Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me "where is the TV series Vikings filmed?" during my Ireland travels, I'd own a longship by now. That show's landscapes stick with you – those misty fjords and rugged villages feel so real because they are real places. Let's cut through the mystery: most filming happened right here in Ireland, with some jaw-dropping detours to Norway and Iceland. I’ve stomped around enough muddy fields and coastal cliffs to give you the raw scoop beyond typical Hollywood fluff.
Walking through Lough Tay in Wicklow last autumn, with golden leaves crunching under my boots, it hit me why the producers chose this spot – it looks exactly like the Norwegian fjords but was way cheaper to film. Tax breaks matter, folks.
The Heart of Kattegat: Ireland’s Dominant Filming Role
Let’s be brutally honest – about 90% of what you see on screen is Ireland. That initial shocker of a landscape in Season 1? Pure Irish magic. The production team scored big with Ireland’s Section 481 tax incentive (basically 32% cash back on production costs), making it a no-brainer versus shooting in Scandinavia.
Ashford Studios: The Viking Nerve Center
Hidden in County Wicklow, this industrial estate turned creative hub is where Kattegat’s village sets lived. Picture massive soundstages holding intricate wooden settlements that smelled like fresh timber and damp earth. When I visited last year, the security guy told me they’d sometimes find stray props like clay mugs in nearby fields after windstorms.
| Site | Purpose | Visitor Access | Cost | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford Studios | Indoor sets (Kattegat village, interiors) | Closed to public; occasional charity events | N/A | Check local tourism boards for pop-up tours |
| Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) | Establishing shots of Kattegat | Free public access | Free | Park at JB Malone Memorial car park (53°06'18.5"N 6°19'14.0"W) |
| Ballyhenry Forest | Battle scenes, forest ambushes | Open 24/7 via Coillte trails | Free | Wear waterproof boots – gets marshy after rain |
Funny story – I once got hopelessly lost near Ballyhenry Forest chasing "Ragnar’s trail," only to end up at a sheep farmer’s cottage. He laughed and said tourists do that weekly. Pro tip: download offline maps.
Iconic Natural Locations You Can Actually Visit
These spots made my camera roll overflow:
- Wicklow Mountains National Park - That epic scene where Ragnar first sees the English coast? Filmed at Powerscourt Waterfall (entry €6.50/adult). Go mid-week to avoid crowds.
- Boyne Valley - Battlefield sequences near Trim Castle (famous from Braveheart). Castle entry €5, open 9:30am-5:30pm May-Sept.
- Luggala Estate - Floki’s spiritual hideouts. Private land but visible from Sally Gap road viewpoint.
- Howth Head - Coastal raids footage. DART train from Dublin (€3.30), then hike cliff paths.
Beyond Ireland: The Frozen Expanses
Okay, full disclosure – when the script demanded actual Nordic authenticity, the crew packed their parkas. Ireland’s great but it can’t fake glacier country.
Norway’s Cameo Appearances
Remember Ragnar and Athelstan’s mountain pilgrimage? That’s real Norwegian wilderness. Producers filmed key establishing shots in:
- Nærøyfjord (UNESCO site) - Cruise ferries from Gudvangen (€40-60). Open May-Oct.
- Aurlandsfjellet - Snowy pass scenes. Drive Route 243 but check road closures Nov-Apr.
I’ll be real – Norway’s breathtaking but costs double Ireland. A beer in Oslo made my wallet weep.
Iceland’s Bleak Beauty
When the story needed supernatural bleakness (like Floki’s exile), they headed to:
- Skógafoss Waterfall - Entry free, open 24/7. Prepare for drenching spray.
- Thingvellir National Park - Tectonic plate rift scenes. €7 parking fee, paths icy in winter.
Visiting Iceland? Rent a 4x4. Those "gravel roads" will murder sedan tires. Ask how I know.
Vikings: Valhalla’s New Territories
Netflix shifted gears for the spin-off. With Ireland’s studios booked solid, they moved shop to:
- Ashford Studios, Ireland (still used for some interiors)
- County Wicklow forests (continued use)
- NEW: Connemara, Ireland - Rugged western coast near Clifden doubling for Greenland
- NEW: Newfoundland, Canada - Leif Erikson’s Vinland scenes filmed at Mistaken Point (UNESCO site)
Honestly? The Canadian locations feel colder and harsher – perfect for Valhalla’s tone. But getting there involves flights to St. John’s plus a 3-hour drive south. Budget accordingly.
| Show | Primary Country | Signature Locations | Travel Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings (Original) | Ireland (85%) | Wicklow Mountains, Boyne Valley | Easy (day trips from Dublin) |
| Vikings: Valhalla | Ireland + Canada | Connemara, Newfoundland | Moderate-Hard (remote areas) |
Your Practical Viking Location Checklist
Based on my trial-and-error adventures:
Ireland Essentials
- Best Base: Dublin (15+ car rental agencies at airport)
- Transport: Rent car (€40-60/day) – public transport won’t cut it
- Tour Hack: "Vikings Filming Locations" tours (€65-85) from Dublin save navigation headaches
- When to Go: May-June (less rain, off-peak prices)
Scandinavian Add-Ons
- Budget Alert: Norway costs 2x Ireland. Hostels €40+/night, meals €25+
- Smart Combo: Fly Dublin→Bergen (Norway) → Reykjavik (Iceland) with budget airlines
- Must Pack: Waterproof layers (even in summer), power bank (cold drains phones)
Filming Challenges You Never Noticed
Funny how the camera lies:
- Irish "fjords" are mostly freshwater lakes (Lough Tay = 180m deep!)
- That "Norwegian" pine forest? Planted 20th-century commercial timber in Wicklow
- Sheep bleats often edited out – they’re everywhere in Ireland
A location scout once told me at a pub: "We’d shoot a battle scene, then farmers would chase us off for disturbing sheep. Real Vikings had it easier."
Why These Locations Won Over Producers
Beyond tax breaks:
- Light Magic: Ireland’s overcast skies = perfect diffused lighting (no harsh shadows)
- Landscape Variety: Mountains, coasts, forests within 1 hour’s drive
- Minimal Modern Intrusion: Few cell towers/power lines to edit out
- Local Crew Expertise: Irish film technicians are Oscar-winning pros
Controversial Opinion Time
I love these locations but Valhalla swapping Ireland for Canada? Mistake. Newfoundland’s beauty is undeniable, but losing Wicklow’s mystical atmosphere changed the show’s soul. Fight me.
Vikings Filming FAQs Answered Straight
Where exactly was Vikings filmed for the Kattegat scenes?
Primarily at Ashford Studios (interiors) and Lough Tay exteriors. GPS: 53.1165°N, 6.3222°W.
Is the Kattegat set still standing anywhere?
Nope. Sets were dismantled after filming. Occasionally sections reappear at Viking festivals – follow Ashford Studios social media.
Where is the TV series Vikings filmed most economically for travelers?
Ireland wins. Fly into Dublin, base yourself there, rent a car. Major locations within 90 minutes drive.
Did they actually film in Scandinavia for Vikings?
Minimal footage – mainly Norway’s fjords for establishing shots (Seasons 2-3), Iceland for supernatural sequences.
Where was Vikings Valhalla filmed compared to the original?
Ireland still used, but added Newfoundland, Canada for wilderness scenes. Connemara replaced some Wicklow spots.
Can you visit where Vikings was filmed independently?
Absolutely – all outdoor locations are public land. Just respect fences and "no trespassing" signs. Farmers have shotguns.
What’s the most accessible Vikings filming location?
Howth Head. Take Dublin’s DART train (30 mins from city center), walk coastal path to Balscadden Bay. Free.
Where is the TV series Vikings filmed during winter scenes?
Mix of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains (real snow when lucky), Norway for mountain passes, and Iceland’s glaciers.
Final Thoughts From a Location Junkie
Tracking down where is the TV series Vikings filmed taught me one thing: reality beats CGI every time. Standing where Travis Fimmel’s Ragnar stood, breathing that peat-scented Irish air – it connects you to the saga. Could they have faked it in a studio? Sure. Would it feel alive? Not a chance. Now quit reading and go get mud on your boots. Skål!