Game of Thrones just might be the best TV show of all time, and many of its scenes were filmed in Iceland. Driving in Iceland is the best way to see its locations that portrayed the fantasy land Westeros, including its Lands Beyond the Wall. The TV series ended in 2019, but you can still immerse yourself in the real-life settings seen on the show. Here are a few you're sure to recognize.
Thingvellir National Park
Located about a 40-minute drive north of Iceland, Thingvellir National Park is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of Iceland’s Golden Circle, a 155-mile loop you can drive in one day. Brienne and the Hound’s fight scene was filmed at Nesjavellir area, if you find yourself there during the milder months you can hike the Hengill mountain and be sure to spot some familiar locations.
Once you are in Thingvellir you can't miss Almannagjá, it is not only the edge of the North-Atlatic rift but also where Bloody Gate was filmed. The park is a great place for hiking and is world-renowned for trout fishing.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell Mountain is known as Arrowhead Mountain in Game of Thrones, although in real life, its name translates from Icelandic to Church Mountain. Its dramatic shape with sharpened peak and coastal location near waterfalls make it one of the most stunning landmarks in Iceland. In GoT, it’s the birthplace of the Night King.
Driving from Reykjavik to Kirkjufell Mountain takes about two hours and 20 minutes.
Svinafell Glacier
You might feel like you’re really in another world when you visit the Svinafell Glacier, which is south of Skaftafell, a wilderness area that’s popular with tourists because of its hiking trails, glaciers, lava formations, waterfalls and more. It’s also where Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch capture Ygritte in GoT. Svinafell Glacier has captivating undulations of blue ice you've got to see.
Myrdalsjokull Glacier
Myrdalsjokull is a glacier found north of Vik, a remote seaside village. This glacier, along with the Hofdabrekkuheidi hiking area, represent Northern Westeros and the far north’s Frostfang mountains in Game of Thrones. It’s the spot where Sam unearths Dragonglass at the Fist of First Men.
Myrdalsjokull glacier covers the active volcano Katla. Popular hiking trails wind between glaciers, and you can stop at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach, by Vik before continuing on your Iceland driving adventure. A bit west of this area you can see the Hjorleifshofdi mountain and the Myrdalssandur plain, which are also featured in GoT.
Driving in Iceland for Game of Thrones Fans
This short list is only the beginning of the best sites for Game of Thrones fans to visit in Iceland. Even if you've never seen the show, you'll be amazed by the scenery here, and driving is the best way to see it all. Rent a car from us and be sure to visit some of the best sites featured in GoT.
There are also plenty of other amazing sites in Iceland worth exploring, although they didn´t make it to Game of Thrones. Just in case you´re not sure what is the best way to explore Iceland, there is no need to worry. Just read our blogs on practical information, and you will be fine.
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