Ever found yourself watching a fantastical epic, jaw dropped at the sweeping landscapes, and thought, “Where in the world is that?” You’re not alone.

Fantasy worlds feel distant and impossible — floating castles, ancient forests, dramatic cliffs, glowing cities. But what if I told you that many of those breathtaking backdrops aren’t just green screen trickery? What if you could actually step into Middle-earth, wander through a magical school, or explore a kingdom from Westeros?

“Set-jetting,” or traveling to locations seen in films and TV, has become a massive trend, especially for fantasy fanatics. And honestly, it’s one of the most exciting ways to combine your love for storytelling with the thrill of adventure. Forget boring museum tours; we’re talking about walking in the footsteps of heroes, wizards, and dragonslayers.

Let’s embark on a journey to some of the most iconic and accessible fantasy filming locations around the globe.

1. The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit: New Zealand

Let’s start with the big one. If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic sagas and Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpieces, then New Zealand is practically a pilgrimage. This stunning island nation is Middle-earth. Its diverse landscapes perfectly brought to life the Shire, Rivendell, Mordor, and everything in between.

The Shire (Matamata, North Island): This is a must-see. The rolling green hills of Matamata were transformed into the idyllic Hobbiton. Today, it’s a permanent tourist attraction. You can wander past Hobbit holes, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and feel like you’ve truly stepped into Frodo and Bilbo’s world. It’s meticulously maintained and absolutely charming. Spring (September–November) is ideal for blooming gardens and lush green hills. 

Mordor (Tongariro National Park, North Island): For a stark contrast, head to Tongariro. Mount Ngauruhoe was used as the desolate Mount Doom. The dramatic volcanic landscapes, with their dark rock and steam vents, perfectly captured the oppressive atmosphere of Sauron’s domain. You can even hike parts of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for an otherworldly experience. A short walk from the main road leads to the waterfall where Faramir’s rangers capture Gollum while he is fishing – Tawhai Falls

Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park, North Island): The tranquil elven sanctuary of Rivendell was filmed in this lush native forest near Wellington. While the elven architecture is gone, the serene beauty of the ancient trees and sparkling river remains, allowing you to imagine Elrond’s home. The area is known for its centuries-old rātā and rimu trees (some over 1,200 years old), which contributed to the “elvish” aesthetic of the film.

2. Harry Potter: United Kingdom

The UK is a treasure trove for fantasy location hunters, particularly for fans of magic and medieval intrigue.

Hogwarts School (Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England): This magnificent medieval castle served as the exterior of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Imagine yourself flying on a broomstick in the Outer Bailey where Harry had his first flying lesson! Beyond Potter, it’s also a star in its own right, appearing in Downton Abbey as Brancaster Castle. The castle offers dedicated Broomstick Training lessons for visitors on the exact spot where filming occurred.

The Hogwarts Express (Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands): Remember the iconic scene of the Hogwarts Express chugging across a grand viaduct? That’s the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland. You can even ride the Jacobite Steam Train (affectionately known as the “Hogwarts Express”) across it during the summer months for an unforgettable, truly cinematic experience.

Hogwarts Interiors (Durham Cathedral & Gloucester Cathedral, England): These stunning cathedrals were used for various Hogwarts interiors, including Professor McGonagall’s classroom, the cloisters where the corridors were filmed, and where the haunting words, “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened,” appeared. Their ancient, grand architecture perfectly lends itself to the magical school atmosphere. Gloucester Cathedral was also used as the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room, including the spot where the Fat Lady’s portrait hung!

3. Game of Thrones: Iceland

If you crave dramatic, raw, and otherworldly landscapes, Iceland is your ultimate destination. It played a pivotal role in Game of Thrones, providing the chilling backdrops “Beyond the Wall.”

Jon & Ygritte’s Love Nest (Grjótagjá Cave): This small lava cave with a geothermal hot spring inside was the setting for Jon Snow and Ygritte’s steamy love scene. While swimming isn’t recommended due to fluctuating water temperatures, seeing it is still a thrill for fans.

Beyond the Wall (Vatnajökull Glacier): Europe’s largest glacier became the vast, frozen wilderness “Beyond the Wall.” Its immense scale and desolate beauty perfectly conveyed the harsh environment where the Night’s Watch faced the White Walkers. Guided glacier hikes remain the only safe way to stand on the actual filming sites. It is extremely dangerous to walk on the glacier without a professional guide due to hidden crevasses.

Arrowhead Mountain (Kirkjufell Mountain): This distinctive, arrow-shaped mountain near Grundarfjörður is instantly recognizable from Game of Thrones season 7, where Jon Snow and his companions hunted a Wight. It’s one of Iceland’s most photographed peaks. Most visitors photograph the mountain from the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which allows for both the falls and the peak to be captured in a single frame.

4. Wonder Woman & Percy Jackson: Italy

Italy’s ancient history and stunning natural beauty have made it a go-to for stories blending myth with modern fantasy.

Themyscira (Matera & Amalfi Coast): The ancient city of Matera, famous for its cave dwellings (sassi), was chosen to represent Themyscira, the mythical island home of the Amazons in Wonder Woman (2017). The nearby Cilento Coast and the stunning Villa Cimbrone in Ravello provided the breathtaking seaside backdrops and courtyards.

Ancient Mythology (Rome): The Colosseum and other iconic Roman landmarks featured prominently in Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief. Seeing these ancient sites that inspired so much of our mythology is an experience in itself, transporting you to the world of gods and demigods.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia: New Zealand & Czech Republic

To find the magical land behind the wardrobe, you’ll have to travel a bit further than your bedroom.

Aslan’s Camp (Elephant Rocks, New Zealand): Elephant Rocks, a field of massive limestone boulders located on a private farm near Duntroon in the Waitaki district of New Zealand’s South Island. These unique rock formations, which vary from 1 to 10 metres in size, were created 25 million years ago from an ancient seafloor and sculpted over time by wind and water. In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, this surreal landscape served as the site where Aslan’s army gathered and where Peter Pevensie first met the Great Lion. 

The Snow Queen’s Realm (Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic): The breathtaking rock formations and deep forests of this park near the German border provided the atmospheric backdrop for the White Witch’s frozen kingdom in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It is the location where Lucy Pevensie first enters Narnia and meets the faun Mr. Tumnus. The park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Prague or 45 minutes from Dresden. Guided “Narnia tours” frequently depart from both cities.

6. Game of Thrones: Northern Ireland

Much of the gritty, medieval world of Westeros was brought to life in Northern Ireland. The country’s rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and dramatic castles provided the perfect canvas.

The King’s Road (The Dark Hedges): This iconic avenue of intertwining beech trees served as the King’s Road, most notably when Arya Stark escaped King’s Landing disguised as a boy. It’s an incredibly atmospheric spot, even more so at dusk or dawn.

The Iron Islands (Ballintoy Harbour): This picturesque fishing village was transformed into Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands, home of the Greyjoys. Its rocky shores and tiny harbor are instantly recognizable. Located in the nearby village, The Fullerton Arms pub houses one of the “Doors of Thrones” (Door 6), carved from fallen wood of the Dark Hedges to commemorate the show’s history in the area

Winterfell (Castle Ward Estate): The 820-acre National Trust estate was transformed into the ancestral home of House Stark, used for various scenes, most famously as Winterfell. You can even try your hand at archery in their Game of Thrones experience!

Travel to these fantasy filming locations to experience a deeper connection to the stories you love. The line between fiction and reality is delightfully thin.

When planning your trip, consider booking guided tours specifically focused on filming locations—they often provide behind-the-scenes insights you won’t get on your own. If you’re a digital nomad, you can even turn your adventure into an extended stay! Also, be respectful of the local communities and environment, especially in fragile locations like Iceland or crowded historic sites like Dubrovnik.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your own fantasy adventure. Who knows what magic you might find beyond the screen!