The TV show Vikings drew us in with its complex characters, Norse mythology, and brutal battle scenes. But the show’s dramatic landscapes also played a role in its success.
You might be surprised to learn that the show wasn’t actually filmed in Scandinavia. So, where is the show Vikings filmed? Much of the series was shot in Ireland, but other locations included Iceland and Morocco.
Let’s explore the primary filming locations of Vikings and see how the show’s set design and CGI brought the Viking world to life.
Wicklow, Ireland: The heart of Kattegat and beyond
When you’re watching Vikings, you’re mostly seeing Ireland, especially County Wicklow. The show’s producers used the varied landscapes of Wicklow County to stand in for England, France, and Norway. In fact, the initial filming was almost entirely within the borders of this scenic county.
Wicklow County: The primary filming location
One of the reasons Wicklow was chosen is its location. Wicklow is only about 30 miles south of Dublin, which made it an easy and convenient base for the production crew. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Dublin to Ashford Studios.
Specific locations within Wicklow
Many of the show’s most memorable scenes were filmed in Wicklow. Lough Tay (also known as Guinness Lake) and Lough Dan were used for key water scenes, and the River Boyne and Lake Blessington also show up frequently. Powerscourt Waterfall, which plunges almost 400 feet, added some dramatic visuals, as well. You may recognize Powerscourt Waterfall from Into the Badlands, too.
Ashford Studios
Later on, parts of Season 6 and the Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla used sets at Ashford Studios in Ireland.
ICELAND: Capturing the Harsh Beauty of the North
Later seasons of Vikings leaned heavily on Iceland’s incredible landscapes to portray a variety of unforgiving environments. While the first few seasons were filmed entirely in Ireland, seasons four and five expanded filming to include Iceland.
The black sand beaches of Iceland provided a stark, dramatic backdrop that perfectly conveyed the harshness of the Viking world. Imagine the longships drawn up on those shores, the wind howling, the waves crashing – Iceland brought an unparalleled sense of realism.
But it wasn’t just the beaches. The show also featured Iceland’s stunning waterfalls, like Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, and the mighty Dettifoss. These cascading walls of water added a visual spectacle, emphasizing the power and untamed nature of the Viking lands.
And let’s not forget the geothermal areas! The otherworldly feel of these landscapes, with their steaming vents and bubbling mud pots, contributed to the show’s immersive atmosphere. Iceland truly brought the North to life.
MOROCCO: From Viking Shores to Mediterranean Sands
For seasons 4 and 5, the production team moved filming to Morocco. The country offered a dramatically different landscape than Ireland and Norway, allowing the show to depict Mediterranean and North African locations.
The crew used the Sahara Desert to stand in for warmer climates, broadening the show’s scope.
In an interview with Variety, producer Morgan O’Sullivan explained that the move to Morocco was motivated by a need to authentically portray the Viking exploration of new territories. “We wanted to show the contrast between the cold, harsh world of Scandinavia and the warmer, more exotic lands they were discovering,” O’Sullivan said. “Morocco gave us that opportunity.” He added that the local film crews were “amazing.”
Expanding horizons for Season 6 and beyond
As the series progressed, the Vikings’ world expanded, and so did the filming locations and set designs.
The Kievan Rus’ Kingdom
Season 6 included a set for the Kievan Rus kingdom, which was inspired by Russian wooden architecture. This set showcased the Vikings’ eastward expansion and cultural interactions.
Recycling sets and filming in Asia
The sixth season also featured scenes shot in Asia, including the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in China, which is known for its colorful rock formations.
For some scenes in Season 6, the production team filmed in caves at Silverstrand beach in Wicklow.
To keep expenses down, the production team sometimes repurposed sets from other productions. For example, the “Kingdom of Heaven” movie (2005) provided a recycled set for one of the “Vikings” scenes.
Final Thoughts
One of the things that made Vikings such a success was its dedication to visually stunning locations. The show’s creators understood that the natural beauty of the filming locations could play a big role in the series’ visual appeal.
From the familiar, rolling landscapes of Ireland to the more exotic vistas of Morocco and Iceland, the show transported viewers to a world of Viking adventure, whether it was the fjords of Kattegat or the battlefields of England.
These weren’t just backdrops; they added to the show’s authenticity and made the world of Vikings feel real. And, in a case of life imitating art, the filming locations have become tourist destinations, drawing fans who want to experience the world of Vikings for themselves.