Best Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia Best Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

Best Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

From powerful families to knights, kings, battles, and dragons, ‘Game of Thrones’ is arguably one of the most popular medieval fantasy epics. For the true fans of the show, you can actually visit the real-life backdrop of Westeros in Croatia. Prepare for a journey through time and imagination as you explore ancient UNESCO cities and beautiful national monuments that served as the set for many Game of Thrones scenes. And although the stunning city of Dubrovnik takes center stage, you’ll find locations dotted throughout the country. Discover Croatia’s best Game of Thrones filming locations in this complete travel guide.

10 Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

Croatia’s stunning cities, towns, and landscapes are filled to the brim with Roman architecture, lush green valleys, powerful falls, and an incredible atmosphere. It’s, therefore, no wonder that the country makes a highly-desired background for many medieval fantasy stories. 

game of thrones croatia filming locations

HBO’s hit television series, Game of Thrones, has taken full advantage of Croatia’s stunning diversity. From Sibenik’s beautiful fortress to the old town of Split, check off some of the best Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia on a road trip.

game of thrones croatia Dubrovnik King's Landing

1. Dubrovnik 

As you wander atop the city walls, peer out over the shimmering sea. The harbor with historic-looking boats and the stunning red-roofed houses of Dubrovnik’s inner city make it feel as if you’ve just stepped into a live fairytale. The city’s incredible architecture makes it the perfect filming spot, particularly for GOT’s capital, known in the show as ‘King’s Landing’.

game of thrones croatia Harbor Dubrovnik

Here, between the stone walls and beautiful alleys, you’ll find the Red Keep, the House of the Undying, the setting of the Purple Wedding, and much more. Stroll across the city walls, through the entrance gates, and past the harbors, palaces, and fortresses that bring the fantastical world of Game of Thrones alive.

game of thrones croatia Fort Lovrijenac Red Keep

Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep)

Built atop a 37-meter high sheer rock that overlooks the sea stands Fort Lovrijenac. This fortress lies just outside the western walls of Dubrovnik and doubles as the Red Keep in GOT. It is here where you’ll find the residence of the King of Andals and the First Men in the series. 

game of thrones croatia Fort Lovrijenac filming location

Remember the tournament held in King Joffrey’s name? Or the scene where Lord Tyrion, Ser Podrick, and Ser Bronn talk on the walls after the battle of Blackwater? These, and many other scenes, were filmed at this location. Climb the 175 stone steps up to the imposing 16th-century building and look out over the bay and neighboring city.

No time to read now?
No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.
Save to Pinterest
Best Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

Pile Gate & Harbor (must-see Croatia Game of Thrones location)

Pile Gate, one of the entrances to the walled city, is absolutely stunning! This beautiful spot in Dubrovnik was used as Blackwater Bay, where you have amazing views of Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac. The moment you walk across the drawbridge, scenes from the series will play out in your mind. 

game of thrones croatia pile gate Dubrovnik

One of the most famous scenes takes place just behind the gate’s entrance, between the outer walls and the town. It’s here where, after Myrcella gets shipped off to Dorne, the royal entourage returns to the Red Keep, and someone throws manure at Joffrey’s face (a moment that we all admittedly enjoyed in the series). Joffrey answers with an order to kill everyone in the crowd, resulting in a riot. 

Outside the gates, you’ll find the small bay that was once a key transport hub for sailors. The beach, close to the town walls, was used as the harbor of King’s Landing. This is where epic scenes like the battle of Blackwater Bay took place.

game of thrones croatia kayaking beach pile gate

Minceta Tower (House of the Undying)

At the highest point of Dubrovnik stands the stunning Minceta Tower, known as the city’s symbol. From here, you have incredible views over the Old Town’s red roofs and surrounding walls. It is one of the best Game of Thrones locations to visit in Croatia. In the show, the tower is known as the House of the Undying, where Daenerys tries to retrieve her stolen dragons.

game of thrones croatia Minceta Tower House of the Undying

Trsteno Arboretum Gardens

Remember when Lady Olenna, Queen of Thorns, pushes Sansa to give up information about King Joffrey? Or when she becomes allies with Lord Varys as they stroll through a garden? Well, the stunning Trsteno Arboretum, full of lush greenery and purple flowers, is that very same spot! 

With spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea, these gardens make another famous Croatia Game of Thrones set and a must-visit on any Croatia itinerary. They were built in the 15th century and lie just 30 minutes outside of Dubrovnik. In the series, they’re the palace gardens to King’s Landing. 

Getting there: The gardens are a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik and are best visited by renting a car. Parking is located just beside the garden’s entrance. If you don’t have your own transportation, you can hop on local buses 12, 15, 21, 22, or 35. You find the bus station next to the ferry terminal in Gruz (a few km from the Old Town). Tickets cost no more than 4 EUR (4,30 USD).

game of thrones croatia Dubrovnik Rector's Palace

Rectors Palace (Qarth)

The beautiful Rector’s Palace is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik and embodies part of the city of Qarth in GOT. The location, with its grand arches and stunning staircase, was used for indoor scenes in the show. It is here, for example, that Daenerys asks the Thirteen rulers of Qarth for help and ships, but they reject her. The building is now also home to the Museum of Dubrovnik. 

2. Split

As you travel up the coast of Croatia from Dubrovnik, you’ll eventually make it to the beautiful city of Split. It’s one of the best places to visit on your road trip, full of incredible buildings, a stunning promenade, and delicious food. Additionally, for Game of Thrones fans, there are some things to recognize.

game of thrones croatia plot filming location

The most famous highlight of them all is Diocletian’s Palace, built by one of Rome’s greatest emperors and over 1700 years old. Many tourists visit this UNESCO site daily for its exterior. However, since 1952, you can also walk through the basement tunnels. Within these walls and cellars is where Daenerys spent time in her throne room and trained her dragons.

game of thrones croatia Split Kaštel Gomilica Free City of Braavos

Kaštel Gomilica

Just outside of Split, the Free City of Braavos springs to live in the small town of Kaštel Gomilica. Also known as Kaštilac, it’s the oldest town in the bay of Split. Because of its medieval architecture, stunning coastal views, and rich history, it made a versatile backdrop for GOT. 

game of thrones croatia Split Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress of Game of Thrones Croatia

This ancient fortress, just outside of Split, lies high up in the mountains and offers some of the best views over the city and sea below. Apart from being a marvelous building and one of the region’s most valuable examples of defensive architecture, it was also used as Game of Thrones’ city of Meereen.

Kliss Fortress Split game of thrones croatia

In the series, it’s here where Khaleesi seizes the city and frees the captives of their masters. She then nails the masters to crosses for all the enslaved people to see (a key plot in the series). Explore the grounds, hike to the top where Daenerys famously said ‘injustice with justice’, and take in the stunning views. 

Getting there: Klis Fortress lies about 20 – 40 minutes north of Split, depending on the type of transportation. You can get there by car, public bus, or guided tour.

3. Sibenik (Braavos)

Besides Dubrovnik and Split, the beautiful city of Sibenik appears as a filming location in Game of Thrones and represents the city of Braavos. Located on Croatia’s coastline, with cobbled streets and beautifully restored facades, it makes a must-visit when road-tripping through the country.

The contours of the old town of Sibenik appear in the show as Arya arrives in Braavos. Inside, the UNESCO St. James Cathedral doubles as the Iron Bank, which is the most powerful financial institution in Game of Thrones Croatia. Although appearances have been enhanced in the show, certain elements, like the door, have been completely carried into the final cut!

game of thrones croatia Sibenik St. John's Fortress

4. Trogir

Trogir is a small historic city just to the north of Split, full of beautiful churches, palaces, and narrow streets. Step into a live fairytale as you meander through the cobbled alleys, taking in all the gorgeous corners and historic atmosphere. The old center, connected to the mainland by bridges, is a renowned UNESCO site, making it the perfect place for Game of Thrones’ city of Qarth. 

game of thrones croatia Trogir Qarth

Known in the show as ‘the greatest city that ever was or will be’, Qarth is the bustling trading center in the fantastical world. It is primarily featured in season 2, showcasing the harbor full of merchants. This is also where the warlocks of Qarth imprisoned Khaleesi’s dragons, having her arrive here to retrieve them. Apart from the harbor and beautiful baroque buildings, the stunning St. Dominic’s Monastery also houses many scenes. 

game of thrones croatia Krka National Park

5. Krka National Park

With its myriad of waterfalls, lush greenery, and beautiful pathways throughout, Krka National Park is one of the most-visited destinations in Croatia. The stunning natural surrounding has been featured as the backdrop to numerous outdoor scenes in Game of Thrones, particularly as the Westeros Riverlands. 

game of thrones croatia Path Krka National Park

It is Krka National Park, where you see Arya and the Hound crossing the Riverlands on their journey together. However, the cascading waterfalls are worth a visit in their own right, with seven different falls and many beautiful trails throughout the park. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere as you walk past the turquoise waters, looking out over the many colorful fish below. 

Our Croatia tips in your Google Maps? We made it easier for you! All our tips: favourite to do's, restaurants, hikes, secret spots & more in Google Maps!
Shop our maps
google maps phone

Getting there: It’s the perfect day-trip location, so getting there can be done in a few different ways from Sibenik, Zadar, or Split. Drive yourself or choose to travel by bus, boat, or guided tour to get to Krka. From Sibenik, it’s a 20-minute drive, 1 hour from Zadar, and 1.5 hours from Split. 

waterfall Krka National Park game of thrones croatia

Our Favorite Accommodations

Just like the many Croatia Game of Thrones locations, there are many incredible stays dotted all over the country. From beautiful BnBs in the town’s stone alleys to hotel rooms with views of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea or the quiet national parks, there’s something for everyone. We have listed our favorites per location below.

18/11/2023 https://www.saltinourhair.com/croatia/game-of-thrones-croatia/
Blog comments

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

     

    This article was about:
    Last updated: