Vikings Filming Locations in Ireland and Scandinavia: A Practical Guide

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip around Vikings filming locations in Ireland and Scandinavia, it’s a rewarding but logistically unique experience. The show famously split production between the lush, green landscapes of Ireland (for the first several seasons) and the dramatic, raw fjords of Norway and Iceland (for later seasons and specific scenes). This guide covers exactly where those locations are, how to visit them, what you’ll actually find on the ground, and what common mistakes to avoid. It’s written for fans who want to see the real places behind the screen without wasting time or money. Some spots are easy day trips from Dublin. Others require significant planning and a willingness to deal with weather, private land, and removed sets. I’ve been to most of these locations myself and I’ll tell you what’s worth your time and what’s better left to Instagram. Let’s start with why Ireland became the show’s home base.

Why Ireland Was the Heart of Vikings Filming

When the producers of Vikings needed a production hub that could double for Scandinavia, they chose Ireland. They based the entire operation at Ashford Studios in County Wicklow, about 30 minutes south of Dublin. The decision wasn’t accidental. Ireland offered a combination of factors that made it ideal for a historical drama with a limited budget compared to Game of Thrones.

First, the Irish tax incentive for film and television production (the Section 481 scheme) provided significant cost savings. Second, the country has a deep pool of skilled crew members from years of international productions filming there. Third—and most important for location scouts—the Irish landscape is incredibly diverse for such a small country. Within an hour’s drive from Ashford Studios, you have mountains, lakes, forests, coastline, and open moorland. That variety meant the crew could film Kattegat beach scenes, forest battles, and mountain passes all within the same county. The weather, while unpredictable, also worked in their favor for creating the atmospheric, misty look of the show. Practical logistics and visual flexibility made Ireland the logical choice.

Key Vikings Filming Locations in Ireland

Ireland has several accessible locations where you can stand on the same ground as the cast. Here are the most important ones, with practical notes on how to see them.

Lough Tay (The Viking Valley)

This is the single most recognizable location from the show. Lough Tay, also known as the Guinness Lake due to its dark water and white sand beach, sits in the Wicklow Mountains on private land owned by the Guinness family. The white sand beach was used extensively for Kattegat beach scenes, including the famous opening shots of the series. The problem? The land is private. You cannot simply drive up and walk on the beach. The best public viewpoint is from the car park on the R115 (the Military Road) at the top of the Sally Gap. From there, you get the classic elevated view of the lake and the beach below. If you want to get closer, book a guided tour that has landowner permission, or stay at the nearby Powerscourt Estate and see if access has been arranged. Don’t try to trespass. It’s enforced.

Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall

Located just outside Enniskerry, Powerscourt Estate was used for several scenes including the Earl of Northumbria’s residence and various forest settings. The estate grounds are open to the public (entry fee applies) and the waterfall is a short walk or bus ride from the main house. This is one of the most convenient locations for day-trippers from Dublin. You can combine it with a visit to Enniskerry village itself, which stood in for various period settings. Allow at least two hours to walk the gardens and see the waterfall. The estate also has a cafe and toilets, which matters more than you think after a few hours in the Irish rain.

The Hell Fire Club

Sitting on top of Montpelier Hill, the Hell Fire Club is a ruined hunting lodge that was used for various interior and exterior scenes. It’s a short, steep walk from a small car park on the R115. The views from the top are excellent, but the building itself is small and frankly disappointing compared to what the show made it look like. Go for the walk and the panorama, not for the film set. It’s free to visit but parking is limited, especially on weekends.

Blessington Lakes (and the Russborough House Estate)

The Blessington Lakes area, particularly the shores near the Russborough House estate, were used for several scenes including the Viking settlement beach and some sea voyages. The area is publicly accessible via the public walkways around the lake. It’s a good spot for a picnic or a quiet afternoon if you’re staying in Wicklow. The estate itself has guided tours that occasionally reference filming locations. It’s less crowded than Lough Tay and offers a different, more tranquil perspective on the landscape used in the show.

Scandinavian Locations: Where the Show Filmed in Norway and Iceland

Beginning around Season 4, the show expanded its location scouting to include actual Scandinavian landscapes. This was a deliberate move to capture the raw, untouched look of the fjords that the Irish landscapes could only approximate.

Norway: The Fjords and Mountains

The most significant Norwegian locations are in the Hardangerfjord region, near the town of Odda. The specific area known as Trolltunga (the Troll’s Tongue) was used for several sweeping aerial shots of Kattegat’s surrounding mountains and fjords. However, filming for actual scenes primarily took place in the less touristy parts of the fjordlands. For visitors, the best way to see these areas is through a guided fjord tour from Bergen or a self-drive itinerary. The key is understanding that the actual filming locations on the ground are often just rocky beaches or forested slopes with no set markers. The experience is about the landscape, not the set. Bring waterproof hiking boots—Norwegian weather at the start of summer can be as wet as Ireland’s, with an added chance of snow above 1,000 meters.

Iceland: The Volcanic and Glacial Landscapes

Iceland was used for specific scenes set in the far north, particularly in Season 6. Locations include the black sand beaches of Vik, the glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón, and the volcanic landscapes around the Mývatn region. These are generally accessible via the Ring Road, but require a 4×4 for some side roads. A guided tour from Reykjavik is the safest bet if you’re only there for a few days. The weather is even more unpredictable than Ireland’s, with high winds and sudden rain. The black sand beach at Vik is beautiful but dangerous—sneaker waves are frequent. Follow the warning signs.

Vikings Filming Locations in Ireland vs. Scandinavia: What to Expect

This is the key decision you need to make before booking anything. Ireland is easier, cheaper, and more convenient. You can base yourself in Dublin, take a day tour to the Wicklow locations, and see most of the major spots in two to three days. Accommodation is affordable, English is the primary language, and the food is decent. The weather is mild but wet.

Scandinavia (Norway and Iceland) is harder, more expensive, and requires more planning. Norway is best done as a self-drive along the fjords, which takes at least a week. Iceland is more compact but still requires a 4×4 and flexible plans. Costs for food, fuel, and accommodation in both countries are significantly higher than Ireland. The trade-off is the breathtaking, authentic quality of the landscapes. If you want to see the actual fjords from the show, go to Norway. If you want the convenience and the beach sets from the early seasons, go to Ireland.

Best for first-time visitors: Ireland. Best for hardcore fans and landscape photographers: Norway or Iceland.

Common Mistakes When Visiting Vikings Filming Locations

I’ve made most of these mistakes myself, so here’s what to avoid.

• Expecting intact sets: Almost all the structures built for the show were temporary and have been removed. You will not find a Viking village to walk through. What you will find is the natural landscape. Manage that expectation.
• Trespassing at Lough Tay: The beach is private. Do not try to access it without permission. The viewpoint from the road is excellent and takes five minutes. Save yourself the hassle.
• Underestimating Irish weather: It can rain four times in a single morning, with sun in between. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, not an umbrella. The wind will destroy an umbrella within minutes.
• Not booking tours in advance: Especially in the summer, guided tours to Wicklow from Dublin sell out. Book at least a week ahead if you want a spot. The same applies to Norwegian fjord tours during peak season (June-August).
• Driving without proper planning: The roads in Wicklow are narrow and winding. The R115 can be treacherous in fog. In Norway, mountain passes close without warning due to snow. Check weather and road conditions before you set out each day.

Best Guided Tours for Vikings Filming Locations

A good guided tour saves you time, stress, and the risk of trespassing. Here are the ones worth your money.

From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains Tour

Several operators run daily tours to the Wicklow locations. The best ones include Lough Tay viewpoint, Powerscourt Waterfall, and the Hell Fire Club. The tour I recommend most is the Wild Wicklow Tour from Dublin. It covers all the major sites in about six hours, includes a guide with actual filming knowledge, and provides transport so you don’t have to drive the narrow roads. Cost is typically around €50-70 per person depending on the operator. Best for solo travelers or couples who don’t want to rent a car.

From Bergen: Norwegian Fjord Tour

Several day tours depart Bergen and head into the Hardangerfjord region. The best for Vikings fans is the Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell tour, which combines a bus, ferry, and train journey through the same fjords used for aerial shots. It’s expensive (around €200 per person) but covers ground you cannot reach by public transport in one day. Best for landscape photographers and fans who want to see the actual fjords without renting a car.

From Dublin: Private Filming Locations Tour

If you have a group of three or more, a private tour is worth the extra cost. You can customize the itinerary, spend more time at specific spots, and avoid the bus crowds. Cost is typically €250-400 for a half-day depending on the operator. Best for hardcore fans or families with specific requests.

What Gear You Should Pack for a Location-Scouting Trip

This is based on what I’ve learned from standing in rain, mud, and wind for hours. The right gear makes the difference between a miserable day and a great one.

• Waterproof boots with good grip: You will walk on wet grass, mud, and rocky paths. Regular sneakers get soaked within 20 minutes. Travelers facing these conditions may appreciate a pair of waterproof hiking boots that are comfortable for all-day wear and dry out overnight.
• Layered clothing system: A breathable base layer, a mid-layer (fleece or light down), and a waterproof outer shell. This handles everything from cold mornings to warm afternoons and sudden rain. Avoid cotton as a base layer in Ireland or Norway.
• A good portable charger: You’ll be using your phone for navigation, photos, and maps. In remote areas, battery drops fast. A 10,000mAh power bank is enough for a full day. A portable power bank is a simple way to avoid running out of battery during a long day of location scouting.
• A compact point-and-shoot or phone with good stabilization: If you don’t want a DSLR, your phone is fine as long as it has decent stabilization for video. The iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 8 are great for this. If you want a dedicated camera, the Sony RX100 VII is compact and takes excellent photos in low light.
• A dry bag: Even a small one for your phone, wallet, and passport. If you get caught in a downpour, you’ll appreciate not having a soaking wallet for the rest of the day.

Where to Stay Near Vikings Filming Locations

Staying close to the locations saves you commuting time, especially when the weather is bad. Here are the best options for each area.

County Wicklow, Ireland

If you want to be near the Wicklow locations, stay in Wicklow Town or the village of Glendalough. The Glendalough Hotel is a solid mid-range option with a bar and restaurant. For a more rural experience, look for self-catering cottages around the Blessington Lakes or near Rathdrum. These are usually cheaper than Dublin and put you 15-30 minutes from Lough Tay and Powerscourt. If you prefer city comfort, base yourself in Dublin City Centre and use tours or a rental car for day trips. Dublin hotels run from €100-200 per night for decent 3-star options.

Norwegian Fjords

The best base for the Hardangerfjord locations is Odda, a small town with several guesthouses and a hotel. The Odda Hotel is the most comfortable option, though it books up months in advance during summer. For a more rustic experience, look for cabins near the fjord on platforms like Hyttefeber or Norsk Booking. These are self-catering and usually cost €80-150 per night for a two-person cabin. Bergen is the urban base, with hotels ranging from €120-250 per night. It’s a two-hour drive to the main filming areas.

Iceland

For the southern Iceland locations (Vik, Jökulsárlón), stay in Vik town at the Hotel Vik or nearby guesthouses. For the Mývatn region in the north, the Fosshótel Mývatn is a reliable option. Iceland accommodation is expensive, with basic guesthouses starting at €150 per night. Book well in advance for the summer months (June-August).

How to Plan Your Vikings Filming Locations Itinerary

Here’s a practical approach to structuring your trip based on which locations you want to prioritize.

Ireland: 3-Day Itinerary

Base yourself in Dublin. Rent a car or book a tour.

Day 1: Drive to Wicklow. Visit Lough Tay viewpoint (30 minutes), then Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall (2 hours). Stop in Enniskerry for lunch. Drive the R115 scenic road back to Dublin via the Hell Fire Club short walk. Total driving time: about 3 hours with stops.

Day 2: Full-day tour of the Blessington Lakes area, including Russborough House and a walk along the lake shore. This day is more relaxed. Allow 4 hours total including travel.

Day 3: Optional: visit Ashford Studios (if tours are available) or take a second day trip to the Wicklow Mountains. If you have time, drive to Glendalough for the monastic site and valley walk—it wasn’t used in the show but offers similar landscape beauty. Total driving time: 2 hours.

Scandinavia: 5-Day Itinerary (Norway + Iceland)

This is ambitious but doable if you fly between Bergen and Reykjavik.

Day 1-2: Bergen. Day trip to Hardangerfjord via the Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell tour. Return to Bergen for the night.

Day 3: Fly from Bergen to Reykjavik (direct flight, 3 hours). Pick up a 4×4 rental and drive to Vik (2.5 hours). Stay in Vik.

Day 4: Explore the black sand beach, then drive east to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (2 hours). Return to Vik for the night.

Day 5: Drive back to Reykjavik. If you have time, stop at the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) to see more volcanic landscapes. Fly out from Reykjavik in the evening.

This itinerary requires booking tours and transport in advance. It’s not for spontaneous travelers.

Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Trip

You’ve read the logistics, the gear suggestions, and the itinerary ideas. Here’s the single most important piece of advice: book your tours and accommodation at least four to six weeks in advance for summer visits. Guided tours, particularly in Ireland and Norway, sell out by mid-June. Accommodation in Odda and Vik gets booked solid by early spring. Second, check weather forecasts daily and have a backup plan for rain or fog. The Wicklow Mountains can disappear under mist, and the Hardangerfjord can be socked in for a week. If that happens, you still have the landscapes to enjoy without the views. Third, respect private property. The landowners who allowed filming are not required to keep them open to the public. Be a good visitor so the locations stay accessible for everyone. Enjoy the landscapes as they are, not as they seemed on screen. That’s where the real experience is. If you want a reliable tour, consider the Wild Wicklow Tour from Dublin or a private guide for the Norwegian fjords. Both will save you the planning headache and get you to the best spots without the guesswork.