Alex Jung
Here are seven film sets that have been filmed in or inspired by natural landscapes or cultural and historical sites that travelers can enjoy.
Alnwick Castle, England, known as Hogwarts from “Harry Potter.” Phil Thomas. CC BY 2.0.
Many movies have been filmed in natural landscapes in various locations around the world. Several animated films are also inspired by existing landscapes or architecture from a variety of cultures and regions. Travelers who enjoy film and cinematography can enjoy these seven film sets that are open and accessible to the public.
1. Hobbiton, New Zealand
Hobbiton. Brian Dearth. CC BY 2.0.
Hobbiton is located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The Hobbit trilogy, directed by New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, has been watched by over 500 million people. The construction of this film set took over a decade, and after the filming of the trilogy, the set remained open for visitors to experience. Travelers can enter Hobbiton and go on a tour of the village, which includes visits to the bridges and Hobbit homes. Currently, Hobbiton holds the Guinness World Record for the largest purpose-built film set and generates $78 million annually for the Matamata-Piako district, highlighting the great interest it inspires in travelers. For those interested in visiting Hobbiton, there are many tours with transportation to and from the location that start in Auckland. Alternatively, travelers can book a rental car, as the drive is two hours from the city. Visitors can also see the Wairere waterfalls, which are 10 minutes away from Hobbiton, to enjoy the natural scenery of New Zealand.
2. Popeye Village, Malta
Popeye Village. Phil Blackburn. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Popeye was filmed in 1980 and was based on the cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man. The set was built in 1979 in Malta. After the filming process was completed, the set that came to be known as Popeye Village remained open to the public. It is currently open seven days a week, with several shows, rides and museums available to visitors. Families can enjoy a boat trip around Anchor Bay, which allows them to see a view of the whole village. Popeye Village has become a major attraction for travelers in Malta, especially for families with young children. While the village is enjoyed by many kids, it has also become a place for wedding photos and ceremonies.
3. Naeroyfjord/Bergen, Norway
Bergen. Jim Trodel. CC BY-SA 2.0.
The Disney animated films Frozen and Frozen 2 remain loved by children all around the world. Though the serene and beautiful landscape of Arendelle is fictional, the city was greatly inspired by Bergen and the Naeroyfjord in Norway. Bergen is a larger city, with a population of approximately 285,000 people, and is surrounded by fjords and mountains. The Naeroyfjord is significantly smaller, with only about 250 people living in the area. The fjord has nearby villages, such as Flam and Aurlandsvangen, and many farms and wildlife surround it. The quiet town of Bergen attracts many travelers with its natural scenery, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen wharf, as well as Mount Floyen and Mount Ulriken.
4. Moorea, French Polynesia.
Moorea. Nathan Hughes Hamilton. CC BY 2.0.
The Disney animated films Moana and Moana 2 are part of a well-loved film series and are important films for Pasifika and Polynesian representation. The film incorporates mythology that is told in many countries around the Pacific Ocean. The myths surrounding Maui and the eels and coconuts are told in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and many more. While the island of Motunui, Moana's home, is fictional, it was inspired by the landscapes of Moorea island in French Polynesia. Moorea is small, with a population of 17,000 people, and has many natural sights for travelers to enjoy. For instance, the Magic Mountain is a hike where travelers can enjoy a view of the whole island. There are also several beaches, such as the Temae and Ta’ahiamanu beaches. The Tiki Village cultural center is an immersive space for travelers to engage with Polynesian traditions, such as handicrafts, shows and food. Travelers can access the island by flying to Tahiti and taking a ferry from there.
5. Skellig Michael, Ireland.
Skellig Michael. Arian Zwegers. CC BY 2.0.
Skellig Michael is an important site, as it is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland. It is 218 meters above sea level, with an area of 22 hectares of rock. Many Star Wars enthusiasts may recognize this site as the home of Luke Skywalker and the First Jedi Temple. The location’s historical significance dates back to the 6th to 8th centuries, when it was once a monastic settlement. The beehive structures, also known as clochans, were built by Christian monks. The site is also a habitat for many seabirds, such as puffins and gannets. Skellig Michael thus holds historical significance and ecological relevance. For these reasons, UNESCO recommends that a maximum of 11,000 travelers visit the island each year for conservation purposes. However, in 2018, Skellig Michael saw almost 17,000 travelers, raising concerns regarding environmental protection for the site.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Dubrovnik. Ivan Ivankovic. CC BY 2.0.
Dubrovnik is in southern Croatia, fronting the Adriatic Sea. The iconic stone walls and red and orange rooftops reflect the well-preserved Old Town, dating back to the 13th century. The rich architecture and culture have earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubrovnik was used as the film setting for King's Landing in the series “Game of Thrones.” The city has a number of tours that highlight key scenes and moments from the show. Unlike many film sets that have now become attractions for travelers, Dubrovnik was not built for the purpose of its series. Therefore, there are many other historical sites within the city. The Sponza Palace highlights the Gothic-Renaissance style of architecture within Croatia. Other palaces and museums preserve the Renaissance style as well.
7. Skopelos, Greece.
Skopelos. John Karakatsanis. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Skopelos is a small island in the western Aegean Sea, where the film series “Mamma Mia” was predominantly filmed. The island has many tours that highlight key scenes throughout the film. However, Skopelos, like many other Greek islands, has natural and architectural sites that travelers can enjoy. The island is known for being less crowded than other Greek islands, such as Santorini. Skopelos has many beaches where travelers can enjoy boat tours, swimming and snorkeling. This includes Panormos Beach, Milia Beach, Kastani Beach, and Stafylos. Skopelos also has a large number of architectural sites, such as the Venetian castle and churches on the island. Skopelos does not have an airport and can only be reached by boat. Travelers who are residing in Athens can fly to the nearby island of Skiathos and take a ferry from there. Travelers should be mindful of the fire season in Greece between May and October.
Alex Jung
Alex is from New Zealand and South Korea, and is currently a student at the University of Chicago. He is majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and minoring in Middle Eastern Studies. He is passionate about social justice for minorities and indigenous communities. In his free time, he enjoys learning languages (Korean, English, Mandarin, and Persian) and writing novels and short stories.