Iconic Film Locations You Must Visit for an Epic Adventure

15 Iconic Film Locations You Must Visit for an Epic Adventure

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As the trend of cinematic tourism (visiting places where films were set) gains popularity, with an impressive 96% of people claiming that it is more likely to visit a location where a movie was set after seeing it in the film, Union finds it worthwhile.

Let’s dive right into this list, which will guide you to 15 such film locations worldwide that you must visit on your next vacation to make it feel like you are on the set of your favorite films.

Hobbiton, New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings  

Image Credit: Adrian Chandler/flickr

Welcome to Middle-earth! Matamata in New Zealand is a dream destination for any Lord of the Rings fan, as one would love to see Hobbiton, an area that is part of The Lord of the Rings. Visit Bilbo’s house, wander through the rolling green hills, and drink a pint at the Green Dragon Inn.

Each of these film sets has been perfectly preserved and will transport you directly into the fantasy lands of J.R.R. Tolkien. Stunning views of the starlit sky can be enjoyed through a guided evening tour.

Petra, Jordan – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade  

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For fans of adventure films, Petra, Jordan, is one of those. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this ancient city acted as the entrance to the place where the Holy Grail lay.

Al Khazneh, also known as “The Treasury,” is an iconic sandstone structure carved into cliff faces nearly 2,000 years ago. Visiting Petra is like traveling back in time to the era of ancient Rome.  

Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii – Jurassic Park  

Image Credit: Melissa Chang/flickr.

Not every person can experience walking through a dinosaur wonderland. The central locations for Jurassic Park and its sequels were in Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Hawaii.

Lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and open fields for the Gallimimus stampede all contribute to this private nature reserve, which allows fans to enjoy memorable scenes filmed here. This spectacular prehistoric setting is well worth a 4×4 guided tour that takes you straight into the heart of it.  

Wadi Rum, Jordan – Dune and Lawrence of Arabia  

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Known as “The Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum has served as the backdrop for films such as Dune and Lawrence of Arabia.

Its alien-like desert landscapes, with enormous sandy expanses and towering sandstone bluffs, seem like another planet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for 4×4 desert tours or even an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp under the stars.  

Alnwick Castle, England – Harry Potter 

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Calling all Potterheads! Hogwarts came to life in the first two Harry Potter films in Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England. On the grounds where Harry first learned to fly, visitors can take a broomstick flying lesson.

Grand halls and corridors seat the historic castle’s centuries, ramping up the magical experience even more for families and true wizarding aficionados.  

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Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 

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Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the backdrop to some spectacular action sequences in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. The ancient temple complex is situated in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

With its intricate carvings and majestic roots enveloping its structures, it possesses a magical aura, much like something out of a movie. A photographer’s dream come true is the sunrise tour.  

Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones  

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Enter the actual King’s Landing! HBO’s Game of Thrones featured the filming of the capital of Westeros, which was actually done in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Its medieval walls, Fort Lovrijenac passing off as the Red Keep, and castle walls and fortifications—this is a city made for fans of the Seven Kingdoms. It is a shame because you don’t want to miss a tour of filming locations and secrets from the show.  

Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music  

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In Salzburg, the hills are alive! The Sound of Music takes place in this picture-perfect Austrian town. You can join a guided tour to revisit film-famous spots, including Mirabel Gardens (Do-Re-Me) and Leopoldskron Palace (the von Trapp family home). Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter if you sing along or not: Even Salzburg’s snow-capped mountains and baroque architecture present stunning views and timeless charm.  

Maya Bay, Thailand – The Beach  

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Maya Bay in Thailand boasts crystal-clear water that feels like paradise, soft white sand, and towering cliffs. World famous for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this dreamy spot became.

Located on Koh Phi Phi Leh island, Maya Bay is an excellent place for kayaking or snorkeling, or it is also a great place to lie and enjoy its natural beauty.  

The Shining, Oregon – Timberline Lodge  

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Here is one of the Horror fans. The Overlook Hotel’s exterior was doubled as the Timberline Lodge in Oregon in The Shining. Its hauntingly beautiful architecture complements the serene alpine setting, and its view overlooks Mount Hood. Take a tour of the lodge or hit the nearby ski slopes, but try not to think of “REDRUM.”  

Doune Castle, Scotland – Monty Python and the Holy Grail 

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“‘Tis but a scratch!” Visitors to Doune Castle in Scotland are transported to medieval comedy gold with the help of Fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The castle used for the movies Camelot and Swamp Castle is a 13th-century fortress. It will not be lost on you that an on-site audio tour narrated by Python’s Terry Jones is to be missed!  

The Ohio State Reformatory, USA – The Shawshank Redemption 

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For fans of The Shawshank Redemption, this is the chance to walk in the halls of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. The fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary is called this historic prison. On a self-guided tour, see the warden’s office, Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel, and other iconic Maine State Prison locations.  

The Grand Budapest Hotel, Görlitz, Germany – The Grand Budapest Hotel  

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The movie is a work of fiction, and the scenes were filmed in Görlitz, Germany, a picturesque city. Known as “Görliwood” for its cinematic charm, this town’s pastel buildings and cobblestone streets feel pulled out of a fairytale. You’ll want to have your surreal Grand Budapest experience in Görlitz’s old market square.  

Christ Church College, Oxford – Harry Potter 

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Another must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans is Oxford’s Christ Church College. The stone staircase that appears in many pivotal scenes, like Harry’s first arrival at school, is inspired by the Great Hall and the halls to which Harry and his classmates are escorted before the Sorting.

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For its magic and architecture, lovers of magic and architecture must stop in the college for its stunning Gothic halls.  

Chicago, Illinois – The Dark Knight  

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Head to Chicago for your Gotham tour, as most of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight was filmed in and around Illinois. Chicago’s skyline and landmarks make the Wayne Tower and Gotham’s thrilling street chases a superhero fan’s playground. Be sure to visit Navy Pier and Willis Tower for a bird’s-eye view of “Gotham.”  

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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