Okay, let's settle this once and for all. You finished binging Vikings (maybe twice), stared at those epic landscapes, and now you're dying to know: where was Vikings filmed for real? Forget those vague "mostly Ireland" answers. Grab a coffee, because we're diving deep into every fjord, forest, and fake longhouse location.
I remember driving through County Wicklow last spring, rounding a bend, and BAM – there it was. That unmistakable view of Lough Tay, the "Guinness Lake," staring back at me just like in the show. Totally surreal. Made me realize how much these locations are the show. So, yeah, this isn't just a list. It's your field guide.
The Real Deal: Ireland Was Vikings HQ
Right, let's get specific. When people ask where was Vikings filmed, the core answer is Ireland. Like, 90% of it. But not just randomly – they picked spots that screamed raw, ancient Scandinavia.
Ashford Studios: Where the Magic Got Built
This massive studio complex in County Wicklow (Address: The Workshops, Ashford, Co. Wicklow, Ireland) was the production's beating heart. Seriously, without this place, no Kattegat village, no interior halls, none of it. They built entire sets here:
- The iconic Kattegat docks and main settlement
- Ragnar and Lagertha's first home (that tiny hut!)
- Earl Haraldson's Great Hall
- Wessex palace interiors
Can you tour it? Visitor Tip Not really. It's a working studio, closed to the public. Bummer, I know. But hey, you can drive by and imagine Travis Fimmel wandering around.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake): Your Kattegat Postcard
This is the money shot. That aerial view of Kattegat nestled by dark water with white sand? That's Lough Tay (Access Point: Guinness Estate, Luggala, Co. Wicklow). It's private land owned by the Guinness family (hence the name).
Visiting Reality Check: You can't waltz down to the shore. But! Head to the Luggala viewpoint on R759 road. Free parking, insane views. Best light? Sunset, obviously. Bring binoculars to spot where the set used to be near the far shore. No entrance fee, open 24/7, but respect the private property signs.
My advice? Go mid-week. Weekends get packed with tourists now, all thanks to the show.
Other Irish Gems That Doubled As Viking Territory
County Wicklow was basically the show's playground:
- The Wicklow Mountains National Park: Endless battle scenes. Specific spots like Glenmacnass Waterfall and the Sally Gap road. Free access, great hiking.
- Powerscourt Estate Waterfall: (Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow) Stood in for Norwegian wilderness. Entry: Adults €7.50, Kids €4. Open 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
- Ballynastockagh Quarry (Blessington Lakes): Floki’s boat-building hideout. Rustic, moody, accessible via walking trails.
- Lough Dan & Lough Tay Surrounds: Loads of forest scenes. Trails everywhere - just wander.
Beyond Ireland: Finding Scandinavia
Okay, so Ireland nailed the vibe, but they did venture out for that extra authenticity punch.
Norway: The Viking Soul
For Season 6, they finally went to the real deal. Key spots:
- Kjeragbolten (Lysefjord): That terrifying boulder wedged high above the fjord? Yep, Ivar's scene. Free to access, but Warning: It's a 4-hour challenging hike. Not for the faint-hearted. No facilities.
- Vik, Sogn og Fjordane: Stunning coastal village representing Iceland/Kattegat exteriors. Easy drive, very tourist-friendly.
Honestly? Norway felt different. Colder, wilder. You could feel why the Vikings were who they were.
Iceland: Fire & Ice Drama
Used sparingly but perfectly:
- Grjótagjá Cave (Lake Mývatn): (Near Reykjahlíð, Northeast Iceland) Famous hot spring scene with Ragnar and Aslaug. Free access, but swimming is forbidden now (too hot/unstable). Still jaw-dropping to see.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (Vík): Otherworldly landing scenes. Free, open 24/7. DANGER: Watch those sneaker waves!
Your Complete Vikings Filming Location Checklist
Need the full breakdown? Here's your master table covering exactly where was Vikings filmed:
| Location Name | Country | What Was Filmed There | Visitor Info (Address, Access, Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford Studios | Ireland | Interior sets (Kattegat village, halls, huts) | The Workshops, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. No public tours. |
| Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) | Ireland | Kattegat exterior overview shots, landscapes | Viewpoint on R759 road, Co. Wicklow. Free, 24/7. Shore access restricted. |
| Wicklow Mountains National Park | Ireland | Battles, travels, wilderness scenes | Various access points (e.g., Glendalough). Free entry. Car parks may charge (€4-5). |
| Powerscourt Waterfall | Ireland | Norwegian wilderness, travel montages | Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Entry: Adult €7.50, Child €4. 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. |
| Kjeragbolten | Norway | Ivar's iconic Season 6 scene | Lysebotn, Rogaland. Free. Challenging hike (4-6 hrs round trip). Summer access only. |
| Grjótagjá Cave | Iceland | Ragnar & Aslaug hot spring scene | Near Reykjahlíð, Lake Mývatn. Free. No swimming. Open access. |
| Reynisfjara Beach | Iceland | Ship landings, dramatic coastal scenes | Route 215, Vík í Mýrdal. Free, 24/7. Extreme wave danger. |
Planning Your Own Viking Pilgrimage? Smart Tips
Want to stand where Ragnar stood? Here's the real talk based on my trip and others' experiences:
Ireland is your best bet. Most locations are clustered in County Wicklow (less than 1 hour drive from Dublin Airport). Rent a car – public transport won't cut it for these spots.
- Best Time: Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (Sept-Oct). Summer gets crowded, winter weather can be brutal (though atmospheric!).
- Kattegat Viewpoint: The Lough Tay lookout is non-negotiable. Go early morning for fewer people and softer light.
- Guided Tours? Several companies run "Vikings Filming Location Tours" from Dublin. Cost: €60-€85 per person. Worth it if you hate driving on the left.
- Set Remains: Don't expect much. Most sets were dismantled. It's about recognising the landscape, not finding props.
Budget Reality Check
Ireland ain't cheap. Expect:
- Car Rental: €40-€70 per day
- Mid-range Hotel/B&B: €100-€150 per night
- Food: €15-€25 per pub meal
- Tour: €60-€85
Norway/Iceland? Easily double that. Just being honest.
Why These Locations? More Than Just Pretty Views
Ever wonder where was Vikings filmed chosen for a reason? It wasn't random. The showrunners hunted places that felt untouched, ancient, and harsh. Ireland's east coast, surprisingly, mirrors Norway's coastline in places. The light, the water, the moody skies – it all added to that gritty realism.
Plus, Ireland offered solid tax breaks and experienced crews. Practical magic, right? Iceland and Norway brought the elemental fury the story needed later on.
Burning Questions: Your Vikings Filming FAQ
Did they film Vikings in actual Scandinavia?
Yes, but only later seasons (mainly Season 6). Norway and Iceland provided specific exterior shots for authenticity. The bulk (especially Kattegat village scenes) was always Ireland.
Can I visit the Kattegat set?
The actual village set at Ashford Studios? No, it's closed off. The location backdrop (Lough Tay) is viewable from the public road. The structures were temporary and mostly gone.
Where was Vikings Valhalla filmed?
Different show, same approach! Primarily filmed in Ireland too (County Wicklow again, plus new spots like the Boyne Valley), with some additional work in Norway.
What's the most accessible Vikings location?
Hands down, the Lough Tay viewpoint in Ireland. Free, easy drive from Dublin, no hike required. Powerscourt Waterfall is a close second – well-maintained, paid entry, but stunning.
Were any scenes filmed in Canada or the US?
Nope. Despite rumors, all principal photography for the original Vikings series was in Ireland, Norway, and Iceland.
Final Word: More Than Just a TV Show Location
Figuring out where was Vikings filmed is cool, but visiting these places? It hits different. Standing by Lough Tay, wind whipping your face, you suddenly get it. You feel the isolation, the beauty, the harshness that shaped those characters. It’s not just about ticking boxes on a map. It’s feeling that Viking heartbeat in the land.
Sure, Ireland might not be Scandinavia, but it convinced the world it was. And honestly? Walking those Wicklow hills, smelling the peat, it convinced me too. Go see for yourself – just pack a good rain jacket.
Leave a Comments