The TV show Vikings is a popular historical drama loved by viewers worldwide. Its breathtaking landscapes and visually stunning settings make it even more captivating. Filming locations are essential in creating an authentic Viking world for the audience. Because of its themes, you might think the show was filmed in Scandinavia.
Surprisingly, almost all Vikings were filmed in Ireland’s scenic Wicklow County. This location is also home to Kattegat in Netflix’s Vikings Valhalla series. Vikings explored various global filming sites in its fourth season to enhance its storytelling. These locations bring the Viking era to life with their natural beauty.
In this post we will learn in detail about Where Is the TV Show Vikings Filmed.
Main Filming Locations for Vikings
County Wicklow, Ireland – The Primary Filming Hub
County Wicklow served as the heart of production for the Vikings series. Ashford Studios, located in Wicklow, was the main filming base for the show. The lush greenery gave the scenes an authentic and natural Scandinavian feel. Its dramatic landscapes closely resemble the rugged beauty of Northern Europe, making Wicklow the perfect backdrop for Viking-era storytelling.
Lough Tay – The Iconic Kattegat Village
Lough Tay, surrounded by mountains, became Kattegat, the central Viking settlement in the show. The lake’s reflective surface added depth and beauty to the village scenes. Its remote location helped create a believable Viking world for the audience. The production team transformed the area into a bustling and authentic Viking port.
Blessington Lakes – A Versatile Location
Blessington Lakes were crucial for filming water scenes and dramatic Viking ship journeys. The lakes provided a flexible setting for various action-packed moments. Their calm waters and scenic banks perfectly fit multiple storytelling needs. This location brought essential dramatic and maritime visuals to life.
Other Filming Locations
Svínafellsjökull Glacier, Iceland
Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Iceland showcased harsh winter conditions with breathtaking visuals. It perfectly captured the rugged and icy terrains of Norse exploration. The glacier brought authenticity to scenes showing the Viking’s snowy journeys and challenges. The stark, frozen landscape enhanced the story’s sense of danger and survival. Iceland’s dramatic scenery created a strong connection to the Vikings’ historical environment.
Additional Locations Across Ireland
Several smaller Irish locations contributed to key battle, forest, and countryside scenes. Powerscourt Waterfall served as a stunning backdrop for dense, wild forest shots. The River Boyne enriched battle scenes with its striking scenery and natural features. These locations added depth and realism to the vivid Viking-era portrayal. Ireland’s varied landscapes made the show vibrant, dynamic, and true to history.
How the Locations Shaped the Show
Realistic Depiction of the Viking World
The filming locations made the Viking world feel authentic and immersive. The rugged landscapes mirrored Scandinavia’s beauty and harshness well. Irish and Icelandic scenery captured the Viking environment without filming in Nordic areas.
Snowy glaciers and dense forests resembled old Norse settings with stunning authenticity. These natural sites added depth to the show’s story and historical feel. The untouched beauty of these places created a connection to an ancient time. The landscapes helped present the challenges and triumphs of Viking life realistically.
Blending CGI with Real Locations
CGI expanded the visual impact of the show’s breathtaking landscapes. Filmmakers used CGI to enhance natural locations for key scenes. They added larger Viking villages, making settlement life appear historically accurate.
For grand battle scenes, CGI brought massive armies to life realistically. The mix of authentic landscapes and digital effects made every scene stand out. These enhancements balanced history with cinematic scale, keeping the visuals engaging and vibrant.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Challenges of Filming in These Locations
Filming in Ireland and Iceland presented plenty of unique challenges. The weather was unpredictable, with sudden rain or freezing winds disrupting shoots. Remote sites often required heavy equipment to be carried on rugged terrain and cast. The crew faced long travel hours to reach isolated filming locations.
Harsh conditions sometimes made it hard to stay focused during long production days. Despite these challenges, the stunning settings made the effort completely worthwhile. Logistics teams worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations in these hard-to-reach areas.
Stories from Cast and Crew
The cast and crew shared memorable stories about working in these breathtaking locations. One actor described filming in Iceland as magical but physically demanding due to the rough terrain. A crew member recounted days when snowstorms delayed filming, leading to creative problem-solving.
Another actor shared how acting in these landscapes felt profoundly immersive and emotionally impactful. “You feel the ancient energy of these sites, and it influences your performance,” one said. These experiences not only shaped their craft but also bonded the team closer together.
Impact of the Filming Locations on Tourism
Boost in Irish Tourism
The filming of Vikings significantly boosted tourism in County Wicklow and surrounding areas. Fans traveled there to explore iconic sites seen in the series, and locations like Lough Tay became must-visit spots for show enthusiasts.
Due to increased visitor numbers and spending, local businesses experienced growth. The series highlighted the region’s natural beauty, bringing global attention to Ireland. Traveling to these landmarks connected fans with the settings of their favorite episodes.
Tours and Attractions Related to Vikings
Guided tours of Vikings’ filming locations became popular attractions across Ireland. Visitors explored historical sites like Powerscourt Waterfall, which was used in key scenes. Tour guides shared behind-the-scenes details, adding excitement to the journeys.
Iceland also became a hot destination for its dramatic landscapes, which are featured in Vikings. Fans visiting Iceland enjoyed breathtaking tours showcasing its rugged beauty seen onscreen. These tours gave travelers a deeper appreciation of the settings, enriching the series.
Conclusion
The filming locations were key in making Vikings feel authentic and immersive. These stunning sites brought stories to life, creating a deeper connection with the audience. The show highlighted Ireland’s and Iceland’s natural beauty globally.
Fans still visit these locations, inspired by the gripping tales of the series. Vikings’ success gave local communities a boost in tourism and the economy. It also created lasting memories and a loyal fan base worldwide. Take the chance to explore these breathtaking spots and feel part of the story.
FAQs
Where is the show Vikings filmed?
The show Vikings was mainly filmed in Ireland. Many outdoor scenes used lush Irish landscapes.
Where was the Vikings Kattegat filmed?
The Kattegat location was filmed in Ireland. It captured its beautiful rivers and dramatic coastlines.
Where was the film The Vikings filmed?
The Vikings movie was filmed in Norway. The mesmerizing Scandinavian fjords enhanced its visual appeal.
Where is Vikings filmed in Norway?
Some action sequences were filmed in Norway. The icy mountains added authenticity to the series.
