If you're a Game of Thrones fan planning a trip to Croatia, you might be curious about the stunning locations where the series was filmed. Croatia, with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, served as the perfect backdrop for King's Landing, Meereen, and other iconic settings. As you wander through Dubrovnik's ancient streets or discover Split's Diocletian's Palace, you'll feel like you've stepped right into Westeros. But there's more to unveil beyond these well-known spots, and each location holds its own unique charm. Ready to trace the footsteps of your favorite characters? Let's get started.
Key Takeaways
- Dubrovnik's Fort Lovrijenac and city walls represent King's Landing and the Battle of Blackwater Bay.
- Split's Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress were used for Daenerys' throne room and the city of Meereen.
- The Fortress of St. Michael in Šibenik served as the backdrop for the Sept of Baelor.
- Trsteno Arboretum was featured as the palace gardens of King's Landing.
- Dubrovnik's Jesuit Staircase was the filming location for Cersei's Walk of Shame.
Know Before You Go
Before you set out on your Game of Thrones adventure in Croatia, there are a few essential things you need to know.
Croatia became a key filming location for the series starting from season 2, with Dubrovnik and Split being the primary settings.
Dubrovnik, with its rich history and stunning architecture, stands in for King's Landing. Split, known for its cultural significance, represents Meereen.
The country's natural beauty and historical sites make it an ideal backdrop for Westeros.
Visiting these filming locations has become a popular activity for fans, with many guided tours available.
The best time to visit is during the summer months, particularly July and August, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Getting There
Traveling to Croatia for your Game of Thrones adventure is straightforward, thanks to the country's well-connected international airports and efficient transportation options.
Croatia boasts five main international airports in Zagreb, Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. These airports make it easy to reach the country by air.
For those preferring sea travel, international ferries dock at major ports in Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik.
If you're coming from mainland Europe, trains provide another convenient option.
Once in Croatia, buses offer a reliable and affordable way to get around, while driving is the most comfortable way to discover the various filming locations, many of which are just a few hours apart.
Dubrovnik Locations
Dubrovnik serves as the primary filming location for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones.
The city's historic walls and stunning architecture make it perfect for depicting the grandeur of the fictional city.
Start your visit at Fort Lovrijenac, which stands in for the Red Keep.
Walk along the city walls to see where many key scenes were shot, including the iconic Battle of Blackwater Bay.
Don't miss the Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei's 'Walk of Shame' took place.
Stroll through Pile Gate, the entrance to King's Landing, and traverse the Rector's Palace, which was used for various interior scenes.
These locations capture the essence of the show's dramatic setting.
Split Locations
You'll find that Split offers some of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming spots.
Diocletian's Palace, with its ancient architecture, served as the perfect setting for Daenerys' throne room.
Just outside the city, the Klis Fortress became the city of Meereen, adding a dramatic backdrop to the show's epic scenes.
Diocletian's Palace Scenes
Diocletian's Palace in Split played a pivotal role as the filming location for Daenerys Targaryen's throne room and the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones.
The palace's basements served as the setting where Daenerys kept her dragons, adding an authentic ancient ambiance to the scenes.
As you wander the alleyways and cobblestone streets within the palace walls, you'll recognize many spots from the show.
The intricate architecture and historical significance of Diocletian's Palace provided the perfect backdrop to bring the fictional city of Meereen to life.
Visiting these locations in person offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the realm of Game of Thrones while appreciating the rich heritage of Split.
Klis Fortress Highlights
Just a short drive from Split, Klis Fortress serves as another iconic filming location for the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones. The fortress, enhanced by computer-generated imagery, closely resembles Meereen, with recognizable trees, walls, windows, and walkways.
As a Game of Thrones devotee, you'll find Klis Fortress offers an immersive experience.
Historic Walkways: Wander through ancient pathways that appeared on screen.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views that capture the essence of the show's setting.
Information Boards: Learn about the fortress's strategic importance and filming details.
Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable photos at key spots seen in the series.
Klis Fortress is a must-visit for both history buffs and show enthusiasts.
Šibenik Locations
When visiting Game of Thrones filming locations in Šibenik, you'll find that the Fortress of St. Michael and the St. James Cathedral are key sites.
The Fortress of St. Michael, with its commanding views, sets the scene for dramatic moments in the series.
The UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral adds a touch of historical grandeur to the show's backdrop.
Fortress of St. Michael
The Fortress of St. Michael in Šibenik offers an immersive experience for Game of Thrones fans, serving as the dramatic backdrop for the Sept of Baelor in King's Landing. This 16th-century fortress is perfect for capturing the show's intense religious and political scenes.
When you visit, you can:
- Explore the impressive walls where the High Sparrow and his Sparrows roamed.
- Admire the unique architectural features that made the fortress an ideal setting.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from the fortress's vantage points.
- Imagine yourself in King's Landing, surrounded by medieval atmosphere.
These elements combine to create an unforgettable visit, bringing the realm of Game of Thrones to life in a historic Croatian setting.
St. James Cathedral
St. James Cathedral in Šibenik, a UNESCO global heritage site, stands as the real-life location for the Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones.
The cathedral's Renaissance-style architecture and impressive stone façade made it an ideal filming location for the main religious building in King's Landing.
You'll recognize the cathedral's distinctive domed roof and ornate details, perfectly captured on screen.
Key scenes, including the explosive destruction of the Sept of Baelor, were filmed here.
Visiting St. James Cathedral lets you step into one of the series' most significant religious settings. This experience brings to life the intricate designs and monumental significance portrayed in the show, making it a must-see for any fan.
Klis Fortress
Situated near Split, Klis Fortress stands as the real-world counterpart to Game of Thrones' ancient city of Meereen. Fans of the show will recognize the fortress's distinctive architectural characteristics, enhanced by computer-generated imagery to resemble the stronghold of the slave-masters.
While traversing Klis Fortress, you'll notice:
- Trees: These add a unique, natural element to the fortress's appearance.
- Walls: The imposing stone walls are iconic and instantly recognizable.
- Windows: These offer stunning views and were prominently showcased in the show.
- Walkways: The pathways provide a tangible connection to the scenes from Meereen.
Klis Fortress's strategic location and medieval architecture make it a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan.
Trsteno Arboretum
When you visit Trsteno Arboretum, you're stepping into the lush, green gardens that served as the palace gardens of King's Landing.
These iconic filming locations include scenes where Margaery and Olenna Tyrell meet with Sansa, offering her favorite lemon cakes.
The arboretum's historical significance and natural beauty make it a must-see for any Game of Thrones fan.
Historical Significance
Trsteno Arboretum, one of the oldest arboretums in this part of the globe, offers a rich historical backdrop that enhances its allure as a Game of Thrones filming location. Established in the 15th century by the noble Gučetić-Gozze family, the arboretum has a fascinating history.
When you visit, you'll appreciate its:
- Ancient Aqueduct: Built to supply water to the gardens.
- Renaissance Fountain: A striking centerpiece with a nymph statue.
- Exotic Plants: Imported from various parts of the earth.
- Historical Buildings: Including the summer residence of the Gučetić-Gozze family.
These elements reflect the arboretum's historical significance and provide context for its selection as a filming site, enhancing your visit with layers of historical depth.
Iconic Filming Locations
You'll find the lush gardens of the Trsteno Arboretum instantly recognizable as the palace gardens of King's Landing from Game of Thrones. Located near Dubrovnik, this verdant haven served as the backdrop for key scenes, including meetings between Margaery and Olenna Tyrell with Sansa.
The gardens also set the stage for Sansa's strolls with Loras Tyrell in Season 3. The distinctive trees, walls, windows, and walkways of the Arboretum bring the King's Landing scenes to life.
As a Game of Thrones fan, visiting the Trsteno Arboretum offers you the chance to immerse yourself in these iconic filming locations while appreciating the natural beauty that made them perfect for the show's palace gardens.
Lokrum Island
Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town, Lokrum Island offers Game of Thrones fans a chance to explore the stunning backdrop for the city of Qarth. The island's lush vegetation and the abandoned Benedictine monastery create the exotic aesthetic seen in the show.
A quick 15-minute journey from Dubrovnik.
See the original Iron Throne prop gifted by HBO.
Spot various scenes from the series.
Enjoy the island's serene and scenic environment.
Visit Lokrum Island to immerse yourself in the realm of Game of Thrones while enjoying a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Guided Tours
Uncover Croatia's Game of Thrones filming locations in depth with guided tours that bring the magic of the series to life.
In Dubrovnik, venture into the historic Old Town, where many iconic scenes were shot. Split offers tours to Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress, both key filming sites.
Many tour operators organize day trips from Dubrovnik or Split, visiting multiple locations like Trsteno Arboretum and Lokrum Island. These tours often include behind-the-scenes stories, filming anecdotes, and chances to pose on an Iron Throne replica.
Several companies have designed itineraries tailored for Game of Thrones fans, ensuring you experience the show's realm thoroughly. Guided tours provide a detailed and engaging way to see Croatia through the lens of the series.
Where to Stay
When visiting Croatia's Game of Thrones filming locations, choose from a variety of accommodations to enhance your experience. Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town offers:
- Luxury hotels for a lavish stay.
- Charming boutique properties for a cozy atmosphere.
- Airbnb rentals for a home-like experience.
Split, with its ancient Diocletian's Palace, provides diverse options including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
For a more secluded setting, consider:
- Lokrum and Hvar islands.
- Korčula Island, known for its Venetian architecture, with hotels and vacation rentals.
If you prefer a high-end experience, stay in:
- Luxury resort towns like Opatija on the Istrian Peninsula.
These locations offer a blend of Game of Thrones tourism and relaxation.
