People’s Perspective
Game of Thrones, watched by millions around the world is filmed in rustic locations that gave the series its uniqueness and charm. Some of these places have reached a record high number of tourists’ arrivals. This is the result of people’s claims of revisiting the same country, but seeing it differently after watching the series.
Three of the most influencing European countries contributing to this phenomenon are presented next.
Northern Ireland
This place is famous for its historic monuments and fascinating nature. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a significant part of filming was undertaken in this beautiful spot.
Forestry covers a huge portion of the area, and the misty clouds add the amber of an incredible backdrop for most of the outdoor scenes.
Historic castles and cobblestones alleyways preserved for centuries cover most of the areas, and are a great asset for filming crew. The need for setting the scene does not require a laborious task like other historic motion pictures, that are shot in less scenic locations.
Tourists visiting Northern Ireland after watching the series, carry a lot of emotions to the place, culture and traditions. This is the very core of ecotourism.
Fancy a walk in the woods? Surely it is a pleasure to do so. However, adding memories from the series on top of the journey, gives a delightful experience. This is indeed difficult to match to any other hike or outdoor activity.
Tollymore Forest, a state forest park in Northern Ireland, is the land surrounding Winterfell in Game of Thrones. A forest that ignites creativity and imagination.
Croatia
Fictional locations in Game of Thrones are real. This is mind-blowing, don’t you think? The city of Dubrovnik is an epic centre stage for outdoor footage of the series.
Many ecotourism tours started to emerge after tourists fascination grew with filming locations in Croatia. These trips increased the fame of the country as a tourist city. Moreover, it is estimated that this trend will continue to grow for decades to come.
Dubrovnik has many maze-like walking alleys, which served perfectly well for the Gold Cloaks scenes and outdoor markets. In addition to the stone houses and walls surrounding the place, which gave the impeccable ambience of a historical city.
A visit to Dubrovnik after watching the series, makes you better equipped for what awaits you next. Although delightful surprises will never cease to pop up every now and then.
Croatia well preserved history and culture paid back in tourism. Consequently, it’s our responsibility as visitors to this beautiful country, to help maintain the locations and pay respect to the local communities.
If you’re planning a visit to Croatia this May, you might like to see our top picks for May travel article, which features a great city in Croatia.
Malta
Malta is truly a melting point of civilizations across the centuries. Many great leaders saw Malta as a strategic location in the Mediterranean since ancient times.
Today Malta features an ample of UNESCO world heritage sites. Thus it is no wonder why Game of Thrones was filmed around various towns and cities in this magnificent country.
A plethora of spots in Malta were chosen for season 1. As we know, usually the introduction of any series should be compelling and fascinating to hook audiences, and Game of Thrones nailed it in this regard.
Much of the series magical spots are attributed to Malta and a tour in this charming country near the Italian peninsula, will focus your attention on why the series crew chose this particular country.
The Mdina in Malta is one of the most preserved historical cities in Europe. Located in the Northern region of Malta, Mdina ancient walls and gate were a highlight in season 1 episode 3. It was the famous goodbye between Catelyn and Ned that took place here. Roaming this place will directly connect you to the series events, and you can live the experience in full dimensions.
Other locations in Mdina also served as monumental spots for filming. A simple walk around the old streets of the city will make you explore the ancient history, appreciate ecotourism and enjoy Game of Thrones immensely.
Many future generations will continue to watch Game of Thrones and will love exploring the filming locations. This is a responsibility that lies on our generation in helping to preserve the beauty of these places and others.
As there are promising potentials for this series and coming ones to showcase new countries and to increase tourists arrivals by millions. Only through practicing ecotourism, we can enjoy these places, tell stories and show pictures and footage to younger generations. However, most importantly we need to keep advising them to be responsible travellers.
