The captivating landscapes and historical settings of Game of Thrones have always been a significant part of the series’ allure. This article dives into the Game of Thrones Season 6 Filming Locations, revealing the stunning places that brought the show’s gripping narrative to life. When Season 6 of the fantasy epic came out on April 24, 2016, it continued to captivate viewers with its dramatic turns and complex character arcs.
Game of Thrones Season 6 was produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, saw the return of fan favorites like Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Kit Harington as Jon Snow and Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister. Jeremy Podeswa, Daniel Sackheim, and others lead the cast with great skill. With its ambitious plot and stunning visuals, Season 6 of Game of Thrones made it even more of a cultural phenomenon.
Game of Thrones Season 6 Plot Summary
In Season 6 of Game of Thrones, we learn more about what happened after Jon Snow’s shocking betrayal at the Wall and how the Red Priestess Melisandre brought him back to life. As the Stark banner rises in the North, Sansa and Jon work together to take Winterfell back from Ramsay Bolton. This leads to the famous “Battle of the Bastards.”
In the meantime, Daenerys Targaryen takes back her power among the Dothraki in Essos and sets her sights on Westeros with the help of her trusted advisors and terrifying dragons. In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister plans a cruel revenge after the Faith Militant made her look bad in public. She ends up setting off the famous Sept of Baelor explosion, which destroys her enemies with wildfire.
Arya Stark’s journey takes her from the House of Black and White to reclaiming her identity as a Stark, while Bran’s training with the Three-Eyed Raven reveals critical truths about the White Walkers and Jon Snow’s parentage. The season intricately weaves together these storylines, setting the stage for the battles and revelations to come.
Where Was ‘Game of Thrones Season 6’ Filmed?
Game of Thrones Season 6 was filmed across beautiful locations in Northern Ireland, Spain and Iceland. Iconic sites like Ballintoy (Iron Islands), Castillo de Zafra (Tower of Joy) and Þingvellir National Park (Beyond the Wall) brought the vast and diverse landscapes of Westeros and Essos to life, adding authenticity and grandeur to the series. Here’s a detailed look at the major filming sites used in Season 6:
Ballintoy, Northern Ireland – The Iron Islands
Ballintoy, a small coastal village in Northern Ireland, provided the rugged and windswept backdrop for the Iron Islands, home to House Greyjoy. The rough cliffs and rough seas were a perfect reflection of how harsh and unbending the Ironborn are.
Northern Ireland, according to executive producer Bernie Caulfield, is “the heart of Westeros.” He also said that “the dramatic cliffs and raw coastline here bring a palpable energy to the Iron Islands.”
Castillo de Zafra, Spain – Tower of Joy
The beautiful medieval castle Castillo de Zafra in Guadalajara, Spain, was used as the Tower of Joy for one of the most important scenes in Game of Thrones. The castle was perfect for this scene because it was in a remote area and had a big, intimidating building.
Director Miguel Sapochnik said, “The Tower of Joy needed a place that felt both remote and grand and Castillo de Zafra met all of those needs.”
Girona, Spain – King’s Landing and Braavos
A lot of the historic city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, was used to show both King’s Landing and Braavos. Its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval architecture made it a beautiful setting for Arya Stark’s adventures in Braavosi and important events in King’s Landing.
David Benioff, who runs the show, said, “Girona has a unique charm and versatility; it easily changes into different parts of our world.”
Gaztelugatxe, Spain – Dragonstone
Dragonstone was filmed on the famous islet of Gaztelugatxe, which is on the northern coast of Spain. The winding stairs and steep cliffs made the entrance to Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestral home truly amazing.
Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister, said, “Going up those stairs felt like going back in time. It was both exhausting and thrilling.”
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland – The Kingsroad
The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, reprised its role as the Kingsroad. This hauntingly beautiful avenue of beech trees has become one of the most recognizable Game of Thrones locations.
Cinematographer Fabian Wagner said, “The interplay of light and shadows in the Dark Hedges gives it a mystical quality that aligns perfectly with the mood of the show.”
Magheramorne Quarry, Northern Ireland – Castle Black and Beyond the Wall
Magheramorne Quarry in Northern Ireland was transformed once again into Castle Black and the surrounding icy terrains Beyond the Wall. . The production team used CGI to amplify the quarry’s natural features, creating the chilling atmosphere of the North.
Kit Harington (Jon Snow) remarked, “Filming in the quarry always felt immersive—it was cold and intense, just like the Wall.”
Almería, Spain – Dothraki Sea
The arid desert landscapes of Almería in Spain were used to recreate the Dothraki Sea, where Daenerys encounters Khal Moro’s khalasar. The stark contrast of the barren terrain with Daenerys’s fiery determination created some of the season’s most memorable moments.
Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) commented, “Almería’s vastness made you feel like you were truly in another world.”
Þingvellir National Park, Iceland – Beyond the Wall
Iceland’s Þingvellir National Park continued to be the go-to location for scenes Beyond the Wall. Its glacial landscapes and volcanic terrain gave a sense of isolation and danger, essential for the Night’s Watch storylines.
Producer Chris Newman said, “Iceland offers a raw and untamed beauty that’s unmatched—it’s the perfect embodiment of the North.”
When Did the Filming of ‘Game of Thrones Season 6’ Take Place?
Between July and December 2015, Season 6 of Game of Thrones was filmed. The production took place over several months and countries, showing how dedicated the show is to building its world with lots of small details. The unique features of each location added to the immersion of the story, making Season 6 a visual masterpiece.
From the cold landscapes of Iceland to the warm landscapes of Spain, the filming locations for Game of Thrones Season 6 took the story to new heights and ensuring its place as a landmark in television history.
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