Where Was Vikings Filmed? (European Locations & Cast Details)
There’s a fascination with romantic stories about life of early settlers in the United States as well as Europe. In the case of the Vikings production, it was so successful that the spin-off series Vikings: Valhalla was created. But where was Vikings filmed? The term ‘vikings’ would lead you to believe that this is a story about Norsmen. But the term is actually Scandinavian. These people were the early settlers of not only Norway, but also of Denmark and Sweden. The backdrop could be in many European countries. Most of the filming took place in just one country that is not part of the Scandinavian countries.
Where Was Vikings Filmed?
Vikings was filmed in several locations, primarily in Ireland. The show used Ashford Studios and many other surrounding areas as filming locations for its first four seasons.
Locations included County Meath, Louth, Wicklow, Dublin and Wexford. For the fifth season, scenes were also shot in Norway at the historical Viking sites of Avaldsnes, which is said to be the birthplace of Viking king Harald Fairhair, and Gudvangen, a beautiful valley nestled between majestic mountains.
In addition to these locations in Ireland and Norway, Vikings was also filmed in Morocco. The Moroccan cities of Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou were used as filming locations for the show’s fifth season. These locations provided a perfect backdrop for Viking battles, giving the scenes an authentic feel. Ultimately, Ireland and Norway served as the main backdrops for Vikings, providing some stunning visuals of Nordic landscapes.
What Was Vikings All About?
Vikings was a historical drama television series that aired on the History Channel from 2013 to 2020. It followed the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, a charismatic Viking warrior and farmer who rose through the ranks of Norse society to become a legendary ruler. The show had many elements of fiction but also drew from historical facts from books like The Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok and Beowulf.
The series explored themes such as family, faith, power struggles, politics and human relationships in a period of great social upheaval—the Viking Age. Over its six seasons, viewers watched Ragnar’s tale unfold as he led daring raids against England and France while also struggling to maintain his personal relationships.
Who Was In The Cast of Vikings?
The main characters in the series are:
- Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel)
- Rollo (Clive Standen)
- Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) and Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick).
They are joined by other great actors such as Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki, Moe Dunford as Aethelwulf and Maude Hirst as Helga.
Who Directed Vikings?
Vikings was created by the English screenwriter Michael Hirst, who wrote every episode and served as executive producer and showrunner. The episodes were directed by a rotating team of directors.
Hirst is a veteran filmmaker who has worked on many hit shows and films, including The Tudors and Elizabeth. With Vikings, he managed to create an immersive world that felt both authentic and captivating for viewers. He was also praised for his attention to detail in the costumes, scenery and locations used throughout the show.
Can You Visit the set of Vikings?
Ashford Studios in County Wicklow is a working studio, so it isn’t open for tours. You can still visit many of the Wicklow locations used in the show, like Lough Tay, which played Kattegat, and the Powerscourt Estate.
The studio is open for tours which offer a unique opportunity to visit some of the show’s most iconic locations. You can also explore the actual sets used in Vikings and learn about the history of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kattagat in Vikings filmed?
Kattegat was filmed at an Irish lough (pronounced ‘lock’). Just an hour or so south of Dublin in the Wicklow Mountains, Lough Tay, or the ‘Guinness Lake’, on the Luggala Estate.
Did Ragnar Lothbrok go to Ireland?
According to Saxo Grammaticus, Ragnar raided Ireland and killed King Melbricus. This has been identified with a raid on Conaille Muirthemne in 831 in which the king Máel Brigte was abducted by Vikings.
The Final Cut
Ireland is a very special place that is worthy of a visit. And if you can work in a drive through County Wicklow, you’ll get the best of the Vikings series and the country. You’ll find that the people are very friendly and love to help out tourists who get lost or need recommendations on local events. The best time to visit is between May and October. That’s when the weather is the best.
Have you ever been to Ireland? What was your visit like? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Other Fantasy Based Films and Locations
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Film Locations
- Game of Thrones Film Locations
- The Wheel of Time Film Locations
Alanna Birmingham
Alanna Birmingham is a professional freelance writer and a Film Aficionado who adores watching, writing, and being involved in all elements of filmmaking.