The historical drama Vikings captivated audiences with its intense storytelling, breathtaking battles, and authentic depiction of Norse culture. Premiering in 2013, the series follows the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok and his journey from a simple farmer to a feared and respected ruler. The show masterfully blends history with myth, drawing inspiration from real Viking sagas while adding dramatic elements to keep viewers engaged.
One of the standout features of Vikings is its stunning cinematography, which transports audiences into the harsh yet beautiful world of the Norse warriors. The authenticity of the settings plays a crucial role in bringing this historical era to life. Fans often wonder where did they film Vikings, as the breathtaking landscapes and rugged coastlines appear as though they were taken straight from medieval Scandinavia. However, while the show is set in Northern Europe, much of the filming took place elsewhere.
Although Vikings is rooted in Scandinavian history, the majority of its scenes were filmed in Ireland, taking advantage of the country’s dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and vast lakes. The choice of filming locations contributed significantly to the show’s atmospheric feel, creating a believable world where fierce warriors, ancient traditions, and legendary battles unfold. In the following sections, we will explore these locations in detail, uncovering the real-world places that brought the Viking age to life on screen.
Primary Filming Locations In Ireland
Ireland was one of the places where Vikings was filmed. Its stunning rugged scenery is very similar to the Scandinavian landscapes during the Viking era. As for Ireland, its picturesque scenery combined with highly developed filming industry and filming locations available made it a great choice. The production team’s focal point was Ashford Studios on County Wicklow, which contained a large share of the interior and exterior sets throughout the series.
However, many of the most iconic outdoor scenes were captured on different places of Ireland including breathtaking cliffs, peaceful lakes, and deep forested areas. These locations were essential in establishing the show’s exquisite atmosphere and making the Viking world feel extremely real. Here are some of the most important filming sites used in Vikings:
- Lough Tay (County Wicklow): Used as the setting for Kattegat, the legendary home of Ragnar Lothbrok.
- Blessington Lakes (County Wicklow): Featured in several battle scenes and journey sequences.
- Powerscourt Waterfall (County Wicklow): Provided a striking backdrop for various outdoor scenes.
- Nuns Beach (County Kerry): Used for coastal Viking raids and seafaring shots.
- River Boyne (County Meath): Served as a filming location for key river travel sequences.
These locations were carefully chosen to provide the most authentic representation of the Viking world while maintaining a practical production setting. The Irish landscape’s rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and misty shores mirrored the harsh and untamed beauty of Scandinavia.
Although Ireland was the primary filming location, the show’s production team made extensive use of set design and digital effects to enhance the authenticity of each scene. This blend of real-world landscapes and post-production enhancements ensured that Vikings maintained a visually striking and historically immersive feel. For fans wondering where did they film Vikings, Ireland remains the most significant filming site, with many of its locations still recognizable today.
Exploring Additional Filming Sites
While Ireland served as the primary filming location for Vikings, the production team also ventured beyond its borders to capture diverse landscapes and enhance the show’s authenticity. To accurately depict the vast territories that the Vikings explored, filmmakers selected additional locations in Norway, Canada, and even Morocco, each offering a unique setting that contributed to the series’ visual appeal.
One of the most notable secondary filming locations was in Norway, where the natural fjords provided the perfect backdrop for the Vikings’ seafaring adventures. The towering cliffs, deep blue waters, and rugged terrain offered a striking contrast to the Irish countryside. While only a few key scenes were filmed in Norway, they added a layer of realism to the Viking raids and exploration scenes, reinforcing the show’s historical accuracy.
The Role Of Canada And Morocco In The Production
When the series picked up steam and the plot expanded beyond Scandinavia, the production team began hunting for places that could accurately depict the far-off lands that the Vikings traveled to. Much of the untouched wilderness in Canada served the purpose of portraying North America, or Vinland, as depicted in the series. It also closely aligned with the descriptions from Norse sagas. The wild forests and coastlines of Canada gave the series a chance to depict the legendary adventures of the Vikings crossing the Atlantic realistically.
On the other hand, Morocco gave the team a chance to accurately depict the Middle East and Northern Africa that the Vikings encountered. The desert landscapes, thriving souks, and ancient architecture of Morocco were perfect for the scenes in the Mediterranean and setting. This expansion of filming locations enabled the series to depict the extensive reach of the Vikings and their civilizations.
Despite these additional filming sites, Ireland remained the heart of the production, with most of the series’ interior and battle scenes shot there. However, the inclusion of Norway, Canada, and Morocco helped create a more expansive and visually dynamic portrayal of Viking history. Fans who ask where did they film Vikings may be surprised to learn how many locations contributed to the immersive world of the show, blending real-world settings with masterful cinematography.
Filming Locations By Season
The filming locations of Vikings evolved throughout the series as the story expanded to cover new territories. While Ireland remained the primary setting, each season introduced additional landscapes that added depth to the narrative. The production team carefully selected locations that matched the historical and geographical context of the events depicted in the show.
Below is an overview of the primary filming locations used in each season:
| Season | Primary Filming Locations |
| 1 | County Wicklow, Ireland |
| 2 | County Wicklow, Ireland; Western Norway |
| 3 | County Wicklow, Ireland; Western Norway |
| 4 | County Wicklow, Ireland; Canada |
| 5 | County Wicklow, Ireland; Morocco |
| 6 | County Wicklow, Ireland; Russia |
At first, the Irish landscape served both as Scandinavian homelands and territories newly discovered in the earlier seasons. Following the Vikings expansion into more complex lands, the production team shifted to hunting new locations to bring their journeys to life. As the series progressed, new settings were required that followed along the Viking expansion across the oceans.
By Season 6, scenery set in the Kievan Rus was shot at some of the locations that actually depicted the old Eastern Europe. The addition of Canada in Season 4 and Morocco allowing the team to beautifully portray the Viking expansion across North America and the exploration of the Mediterranean. These diverse settings aided in preserving the integrity of the series while simultaneously keeping the spectators engaged visually.
The Role Of Set Design And CGI
Very much like the beautiful sceneries, which have been extremely important for the Vikings series, the set design together with the CGI has also contributed immensely in bringing forth the series’ historical aspect. Through CGI and intricate set building, a blend of both contemporary and historical locations was used to reproduce the Viking period. Many of the key settings, like the legendary town of Kattegat, were built in Ireland and digitally altered to enhance their proportions.
Most of the set interiors, together with some of the exteriors, have been built in Ashford Studios in County Wicklow; the main production center for the show. Here, the production team built Viking longhouses, great halls, and markets, ensuring that every detail matched historical accounts. To make these villages and battlefields look more majestic, the real physical structures were modified with CGI. This mixture of handiwork with visual effects enables Vikings to preserve its credibility while portraying stunning Viking civilizations and battles.
Using Cgi To Enhance The Landscapes And Wars
While the production insisted on using real-life effects whenever feasible, CGI was a must for the large battle scenes and landscape drama. The Viking journeys, the turbulent oceans, and the immense battle fields were typically shot at a lower level and then enhanced digitally to achieve a greater impact and aesthetics.
As an example, the huge fleet of Viking vessels captured sailing in Northern sea was real but CGI was used to create an illusion of an endless fleet. Some functional long ships were built for the shoot but a lot of them were added by CGI. The same approach was used in the massive battles like the season 3 Paris siege and the English invasion where real actors were joined with computer generated arms. This created a more chaotic and intense viewing experience.
Despite the reliance on CGI, the series always maintained a balance between digital effects and real-world cinematography. The result was a visually stunning show that blended historical realism with cinematic spectacle. For fans wondering where did they film Vikings, the answer is not only in the beautiful landscapes of Ireland and other real-world locations but also within the carefully constructed sets and digital environments that brought the Viking world to life.
Visiting The Iconic Filming Locations
Many fans of Vikings are eager to visit the breathtaking landscapes that served as the backdrop for the legendary saga. Ireland, as the primary filming location, offers numerous sites that travelers can explore to relive the epic moments of the series. From the mystical mountains of Wicklow to the tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls, these filming locations remain largely untouched, allowing visitors to step into the world of Ragnar Lothbrok and his warriors.
- Lough Tay (County Wicklow): Also known as the “Guinness Lake,” this location served as the setting for Kattegat, the Viking village featured prominently throughout the series. The dark waters and surrounding mountains create a striking resemblance to Scandinavian fjords.
- Powerscourt Waterfall (County Wicklow): Ireland’s tallest waterfall, this site was used for several key outdoor scenes, including Viking ceremonies and dramatic encounters.
- Blessington Lakes (County Wicklow): This vast lake system provided the backdrop for Viking journeys and was frequently used for scenes depicting travel by water.
- River Boyne (County Meath): This historic river was chosen for its resemblance to the waterways used by Vikings during their raids and explorations.
- Nuns Beach (County Kerry): Featured in the series for its remote and dramatic coastal scenery, perfect for Viking shore landings and battles.
Every single one of these sites provides an interesting insight into the movie universe of Vikings, as their surrounding unspoiled settings perfectly capture the spirit of the show. Tourists who come to these locations tend to interact with places that they are already acquainted with from their favorite episodes, which augments the visit.
For tourists keen to learn more about the Viking period, a number of these sites have guiding services that detail both the making of the series as well as the importance of the locations. Guides reveal interesting information such as the use of modern technology to alter the scenery, filming methods, and how the actors acclimatized to the different locations during the shoot.
Those wondering where did they film Vikings will find that Ireland remains the heart of the series’ production, but visiting these locations in person adds an entirely new dimension to the viewing experience. Whether standing on the shores of Lough Tay or walking through the dense forests of County Wicklow, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the world of the Norse warriors, experiencing firsthand the beauty and grandeur that made Vikings such a visually stunning series.
The Lasting Impact Of The Vikings Filming Locations
The breathtaking landscapes used in Vikings played a crucial role in bringing the legendary Norse world to life. From the rugged mountains and deep lakes of Ireland to the icy fjords of Norway, each location added depth and realism to the story. These sites were carefully chosen not only for their beauty but also for their ability to transport viewers into the heart of the Viking era. The combination of real-world scenery, elaborate set designs, and CGI enhancements created an immersive experience that made the series visually unforgettable.
For many fans, discovering where did they film Vikings has sparked a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of these locations. Ireland, in particular, has become a must-visit destination for those wishing to explore the landscapes that shaped the show. Guided tours, film site visits, and cultural exhibitions allow visitors to experience firsthand the magic of these settings. Meanwhile, other locations, such as Morocco and Canada, highlight the global reach of the Viking legacy as portrayed in the series.
Even years after the final season aired, the filming locations of Vikings continue to attract attention from fans and travelers alike. These places have become more than just backdrops for a television show; they now hold a special place in cinematic history. Whether standing on the shores of Lough Tay or exploring the ancient streets of Moroccan cities, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Viking legends and relive the epic journey of Ragnar Lothbrok and his warriors.
