From Screen to Scenery: Exploring Iceland and Scotland Through Iconic TV Landscapes

Victoria Ruzzo
May 8
4 min read

There’s something unforgettable about stepping into a place you’ve only seen on screen and realizing it’s even more breathtaking in real life. For fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones, Scotland and Iceland offer that exact experience - where sweeping landscapes, historic ruins, and dramatic coastlines blur the line between fiction and reality. These destinations make the story come to life, and visiting them pulls you into the worlds of Jamie and Claire or the battles for the Iron Throne.

Scotland: Walking in the Footsteps of Outlander

Scotland is made for storytelling. Just outside of Edinburgh, the countryside opens into rolling hills, misty forests, and centuries-old villages that bring Outlander to life. One of the most recognizable stops is Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home. A short distance from Edinburgh, the walls of this quaint castle feels like you are thrust into the countryside of Lallybroch with the Frasers. Enjoy the beautiful ground that come to life each season, or tour the inside of the castle with Outlander lovers alike.

Nearby, the charming village of Culross transports you straight into the 18th century. Its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses served as Cranesmuir, where Claire first begins to navigate her new reality. This preserved medieval town serves as a spot to explore the palace, townhouses, and The Study downtown. Stop by the Red Lion Inn for lunch in town to enjoy the atmosphere of a cozy pub. Not far from there, Doune Castle stands tall, instantly recognizable as Castle Leoch. The echoes of clan gatherings and political tension feel almost tangible as you walk through its halls. This historic castle has served on multiple sets (a double header for the Game of Throne's fans!) and has a rich history of luxurious kings that you can experience first hand as you walk the beautiful castle and grounds.

If you wish to venture deeper into the Highlands, the landscapes grow wilder and more dramatic. Glencoe offers sweeping valleys and rugged peaks that perfectly capture the emotional intensity of the series. The haunting beauty of Culloden Battlefield adds a powerful historical layer, grounding the romance of Outlander in real events that shaped Scotland’s past. And then there are the quieter moments - wandering through ancient forests, standing before standing stones reminiscent of Clava Cairns, or watching the mist roll over the hills - where the magic of the story lingers long after you leave. Become a highlander yourself by taking some stops along the way: enjoy a cup of tea and a fresh pastry by a loch, have a quick cuddle with highland cows, or take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for Nessie.

Iceland: Into the Wild World of Game of Thrones

If Scotland feels romantic and historic, Iceland is otherworldly and untamed - the perfect setting for the frozen North beyond the Wall. Just outside Reykjavík, the scenery quickly transforms into lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches that feel like another planet. One of the most iconic locations is Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates drift apart and dramatic cliffs create a landscape that has doubled as key scenes in the series. For an accessible hike, visit the site of the Bloody Gate of the Arryn, known in real life as the Almannagjá Gorge, and walk in the steps of Little Finger, Sansa, Arya, The Hound, and Brienne of Tarth. Along the way, admire the mystical Öxarárfoss Waterfall to get a real sense of the rugged nature of Iceland. Whether you hike, horseback, or spend some time fishing, feels like stepping into the realm of the Seven Kingdoms.

Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland, coined as The Northern Lights Capital of Iceland, where steaming geothermal fields, lava formations, and eerie landscapes set the stage for Jon Snow’s journey into the uncharted territory of the Wildlings. The terrain is rugged, dramatic, and constantly shifting - perfectly mirroring the dramatic plot lines that take place north of the Wall. This volcanic lake and its surrounding area is a fabulous stop for looking to relax and take in the land of fire and ice. Spend the afternoon bathing in the Earth Lagoon, treating yourself to a lunch overlooking the landscape. Depending on the season you can hike, snowmobile, or horseback the geothermal landscapes from waterfalls and caves to lava fields and valleys to feel like a member of the Night's Watch exploring new worlds. At the right time of year, you might see the Northern Lights paint the night skies in the remote areas of this gorgeous landscape.

No trip would be complete without seeing Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Here, ice caves shimmer and vast fields stretch endlessly, creating the frozen wilderness that defined so many unforgettable moments in Game of Thrones - setting the backdrop for the Wildlings, Night's Watch, and White Walkers. A short distance from the park, the black sand beaches along the south coast, with crashing waves and towering basalt columns, feel cinematic - like a place where dragons could appear at any moment. In fact, you can walk amongst the flight paths of Daenerys' dragons by visiting the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon's dramatic peaks and valleys or hiking to the world-famous waterfall Skógafoss.

Both Scotland and Iceland offer more than just filming locations. Whether you’re tracing the emotional journey of Outlander through historic villages and Highland landscapes, or stepping into the stark, powerful world of Game of Thrones across Iceland’s volcanic terrain, these trips turn beloved stories into real, unforgettable experiences.