy.
#9 - Reynisfjara Beach - S7 E05 and E06
Say hello to one of the most jaw-dropping beaches on Earth: Reynisfjara. This isn’t your average sunbathing spot: We’re talking jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and waves that don’t mess around.
This dramatic coastline starred in Season 7 of Game of Thrones as the beach near Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the easternmost outpost of the Night’s Watch, where the Wall meets the ocean and things get very, very icy.
The real beach is just off Route 1 near Vík, making it a perfect campervan stop with maximum GOT vibes. Just don’t turn your back on the waves – they’ve got more attitude than the Hound on a bad day.
With those geometric basalt stacks looking like nature’s version of a fortress, it’s no wonder the HBO team couldn’t resist filming here. Come for the show history, stay for the wind that’ll rearrange your face.
#10 - Skogafoss - S8 E01
Remember that very dramatic kiss between Jon Snow and Daenerys in Season 8, Episode 1 (the one with dragons soaring and waterfalls roaring?)
Well, that central waterfall is none other than the legendary Skógafoss – or at least the base of it. HBO gave it a little CGI glow-up, adding extra waterfalls and rocks, because apparently Iceland’s natural beauty still wasn’t enough for them.
Located just off Route 1, Skógafoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country. It's 60 meters tall, endlessly photogenic, and suspiciously looks like the perfect place to hide a Viking treasure chest. Coincidence? We think not.
And it’s not just for standing around and gazing dramatically: On the eastern side, you can climb the stairs and join the Fimmvörðuháls trail, which leads between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, eventually connecting with the Laugavegur trail to Landmannalaugar.
Pro tip: bring a rain jacket. That mist will soak you faster than Jon and Dany realized they were related.
Skógafoss isn’t just a must-stop on your Iceland campervan road trip, it’s where fantasy meets full-body drizzle. And yes, your Instagram will thank you.
Ready to follow the trail of thrones?
And there you have it: The 10 most epic Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland. Now stop daydreaming and start road-tripping.
Want to dive deeper into Iceland before you book? No worries: We’ve got plenty more tips, tricks, and wild facts waiting for you.
But if your inner Jon Snow is already screaming for adventure, here’s what you do:
Book your flight. Rent your KuKu camper. Hit the road.
Discover the real land of fire and ice, dodge White Walkers, and maybe even find your own Daenerys (or Jon – we don’t judge).
Westeros is calling. And it’s got better parking in Iceland.
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