Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia you'll want to see
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Game of Thrones fans had been looking forward to it for ages: the very last season of the most popular TV series of its time. If you're questioning cries like 'Winter is coming', 'the dragons of the Khaleesi' and don't want to appear with bags as big as sandbags at work because he's been binge-watching uncontrollably, we advise you to emerge now.
Because even when you don't care who eventually ascends the infamous iron throne, the setting of this fantasy series remains worth a visit. In order to depict the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the most beautiful places in the world have been used as film locations. My personal favourite? Croatia of course!
Dubrovnik and Split
How fun it is to walk around in your favourite scene from Game of Thrones! More people think so. Tourism in Croatia, especially in the two main film locations Dubrovnik and Split, has risen considerably since this hit series has been on the air. If you want to take an organised tour of all the iconic places, you don't have to look far. Prefer to watch the Game of Thrones spots at your own pace? I've listed the four must-see spots.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1. King’s Landing
The leading role among the film locations is reserved for Dubrovnik. This historic city, surrounded by high cliffs and thick city walls, is among the fans better known as King's Landing. The capital of the Seven Kingdoms could not have chosen a better background than Dubrovnik's stone palaces and breathtaking views. Like Queen Cersei, walk the walk of shame down St Dominic Street in the old part of town. Just keep your clothes on for the occasion.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2. The dragon cellar of Daenerys
Where better to keep dragons than in Diocletian's Palace in Split. The 1700 year old palace complex of the Roman Emperor Diocletian is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cellars are now also open to visitors. The underground tunnels are well preserved, despite the three highly inflammable dragons of Daenerys Targaryen who were imprisoned here for a while.
Photo: Sumitsurai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Slave city Meereen
Half an hour's drive from Split lies, high on a rocky hill, the medieval fort of Klis. Many Croatian kings lived here, but as a Game of Thrones fan, this place is especially reminiscent of the scene where Daenerys frees thousands of slaves. Slave town Meereen is also a place of interest for non GOT enthusiasts. The fortress has a panoramic view over the Adriatic Sea and Split. Big boy if that doesn't make you opportunistic.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4. The palace gardens of King's Landing
Back to Dubrovnik, where the gardens of the Arboretum of Trsteno are just a quarter of an hour's drive away. With its thirty hectares of floral splendour, this coastal garden from the fifteenth century can be recognised in Game of Thrones as the garden around King's Landing. Imagine Margaery, Sansa or Tyrion as you walk past the Neptune statue and aqueduct to the pavilion overlooking the sea. With a little imagination you can see the Red Keep in the distance.
Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The greatest lodge that ever was or will be
These four must-sees are just the beginning of a long list of iconic film locations from the series. Take your time to see everything. And would you like to see Croatia from a different, green side afterwards? Then stay in a luxury lodge at Camping Heart of Nature, inland near Karlovac and the Plitvice Lakes. You probably won't meet Jon Snow here, but the real fan already knows 'he knows nothing'.
Top photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Good restaurant. If you are a bigger group, I recommend to order food in advance. Also if you wish to have a bit more complicated dish like for example meat under the bell, order it in advance. The same complex also offers glamping, rooms, camping spots, soccer field, swimmingpool...
Owner of Lodge Holidays. For years I have personally selected the loveliest kleinschalig glampings in Europe. Questions about a destination? I'd be happy to help.
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