Explore Croatia - Game of Thrones Style

Game of Thrones, the hit serial fantasy drama based on A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin continues to prove a cult hit in the UK. The story, which focuses on seven noble families’ fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros, has just finished filming season four. With an ongoing theme of fantasy, history and legends, Croatia was an obvious choice when it came to filming locations. Here are just a few of the spots that have made it into the hit show to date. 

Much of season two and three was filmed in Dubrovnik’s picturesque Old Town, in particular at Fort Lovrijenac, or St Lawrence’s Fortress, which overlooks the stunning Dubrovnik coastline and was transformed into King’s Landing - one of the shows’ most iconic locations.

Steeped in history and architectural beauty, Old Town Dubrovnik offers visitors a myriad of unforgettable scenery and experiences. Be it sampling fresh local oysters brought in from the Island of Ston, or enjoying a historical tour of the city’s fortress, Dubrovnik offers something to suit anyone. For a quick daytrip just outside of Dubrovnik, the park Trsteno Arboretum, is the majestic garden where the court maidens weave the plot in King’s Landing, and offers a beautiful spot to escape the city’s crowds and relax.

Fort Lovrijenac has a huge historical significance to the people of Dubrovnik, as it once protected the city from the Venetians. Fort Lovrijenac now stages various musical and theatre performance and offers fantastic views of Old Town Dubrovnik – a must visit for those headed to Croatia! Fort Lovrijenac provided a phenomenal backdrop for locations well known to Game of Thrones fans, including the Red Keep, Battle of Blackwater, and the tournament held in honour of Ned Stark in season one of the show. Within the fortress, Minčeta Tower is the highest point of the city walls, offering a breath-taking view of the city. It is also where Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen circled to enter the House of the Undying; Game of Thrones fans can walk in her footsteps to recreate their favourite scenes in this incredible fortress.

Lokrum Island, just across the water from Dubrovnik, is another exciting location, which stood in for the port city of Qarth. The island is a former monastery and has an interesting legend surrounding it. Lokrum Island is said to carry a curse which will be placed on anyone who stays overnight on the island – hence why we suggest you spend the night in Dubrovnik! The legend says that the monks cursed the land after a French general ordered the monastery to be closed. In response to this the monks walked around the perimeter of the island leaving a trail of melted wax chanting ‘whosoever claims Lokrum for his own personal pleasure shall be dammed’. The island has however become a fascinating place for day-trippers, and those wishing to visit the port city of Qarth.

The filming for the latest season of Game of Thrones has just been wrapped up (season four) along the picturesque Istria Peninsula – located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner. Specifically, filming took place in the quaint fishing village of Novigrad. This small fishing village on the Adriatic coast is surrounded by historic walls and a medieval urban plan that lends itself as a backdrop to the many war scenes in Game of Thrones.

Furthermore, during the last two months, the cast has filmed action-packed scenes in Split, surrounded by the azure Adriatic Sea. Split was once the home of Emperor Diocletian, who built an impressive palace in preparation for his retirement on the 1^st of May 305 AD. After the Romans abandoned this palace, it remained empty for several centuries. However, in the 7th century, this palace provided refuge for residents who fled to escape the invasion of the barbarians. Today many restaurants and shops, and even some homes, can still be found within the palace walls. Unsurprisingly, this architectural masterpiece has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Split, and exactly how it has been incorporated into the fourth season of Game of Thrones. In particular, it is believed that the basement under the Diocletian Palace in the city centre will be one location, as well as the village of Klis and its mountain fortress. These are suggestions will be the location for the Kingdom of Dorne and its capital, Sunspear. 

Croatia offers stunning coastlines, beautiful cities, delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. As well as providing the location for several scenes from Game of Thrones, this country is a tapestry of history and exciting experiences for travellers.