The Best Star Wars Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit!

Introduction

For over four decades, the Star Wars saga has transported audiences to a galaxy far, far away, filled with breathtaking worlds and epic adventures. While much of this universe is crafted through special effects, many scenes were filmed in real locations that fans can visit. From the deserts of Tunisia to the rugged cliffs of Ireland, these sites provide a tangible connection to the Star Wars mythology. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Star Wars filming locations you can explore, capturing the magic and wonder of the series in real life.

1. Tunisia: Tatooine

Overview

Tunisia’s arid landscape became the backdrop for the iconic desert planet of Tatooine, the home of Anakin and Luke Skywalker. Various locations across the country were used to bring this world to life.

Key Locations

Matmata: The troglodyte dwellings of Matmata served as the interior of Luke Skywalker's home. The Hôtel Sidi Driss, used as the Lars Homestead, allows visitors to see where Luke lived and dreamed of escaping to the stars.

Chott el Jerid: This salt flat doubled as the exterior of Luke’s homestead. The igloo-like entrance is still there, standing in the midst of the vast, flat desert, evoking the loneliness of the Tatooine landscape.

Ksar Ouled Soltane: This ancient granary was used to depict the slave quarters of Mos Espa. Its multi-story architecture, with a honeycomb-like appearance, gives a sense of the harsh living conditions on Tatooine.

Visitor Experience

Wandering these sites, you can almost feel the heat of Tatooine's twin suns and imagine the young Skywalker staring out at the horizon, longing for adventure.

2. Skellig Michael, Ireland: Ahch-To

Overview

The remote island of Skellig Michael served as the location for Ahch-To, the isolated planet where Luke Skywalker goes into exile in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Key Locations

Monastic Settlement: The ancient monastic site, with its beehive-shaped huts, provided the backdrop for the first Jedi Temple. Here, Rey begins her Jedi training under Luke’s reluctant guidance.

Stunning Views: The island’s dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views offer a sense of the solitude and spiritual reflection that Ahch-To embodies.

Visitor Experience

Access to Skellig Michael is limited and weather-dependent, adding a layer of adventure to the visit. Climbing the steep steps, you can retrace Rey’s steps as she sought out the last Jedi master.

3. Death Valley, California: Tatooine

Overview

Death Valley National Park in California also served as Tatooine in A New Hope, with its extreme heat and barren landscape.

Key Locations

Golden Canyon: The canyon was used for the scene where R2-D2 is captured by Jawas. Its golden hues and rugged terrain make it a striking location.

Dante’s View: This viewpoint was used for the iconic scene where Obi-Wan and Luke look down on Mos Eisley. The panoramic desert view captures the vastness of Tatooine.

Visitor Experience

Exploring Death Valley’s scorched earth, you can feel the harsh reality of Tatooine’s desert, where heroes and villains alike sought their destinies.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Canto Bight

Overview

The medieval city of Dubrovnik was transformed into the opulent casino city of Canto Bight in The Last Jedi.

Key Locations

Stradun: Dubrovnik’s main street was converted into the luxurious boulevards of Canto Bight. This is where Finn and Rose find themselves amidst the glamour and decadence of the casino.

Historic Walls: The city’s ancient walls provided the backdrop for various scenes, capturing the contrast between the old city and the futuristic opulence of Canto Bight.

Visitor Experience

Walking through Dubrovnik’s historic streets, you can feel the allure and corruption of Canto Bight, a place where the galaxy’s wealthiest indulge their whims.

5. Finse, Norway: Hoth

Overview

The icy planet of Hoth, where the Rebel Alliance’s Echo Base is located, was brought to life in the snowy wilderness of Finse, Norway, for The Empire Strikes Back.

Key Locations

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier: The scenes featuring the Rebel base were filmed on this glacier, providing the stark, frozen landscape for the Battle of Hoth.

Finse Station: The railway station served as the filming crew’s base. It is also the starting point for exploring the surrounding ice fields.

Visitor Experience

Finse’s harsh and stunning icy environment captures the essence of Hoth, where the Rebels faced off against the Empire’s imposing AT-ATs.

6. Redwood National Park, California: Endor

Overview

The lush forests of Endor, home to the Ewoks, were filmed in Northern California’s Redwood National Park in Return of the Jedi.

Key Locations

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: The towering redwoods provided the setting for the Ewok village and the thrilling speeder bike chase.

Avenue of the Giants: Driving through this iconic stretch of road, you can feel like you’re speeding through the dense forests of Endor.

Visitor Experience

Walking among the ancient, towering redwoods, you can almost see the Ewoks darting through the trees and hear the whir of speeder bikes.

7. Villa del Balbianello, Italy: Naboo

Overview

The romantic retreat of Naboo’s Lake Country in Attack of the Clones was filmed at Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Italy.

Key Locations

Terraced Gardens: The villa’s beautiful gardens served as the setting for Anakin and Padmé’s wedding. The lakeside views and elegant terraces create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.

Classic Architecture: The villa’s historical and luxurious interiors enhance the sense of opulence and tranquility depicted in the film.

Visitor Experience

Strolling through Villa del Balbianello’s gardens, you can experience the idyllic serenity of Naboo’s Lake Country, where Anakin and Padmé fell in love.

8. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Crait

Overview

The vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia stood in for the mineral-rich surface of Crait in The Last Jedi.

Key Locations

Expansive Salt Flats: The stark, white surface of the salt flats, with its distinctive hexagonal patterns, provided the perfect setting for the Resistance’s last stand against the First Order.

Tours and Adventures: Guided tours offer visitors a chance to explore the surreal landscape, where the battle scene with skimming speeders took place.

Visitor Experience

Walking on the reflective, endless expanse of the salt flats, you can almost feel the tension and hope of the Resistance’s final stand on Crait.

9. Puzzlewood, England: Takodana

Overview

The enchanted forest of Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire, England, provided the mystical setting for the planet Takodana in The Force Awakens.

Key Locations

Ancient Woodland: The unique and ancient woodland, with its twisted trees and moss-covered rocks, created the perfect backdrop for Rey’s first encounter with the lightsaber and the First Order’s attack.

Winding Paths: The forest’s maze-like pathways add to the sense of mystery and magic, reminiscent of Maz Kanata’s castle surroundings.

Visitor Experience

Exploring Puzzlewood’s enchanting paths, you can immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Takodana, where the Force first called out to Rey.

10. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand: Kashyyyk

Overview

Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, with its dramatic limestone karsts and lush islands, represented the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk in Revenge of the Sith.

Key Locations

Limestone Cliffs: The towering rock formations rising from the turquoise waters create a striking visual that mirrors the Wookiee cityscapes.

Kayaking and Boat Tours: Exploring the bay by kayak or boat allows visitors to experience the stunning scenery that served as the backdrop for the Wookiees’ battle against the Separatists.

Visitor Experience

Navigating Phang Nga Bay’s scenic waters, you can imagine the treetop battles and ancient forests of Kashyyyk, home of Chewbacca and his kin.

11. Wadi Rum, Jordan: Jedha and Pasaana

Overview

Wadi Rum’s rugged desert landscapes have been used to represent various Star Wars planets, including Jedha in Rogue One and Pasaana in The Rise of Skywalker.

Key Locations

Sandstone Mountains: The towering sandstone formations and expansive sandy plains create an awe-inspiring desert environment perfect for depicting alien worlds.

Bedouin Culture: Visitors can experience traditional Bedouin hospitality, staying in desert camps and exploring the area by camel or 4x4.

Visitor Experience

Wadi Rum’s dramatic desert vistas provide a glimpse into the harsh and beautiful environments of Star Wars’ desert planets, where ancient secrets and epic battles unfold.

Conclusion

Exploring the real-world locations that brought the Star Wars universe to life offers fans a unique way to connect with the saga. From the harsh deserts of Tunisia to the lush forests of England, each site provides a window into the diverse and dramatic worlds of Star Wars. Whether you're standing on the icy plains of Hoth or navigating the waters of Kashyyyk, these filming locations let you step into your favorite scenes and experience the magic of the galaxy far, far away. May the Force be with you on your travels!