Exploring the locations where famous movies, TV shows, and documentaries were filmed offers a fascinating glimpse into the worlds created by filmmakers and storytellers. From breathtaking landscapes of Austria that brought The Sound of Music to life, to the iconic streets of New York City featured in Glee, visiting these filming locations allows travelers to step into their favorite stories and experience the magic of cinema firsthand.
Europe
Experience Icelandic Culture like in Eurovision at Sky Lagoon
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga showcases Iceland's stunning landscapes and culture, with portions filmed in the country. The movie authentically depicts Icelandic culture through its portrayal of small-town life, traditional beliefs in elves, and the nation's passion for the Eurovision contest, while Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa located just outside Reykjavík, honors this culture in its design and guest experience. Both the movie and lagoon highlight Iceland's natural beauty, with the film showcasing panoramic views of volcanic landscapes, while Sky Lagoon features stunning vistas of the North Atlantic, natural grottos, and dark volcanic rock formations from its 70-meter (230-foot) infinity edge lagoon. Guests can also spot seals in the nearby Skerjafjörður fjords, further connecting the experience to Iceland's rich wildlife and landscape. The film reflects Icelandic culture through its portrayal of traditional architecture, which is echoed in Sky Lagoon's Turf Houses, inspired by ancient building techniques used by Iceland's first settlers. Sky Lagoon honors this heritage featuring a cold plunge made from hewn stone, reminiscent of one of Iceland’s oldest natural pools. These elements highlight how both the movie and the lagoon celebrate Iceland's rich cultural legacy and stunning natural environment.
Images can be found here.
Climb Ev’ry Mountain at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel
The Sound of Music, a beloved classic, whisks viewers away to the stunning Austrian Alps near Salzburg, where unforgettable melodies and breathtaking landscapes come to life. For families eager to relive this enchanting experience, Forsthofgut Nature Hotel is the perfect place to unleash their inner von Trapp. Located in the charming town of Leogang, Forsthofgut offers a treasure trove of outdoor adventures that echo the film’s spirit. Families can hike through lush meadows, just like Maria, or glide down the slopes in winter, channeling their inner ski stars. The hotel also features a children's farm and playground, ensuring that little ones can enjoy their own fun-filled escapades while parents soak in the alpine beauty. With its warm atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, Forsthofgut invites guests to create their own musical memories, allowing them to feel like part of the von Trapp family while enjoying a memorable vacation in the Austrian Alps.
Images can be found here.
Pride and Prejudice / Jane Austen at The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Since written in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular literary novels in the English language. Similarly, the beautiful 1995 and 2005 film adaptations have grew tremendous popularity that continues to this day. In Spring and Fall 2025, The Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath, England, is hosting a series of exclusive events and experiences to honor Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary of her birth, the writer of this classic story. The High Street and The Red Lion was transformed into the town of Meryton and the Meryton Assembly Room exteriors. (As a plus, Harry Potter fans will also recognise many filming locations here too!) For those looking for a fully immersive experience, guests can also arrange to enjoy the offerings in full Regency costume, which will be delivered to the hotel at the start of the program. Guests who have their own costumes are encouraged to bring them. While on property, a spa day is encouraged as The Gainsborough is the first and only hotel in the UK to offer its visitors the opportunity to access and experience Bath’s famed natural thermal waters in their incredible Spa Village Bath. Those interested in booking this unique experience may visit Celebrating Jane Austen in the Heart of Bath – Strictly Jane Austen .
Images can be found images here.
Experience Mountain Culture like Heinrich in Seven Years in Tibet
Heinrich Harrer was a famous Austrian mountaineer and explorer, known as the protagonist in the movie Seven Years in Tibet. While the film focuses on Harrer’s journey to Tibet, many of the scenes in the film were filmed in Innsbruck, Austria, captivating city nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Just a short hour away from the city lies eriro, a new, nine-suite luxury mountain retreat nestled in the Austria Alps that emphasizes mountain traditions and culture throughout the experience. Fans of the film who are interested in Henrich’s life growing up and understanding Alpine culture may visit the property and engage in experiences dictated by nature’s rhythm, from the wellness treatments and culinary options to the activities. They’ll engage in barefoot hikes throughout the forest moss, working with stone, wood and other materials from the mountains, or drawing the crystal clear, refreshing water from the mountain spring and carrying it home. The property, only accessible by cable car, prioritizes locality and a sustainability, crafted from stone, reclaimed wood, and natural fibers, leaving a gentle carbon footprint and strong relationship with nature.
Images can be found here.
A Haunting in Venice with Violino d’Oro
The 2023 Mystery, A Haunting in Venice, showcases the city’s charm and mystery, welcoming travelers into the eerie feeling of the city in the off season. Travelers looking to live their very own spooky adventure can plan a stay at Violino d’Oro, a charming hideaway on the canal where exquisite art meets the magnificence of an intimate home. Boasting 32 rooms in a Venetian Palazzo, guests will find themselves within walking distance of several movie locations, including the church of Miracoli, Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory, and the Rio della Canonica. Adventurers eager to uncover the chilling secrets of Venice and experience a haunting of their own can venture into the shadows of Doge's Palace to find The Torture Chamber, hidden away in the lesser-explored parts and directly connected to the palace's prison complex. Further, an evening ghost tour takes guests across the city’s many bridges, alleys, and canals, or on a quest to find their very own spooky Venetian masks.
Images can be found here.
Asia
Exploring the True Stories Behind FX’s Shōgun - Walk Japan
Through the popularity of FX’s Shōgun, the 1975 novel by James Clavell has entered a resurgence after nearly 50 years and Walk Japan gives travelers the opportunity to delve into the real history behind the fictionalized recounting of feudal Japan during the 17th century. The story centers around Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a daimyo (feudal lord) fighting for survival, and John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English sailor. While these characters are fictional, they are based on very real figures: Tokugawa Ieyasu and William Adams and their remarkable partnership. Walk Japan offers the opportunity to explore the feudal history of Japan and the trails of the real Shoguns on a number of their tours, including their Tokyo Tour, which gathers in Nihonbashi, Tokyo’s original downtown area. Once the center of Japan during the Edo period, this is where Adams owned his townhouse. Guests will uncover the history of the Edo period under Tokugawa’s shogunate and visit Edo-jo, the shogun’s castle). Their Tokaido Trail follows the footsteps of Adams, who traversed through the heartland on this trail to visit Tokugawa Ieyasu in Shizuoka (there is also a “wayfarer" version of this tour meant for solo travelers). The company’s pioneering tour, the Nakasendo Way (with a wayfarer option as well), leads guests to Sekigahara, where they will spend a night. Sekigahara is the site of one of the most important battles of Japanese feudal history, which heralded the start of the Edo period dominated by the Tokugawa family.
Paul Christie, CEO of Walk Japan, is president of the Williams Adams Club with Vice President Yasuhisa Tokugawa, a descendent of the renowned Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Tokyo Tour images can be found here, Tokaido Trail images can be found here, and Nakasendo Way images can be found here.
Eat, Pray and Love at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Travelers looking to follow in Julia Roberts' footsteps on their own version of "Eat, Pray, Love" in Bali can plan a stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud. Set where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River against a backdrop of rice terraces, Mandapa boasts 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, inviting travelers to enjoy a unique and luxurious stay. Guests can indulge in experiences at the property that echo the film, like cycling through the village’s rice terraces and enjoying a tranquil stay in the property's Ubud Pool Villa, surrounded by lush forests and serene landscapes. Travelers are encouraged to explore Ubud, Bali's cultural center, for an authentic experience on the Island of the Gods. In addition to embracing the rich heritage of Ubud, guests will recognize many locations featured in the movie in the charming town.
Africa
Otherworldly Movies Filmed in Namibia
Namibia's desert landscapes offer an otherworldly backdrop that has captivated filmmakers seeking to create extraterrestrial environments. Films like 2001: A Space Odyssey utilized Namibia's vast, barren desert to depict alien planets, while Dune: Part Two have leveraged the country's towering sand dunes and sunbaked terrain to bring Frank Herbert's fictional desert planet Arrakis to life. These cinematic choices underscore Namibia's unique ability to transport viewers to seemingly unearthly realms. Natural Selection these surreal landscapes firsthand with a collection of lodges throughout Namibia. With properties strategically located; from Kwessi Dunes at NamibRand Nature Reserve, Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast, Hoanib Valley Camp near the Hoanib River, along with Safari House, Etosha Mountain Lodge, and Safarihoek in Etosha Heights Private Reserve, guests can immerse themselves in the landscapes that have inspired these films, showcasing the otherworldly beauty of this region.
Images can be found here.
Step Into the Mad Max Universe: Epic Stanley Safaris Adventure in Namibia
For those looking to experience the thrill of "Mad Max: Fury Road" in real life can do so with Stanley Safaris' "Skeleton Coast Flying Safari" in Namibia. The award-winning post-apocalyptic film was shot across Namibia, and this luxurious itinerary takes guests through the dramatic landscapes featured in the movie. The journey showcases some of the world’s tallest sand dunes in Sossusvlei and the iconic Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes. Guests then fly over the Skeleton Coast to Terrace Bay, passing iconic shipwrecks like the Montrose and Henrietta. For a more eye level experience to envision oneself traversing alongside Tom Hardy in Mad Max Fury Road, travelers can explore the dunes and rugged coastline by Land Rover, searching for bleached whale bones along the high-water mark. Throughout this action-packed safari, much like the movie itself, guests also have the opportunity to learn about the resilient Himba people and their survival in this harsh yet breathtaking environment.
Images can be found here.
Live the Adventure of 'The Lion King' at Singita Grumeti Reserve
Located in the expansive Singita Grumeti Reserve in northern Tanzania, Singita offers an experience that brings Disney's "The Lion King" to life. The Grumeti Reserve, part of the Serengeti ecosystem, is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo. Guests can choose from seven luxurious properties: Sasakwa Lodge, Serengeti House, Milele, Faru Faru Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Kilima, and Explore, each providing a unique mix of comfort and wilderness.
Activities include game drives, guided bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris, allowing guests to explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. For those looking to relax, the serene environment invites a "Hakuna Matata" mindset, with fully equipped spas and inviting pools to help guests unwind. Accommodations range from modern lodges to intimate tented camps, where visitors can witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. At Singita Grumeti, guests enjoy luxury while contributing to vital conservation efforts, making their safari adventure truly memorable.
Images can be found here.
United States
For the Nicholas Sparks Fan- Dobson, North Carolina
The quaint three bedroom, two bathroom Mitchell River Estate in Dobson, North Carolina is a rustic getaway on 400 acres of lush greenery and rolling hills. This home is available to members of THIRDHOME, a luxury home exchange club for second homeowners with over 18,000 properties with the average home value at $2.4M. The magnificent farm estate is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley Wine Region and is famously featured in “The Longest Ride” based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. The interior of this one-of-a-kind vacation home is warm and inviting, but the 400 acres of private, natural beauty surrounding the home are meant for exploration and adventure. The two outdoor porches give guests the perfect view of just some of the vast rolling hills and roaring river. Perfectly positioned in proximity to numerous nationally acclaimed wineries, everyone will find a piece of relaxation and recharge at this rustic treasure.
Images can be found here.
Glee’s Broadway Debut
The largest of all the Broadway theaters, the Gershwin Theater is home to Wicked, the iconic prequel to The Wizard of Oz following the friendship of Glinda, the good witch, and Elphaba, the green Wicked Witch of the West. A Broadway phenomenon and member of The Broadway Collection, the show and its theater play a starring role in the popular musical television series, Glee. Rachel Barry, portrayed by Broadway veteran Lea Michele, and Kurt Hummel, portrayed by actor and singer Chris Colter, both have a dream to one day perform on Broadway. In the season two finale, their glee club, the New Directions, visits New York City, finally able to experience the magic of Broadway. Rachel and Kurt’s dreams come true when they take the Gershwin stage and perform two iconic songs from Wicked: “For Good” and “Defying Gravity.” An added bonus to the Wicked connection, Rachel’s biological mother is portrayed by Idina Menzel, known for originating the role of Elphaba on that very stage. The ties between Glee, Wicked, and the Gershwin Theater run deep, making the show a must-see for travelers--and “Gleeks”--from around the world.
Images can be found here.
South America
Exploring the Far Side of the World
The Galápagos Islands, a collection of islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, plays a starring of the 2003 epic war drama, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The film, which takes place during the Napoleonic Wars, stars Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey, a captain in the Royal Navy as he embarks on a pursuit across two oceans to capture an enemy ship that left his vessel in ruins, finding refuge in the Galápagos throughout the film. Travelers are invited to experience the Galápagos—with much less stress—aboard Quasar Expeditons’s M/Y Grace and M/V Evolution, their small-size, luxury yachts that weave through the natural phenomenon, allowing guests to get up-close-and-personal with the islands’ inhabitants as they hike, snorkel, kayak, and gaze over the shimmering waters from the yachts’ panoramic decks. To this day, Master and Commander remains the only live-action, non-documentary film to be filmed in the Galápagos until Eden, a thriller starring Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, and Jude Law premieres in late 2024.
Images can be found here.
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