Game of Thrones (2011-2019):

 

Game of Thrones leveraged Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes to bring the series to life. Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, played a pivotal role in crafting the series' immersive atmosphere. Within this park, the Almannagjá gorge, with its towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, became the legendary "Bloody Gate." This unforgettable location was where the treacherous path to the Eyrie was depicted in the series. As we followed the Stark sisters, Sansa (S04E05) and Arya (S04E08), on their perilous journey through the treacherous mountain pass, we were transported to the rugged beauty of Almannagjá, making it one of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland.

 

The Almannagjá gorge, with its distinctive rock formations, allowed the series to capture the essence of danger and mystery that defined the Eyrie's approach. Walking in the footsteps of our beloved characters, we can appreciate the contrast between the tranquillity of Þingvellir National Park and the foreboding atmosphere of the Bloody Gate scenes. The deep chasm and towering cliffs showcased in this location provided an authentic and breathtaking backdrop, making it an integral part of the Game of Thrones experience for fans and travellers alike.

 

 

Interstellar (2014):

 

In Christopher Nolan's mind-bending sci-fi epic, "Interstellar" (2014), Iceland's captivating scenery played a pivotal role in transporting viewers to an otherworldly alien planet. The filmmakers harnessed the country's surreal landscapes to create a stark and awe-inspiring backdrop. Some of the most memorable scenes from the movie were brought to life against Iceland's dramatic natural canvas, including the colossal waves crashing against black sand beaches and the icy vistas of the Vatnajökull Glacier National Park. Notably, the Svinafellsjokull Glacier, a striking tongue of the Vatnajökull Glacier, served as a particularly stunning location. Its immense ice formations and ethereal blue hues provided a visually stunning and hauntingly beautiful setting, making it the perfect choice to represent the desolate alien terrain where critical moments of the film's story unfolded.

 

 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016):

 

In "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016), the Star Wars universe's knack for breathtaking and otherworldly settings found a perfect match in Iceland. This time, it was the mystical planet Lah'mu that came to life on Iceland's mesmerising landscapes. Notably, the scenes portraying the remote and enigmatic home of Galen Erso, a pivotal character in the movie, were expertly captured on the iconic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, situated near the charming village of Vik. The stark contrast between the inky-black sand and the foamy waves crashing against the unique basalt columns provided an unforgettable setting that added a layer of intrigue to the film. As viewers were transported to Lah'mu, Iceland's Reynisfjara Beach played an essential role in creating the ambiance and mystique of this distant world.

 

 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013):

 

In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013), starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig, viewers were treated to a visually captivating journey that transported them to a world of adventure and self-discovery. Iceland, with its awe-inspiring landscapes, played a crucial role in bringing this adventure to life. The film's portrayal of Iceland was not limited to mere backdrop; it was an integral part of Walter Mitty's quest. Among the notable Icelandic locations featured in the movie, the majestic Skogafoss Waterfall stands out as a symbol of both the breathtaking beauty and the untamed spirit of the country. The scene at Skogafoss captures the essence of Mitty's transformation as he stands in awe of the thundering cascade, reflecting the awe-inspiring nature of his personal journey. Additionally, the film showcased other Icelandic gems such as Grundarfjörður, a picturesque fishing village, the charming Seyðisfjörður, and the expansive Vatnajökull National Park. These locations added depth and authenticity to the film's portrayal of Mitty's remote and adventurous destinations, making Iceland an unforgettable character in the story.

 

 

Oblivion (2013):

 

In the sci-fi masterpiece "Oblivion" (2013), starring Tom Cruise, Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, including the hauntingly beautiful Hengill volcanic area and the rugged Icelandic Highlands, played a pivotal role in transforming the screen into a post-apocalyptic Earth. Among these awe-inspiring locations, the Hrossaborg Crater, with its surreal and otherworldly appearance, took centre stage in several key scenes. Its eerie, moon-like terrain added an unforgettable dimension to the film's immersive experience as it depicted the remnants of a world devastated by alien invasion and environmental collapse. The juxtaposition of the crater's stark, otherworldly beauty with the film's gripping storyline created a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

 

 

Fortitude (2015-2018):

 

The TV series "Fortitude" transported viewers to a chilling and mysterious Arctic town, setting the stage for a gripping murder mystery. Iceland's icy landscapes, with their haunting beauty and stark remoteness, played a crucial role in bringing this atmospheric series to life. Among the various locations chosen for filming, Reyðarfjörður, a picturesque fjord on the eastern coast of Iceland, stands out as a captivating backdrop for the show. Its dramatic mountains, deep fjord waters, and pristine wilderness lent an eerie and enigmatic quality to the series, making it the ideal setting for the unfolding drama. Additionally, the series also made use of the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull Glacier and the serene yet surreal Blue Lagoon, further cementing Iceland's status as a cinematic treasure trove for "Fortitude."

 

 

Prometheus (2012):

 

In Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" (2012), a significant portion of the film's awe-inspiring alien world was brought to life against the backdrop of Iceland's rugged and mysterious terrain. One of the standout locations was the majestic Dettifoss waterfall, known as Europe's most powerful waterfall. This natural wonder provided the perfect setting for pivotal scenes, where the film's characters encountered the mysterious and enigmatic aspects of this alien planet. The towering torrents of Dettifoss added a sense of grandeur and power to the movie, enhancing the atmosphere of otherworldly beauty that permeated throughout the film's narrative. Alongside Dettifoss, the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Askja volcanic region further contributed to the film's unique and captivating visual identity.

 

 

Iceland's dramatic landscapes have played a pivotal role in bringing fictional worlds to life on the silver screen and television. From the icy wilderness of "Game of Thrones" to the alien planets of "Interstellar" and "Prometheus," the country's natural beauty continues to captivate both filmmakers and viewers alike. If you're a fan of cinema and breathtaking scenery, consider exploring the real-world locations that have left their mark on some of your favorite TV series and films. Iceland's cinematic beauty is truly a sight to behold.