This article takes a closer look at the filming locations of Game of Thrones Season 7, exploring the stunning places where the iconic fantasy series was brought to life. The show, which started on HBO on July 16, 2017 is based on the books by George R. R. Martin called A Song of Ice and Fire. Game of Thrones Season 7, with its short seven episodes, set the stage for the epic final season, which brought together fan-favorite characters and intense, action-packed plots.
The season features star-studded performances from actors like Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. This season was produced by HBO and directed by Jeremy Podeswa, Jeremy Webb, and Mark Mylod. It sets the stage for the battle between the living and the dead.
But the show is famous for more than just its story. The beautiful locations where it was filmed all over Europe helped make Westeros a real fantasy world. Let’s look at some of the beautiful places where Season 7 of Game of Thrones was filmed.
Game of Thrones Season 7 Plot Summary
Season 7 of Game of Thrones brings us closer to the battle between the living and the dead that everyone is so excited about. Things are more important than ever now that winter has come to Westeros. With her dragons and huge army, Daenerys Targaryen has finally arrived in Westeros, ready to take the Iron Throne for herself. However Cersei Lannister who rules from King’s Landing and is ready to do anything to stay in power, is against her. At the same time, Jon Snow, who is now Lord Commander of the North, asks Daenerys for help against the White Walkers, who are a much bigger threat.
In the North, Jon Snow and Daenerys are still working on their plan to bring the kingdoms together to fight the Army of the Dead. In this season, Arya and Bran also go back to Winterfell to be with the Stark family again after being apart for years. The Starks’ emotional journey ends when they get back at Littlefinger for betraying their family.
One of the most exciting parts of the story is when Jon Snow finds out who his real parents are and brings together a lot of important characters for the final battle. As the White Walkers keep moving south and Westeros is filled with drama, the season comes to a fiery end that sets the stage for the final battle.
Where Was Game of Thrones Season 7 Filmed?
Season 7 of Game of Thrones was filmed in many beautiful places, such as Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, and even Alberta, Canada. Some of the most important places in Westeros, like Ballintoy Harbour, Dubrovnik, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, brought the Iron Islands and King’s Landing to life. Let’s look more closely at the main filming locations:
Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland is one of the most famous places where Game of Thrones was filmed. It was used as the Kingsroad in the show. This avenue of beech trees, over 300 years old, creates a mysterious and haunting atmosphere. The towering trees, whose trunks twist and turn in eerie patterns, became the perfect setting for Arya Stark’s journey through the countryside.
The director said this about Dark Hedges: “We wanted to make a mood of danger and mystery and the Dark Hedges were perfect for that.” The ancient trees gave the scene an eerie feeling that we were looking for.”
Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
Ballintoy Harbour, with its rugged, dramatic coastline, was used to represent the Iron Islands, the home of the Greyjoys. This small fishing village in Northern Ireland, with its rocky cliffs and the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shore, perfectly embodies the harsh and isolated nature of the Ironborn. The powerful waves and misty atmosphere make it feel as though it could easily be the setting for a brutal and unforgiving kingdom.
What the cast said about Ballintoy Harbour: “The wild, stormy atmosphere really felt like it was part of the Iron Islands. It made you feel the isolation of the Greyjoy family and the cold, unforgiving nature of their world.”
The location’s stark beauty helped convey the sense of hardship and endurance associated with the Iron Islands, and its role in several key scenes solidified its place as one of the season’s most memorable locations.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small islet off the coast of Spain, connected to the mainland by a narrow, winding bridge. This stunning location was used to film the famous stairway leading up to Dragonstone, Daenerys Targaryen’s new seat of power in Westeros. The islet’s dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the sea provided the perfect setting for the entrance to the ancient fortress.
What the producer said about San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: “The location was simply breathtaking. It added so much depth to Dragonstone, making it feel as grand and powerful as Daenerys herself. The view from the top of the stairs is unforgettable.”
The filmmakers also noted that the location’s isolation and rugged beauty helped bring the mystique and grandeur of Dragonstone to life, cementing it as an essential part of Daenerys’ journey to claim the Iron Throne.
Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo, Córdoba, Spain
Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo is a medieval castle located in southern Spain, which was used to represent Highgarden, the seat of House Tyrell. With its tall walls and large grounds, the castle gives off an air of history and grandeur. Its unique setting, with a view of the Guadalquivir River, made it a great choice for a strong noble house like House Tyrell.
When asked about Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo, the director said, “The tall walls and beautiful structure of the castle perfectly captured the grandeur of Highgarden.” It was a dream to shoot there.”
The castle’s strategic location gave an amazing view of the surrounding landscape, which gave Highgarden’s role on screen a sense of majesty and importance. In the world of Westeros, this place helped to solidify the Tyrells’ importance.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
The dramatic landscapes of Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, which is made up of huge, empty plains and volcanic rock formations, were like the frozen wilderness beyond the Wall. The park’s icy, empty beauty and the fact that it was once the site of the Viking parliament made it a perfect place to show how harsh and unwelcoming the far north is in Game of Thrones. The park’s rift valleys, formed by the tectonic plates of Europe and North America, added to the otherworldly feel of the landscape.
What the cast said about Iceland: “Filming in Iceland really gave us a sense of what it would be like to be beyond the Wall. The barren, frozen landscapes felt like they could go on forever – it was truly chilling.”
 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia, continues its role as King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros. With its ancient city walls and stunning coastal vistas, Dubrovnik has long been associated with the power and grandeur of the Iron Throne. The city’s distinctive blend of medieval architecture and modern coastal beauty made it the perfect backdrop for the power struggles that unfolded in Season 7.
“Dubrovnik is a true gem. Its ancient walls and stunning scenery made it the perfect location for King’s Landing. It really brought the city’s history and power to life.”
The cobbled streets and imposing fortifications of Dubrovnik’s Old Town added a sense of timelessness to the location, making it feel like the true heart of Westeros. As Cersei consolidated her power, the city provided the perfect backdrop for the political intrigue and tension that defined her rule in Season 7.
Alberta, Canada
While the majority of Game of Thrones Season 7 was filmed in Europe, a significant scene featuring Arya Stark and her direwolf Nymeria was filmed in Alberta, Canada. The stunning forested landscapes and wide-open spaces of Canada served as a beautiful setting for this emotional reunion. Alberta’s vast wilderness provided a sense of freedom and isolation, which perfectly matched Arya’s journey.
What the cast said about Alberta: “The wild, open spaces of Alberta really captured the sense of freedom that Arya felt when she finally reconnected with her past. It was a beautiful location to film such an emotional and pivotal scene.”
Alberta’s rugged wilderness offered a fitting setting for Arya’s character arc, giving fans a chance to reconnect with the beloved Stark sister.
When Did the Filming of Game of Thrones Season 7 Take Place?
Filming for Game of Thrones Season 7 officially began on August 31, 2016, at Titanic Studios in Belfast. Due to the need for specific weather conditions, production was delayed until later in the year, so they could capture the grim, grey skies that were crucial for the season’s wintery atmosphere. Filming wrapped up in February 2017 and the season was aired in mid-2017.
Filming locations were carefully selected to match the season’s tone, with stunning backdrops across Northern Ireland, Spain, Iceland, and Croatia. The production team took extra care to find authentic, dramatic locations that would bring the world of Westeros to life.
The combination of these breathtaking filming locations and the hard work of the cast and crew made Game of Thrones Season 7 one of the most visually stunning seasons to date.
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