Where Is Vikings Filmed?

If you’re curious about where is Vikings filmed, you might be surprised to learn that the rugged landscapes aren’t where you might expect.

While the show is set in various parts of Scandinavia and unfolds across different European regions, the actual filming took place in a more stable and accessible location.

Ireland, with its striking countryside and historical aura, provided the backdrop for the Norse saga, far from the Scandinavian fjords.

The heart of the Viking world in the series, Kattegat, is a fictional village that is central to the storyline, but don’t start looking for it on a map.

The physical location of Kattegat and much of the action was filmed in Ireland’s County Wicklow, situated just south of Dublin.

This choice offered a diverse range of landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic cliffs, all within reach of a single filming hub.

County Wicklow hence stands in for the vast Scandinavian fjords, and various other European locations, presenting a blend of authenticity and moviemaking magic.

The Irish filming locations allowed the series to bring the Dark Ages to life, offering viewers a tangible, yet dreamlike vision of the Viking age.

Where Is Vikings Filmed?

The epic series Vikings offers stunning visuals that transport you to the historical Viking era.

While you might assume these scenes take place in Scandinavia, most of the filming occurs in Ireland, with later seasons also including majestic landscapes of Norway.

Ireland

Ireland is the cornerstone location for Vikings, providing the backdrop for much of the series. County Wicklow, just south of Dublin, stands in for the fictional Norse town of Kattegat.

Lough Tay in County Wicklow, known for its resemblance to a traditional Viking environment, is among the key filming sites.

Norway

In the latter seasons, Vikings extends its filming locations to include Norway, offering a more varied depiction of the Viking homelands.

The introduction of Norwegian landscapes amplifies the authentic Nordic ambiance of the series.

Norway’s dramatic mountains and fjords complement the visual narrative by providing a genuine Scandinavian feel.

Iconic Shooting Sites

Ireland’s stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the historical drama series “Vikings”.

Let’s explore the key locations where the series came to life.

Dublin

The heart of Ireland’s capital, Dublin, served as a logistical base for “Vikings”.

While most of the scenic shooting took place in rural areas, Dublin’s proximity to these sites made it an essential hub for production.

Wicklow Mountains

Your journey through the “Vikings” scenery would lead you to the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains.

This area, particularly around County Wicklow, has been repeatedly used to represent various narrative locations, including parts of England, France, and the Norwegian landscapes.

• Key Spots:
  • Lough Tay, known as the fictional village of Kattegat
  • Blessington Lakes, with majestic waters reflecting the vast sky
  • The serene vistas of Powerscourt Waterfall

Kattegat Village Replica

One of the most iconic and consistent locations featured in “Vikings” is the Kattegat Village Replica located at Lough Tay in County Wicklow.

They constructed a strikingly realistic Norse village at this location, where you could practically feel the Viking spirit in the air.

• Noteworthy Site:
  • The shores of Lough Tay, offering an impressive visual of the central village in the Viking saga

Studio and Set Design

In the world of Vikings, compelling set designs at Ashford Studios brought the saga to life.

You’ll see how these designs played a crucial role in storytelling.

Ashford Studios

Ashford Studios in Ballyhenry, Ireland, emerged as the heartbeat of Vikings.

Your journey into the world crafted by the producers relied heavily on the remarkable sets built here.

Initially, Kattegat village was constructed near the shore but was later moved to these studios.

The intricate details of the sets were enough to transport you to the age of the Norsemen.

The outdoor footage from Ireland frequently received a boost with digital enhancements, seamlessly integrating snowy mountains and other Scandinavian features into scenes, adding to the authenticity you witnessed on screen.

Scenic Landscapes in the Series

Exploring the stunning vistas in “Vikings,” you’ll find that many scenes were set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes with rich historical significance.

Thingvellir National Park

Located in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a dramatic terrain which has been sculpted by volcanic activity over the millennia.

Your eyes are treated to the sight where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, providing a majestic set for the show’s exploration of Norse culture and conquests.

Lake Myvatn Area

The Lake Myvatn area, also in Iceland, presents a variety of volcanic landscapes, including lava formations and hot springs.

This region’s raw beauty complements the series’ gritty and authentic atmosphere, and you might recognize it from scenes portraying journeys and battles in the Viking era.

Contribution to Local Economies

When your favorite series is filmed in a local area, it can bring significant economic benefits to the region. In the case of “Vikings,” Ireland has been at the forefront of this positive economic influx.

Economic Impact in Ireland

• Employment Opportunities: The production of “Vikings” created numerous jobs in Ireland.
  • Local talent found new opportunities in set construction, catering, costume design, and on-screen work as extras.

• Boost to Tourism: The picturesque filming locations of County Wicklow and the historical River Boyne quickly became a magnet for fans and tourists alike.
  • This enhanced local business revenues from tours, hospitality, and merchandise sales.

• Local Businesses Growth: Filming can be a boon for small businesses in the area.
  • For example, local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services saw increased patronage due to the crew and visitors’ needs related to the production.

• Infrastructure Development: The presence of a large-scale production can lead to improvements in local infrastructure, such as better roads and facilities to accommodate the influx of crew and equipment necessary for filming.

Key Takeaways

• Lough Tay (Guinness Lake): Located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland, this lake was a prime filming location for Vikings.
  • Its picturesque landscapes make it a fan favorite.

• County Wicklow: Just south of Dublin, this county is home to much of the filming for the early action of the series. It captures the essence of the Norse setting.

• Ashford Studios: After the Kattegat set was initially built near Lough Tay, it was eventually moved to Ashford Studios in Ballyhenry.
  • This studio became a central hub for the production.

• Boyne River, County Meath: Known for the historical Battle of Boyne, this river was utilized for scenes in Vikings. CGI was used to represent different locations, including the Seine in Paris.

• Not Filmed in Scandinavia: Despite the show’s setting in various Scandinavian locations and England, actual filming didn’t take place in Scandinavia.

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