Do you fall in love with the setting of your favorite movies or shows and want to jump through the screen and transport yourself there? While that might be impossible, you can visit the real-life destinations where many iconic movies and shows were filmed.
Here are six iconic filming locations you can visit on your next trip…
1. The UK - Harry Potter Series
Arguably some of the most iconic movies made, Harry Potter is a popular book series that turned into extremely successful movies. Harry Potter has gone on to become a theme park at Universal Studios and the movies continue to capture the audience of children and adults alike.
There are many filming locations throughout the UK that you can explore first-hand:
King's Cross Station in London is the scene of Platform 9-and-three-quarters where they board the Hogwarts Express. You can take a selfie at the station sign!
Travel to Scotland where you can board the Hogwarts Express, aka the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This train ride offers a day filled with beautiful views and all the nostalgia of Harry Potter.
Lastly, Oxford's Christ Chuch College was the inspiration for Hogwarts' Great Hall. Many buildings on the college campus are showcased throughout the movies, so a visit here will truly transport you to the wizarding world!
2. Salzburg, Austria - Sound of Music
The Sound of Music is one of the most famous musical films from 1965, and still loved by many today. In Salzburg Austria, you can relive some of the most popular scenes at Mirabell Gardens (where the iconic song, “Do Re, Mi” was filmed), Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and St. Peter’s Cemetery & Catacombs. Most of the guided tours even play the Sound of Music soundtrack to truly transport you into the film!
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia - Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones became a worldwide phenomenon upon the show's release. As you walk the cobblestoned streets you will feel immediately transported to King’s Landing, the capital of the seven kingdoms. Many episodes were filmed around this city including the infamous “walk of shame” scene filmed at The Jesuit Stairs, the Red Keep scenes filmed inside Fort Loverijenac, and many more. Many guided tours will take you to all of the filming locations, and don’t forget to visit the visitor's center on the Island of Lokrum to snap a picture on the Iron Throne.
4. Matamata, New Zealand - The Hobbit
Located just 2 hours from Auckland, you will find the Hobbiton Movie Set, also known as The Shire, from the popular Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. This story-book cozy village offers guided tours to view the set, which includes over 40 hobbit holes (including Bilbo's home), The Green Dragon Inn, cafes, and more. Evening tours even include a true hobbit feast.
5. Skopelos, Greece - Mamma Mia!
It's no surprise this movie was filmed in Greece based on the stunning colors and architecture seen throughout the film. While the movie takes place on a fictional island of Greece, it was filmed on Skopelos, a real-life Greek island in the Western Aegean Sea. Tours can bring you to the many filming locations around the island.
6. Skellig Michael, Ireland - Star Wars
Star Wars produced many films in the late 90’s and continues to release new spin-off series and movies to this day. In two of the movies, "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi”, there is a rocky planet where Luke Skywalker and Rey spend a lot of time in. This is a real place, on a remote island in Ireland called Skellig Michael. What you see in the movies is part of a 1,500-year-old Gaelic monastery!
Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and ELx Travel can book your next trip to one of these iconic destinations!