Vikings: Valhalla continues the legacy of its predecessor by delivering a visually rich world of sword clashes, sea voyages, and Norse mythology. The locations chosen for filming play a vital role in immersing viewers in this historical setting. While much of the series appears to unfold across Scandinavia and England, the actual shooting locations are more consolidated and carefully selected for atmosphere, accessibility, and authenticity.
Here is a detailed breakdown of where Vikings: Valhalla was filmed.
Primary Filming Hub: Ireland
Just like the original Vikings series, Valhalla was primarily filmed in County Wicklow, Ireland. The country’s diverse landscapes, medieval ruins, and tax incentives have made it a popular destination for historical productions.
Ashford Studios, County Wicklow
Located near Dublin, Ashford Studios serves as the central base of operations for the production. Large-scale set pieces, including Jomsborg, Kattegat, and parts of London, were constructed here. Many interior scenes and battle sequences were filmed on sound stages or in the custom-built village set nearby.
Lough Tay (“The Guinness Lake”)
This glacial lake, surrounded by rugged hills, stood in for the iconic settlement of Kattegat. The lake’s remote setting and dark waters provided a perfect backdrop for the Norse world, just as it did in the original series.
Blessington Lakes
These tranquil lakes were used for longship sailing scenes and wide tracking shots, giving the illusion of Scandinavian fjords. Clever cinematography and digital enhancements helped sell the illusion of icy Norse waters.
On-Location Shoots and Outdoor Sets
Powerscourt Waterfall and Estate
Filming in the wooded areas around the Powerscourt Estate allowed for scenes set in ancient forests and battle routes. The natural terrain offered a cinematic look for ambushes and covert meetings.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
The mountains, valleys, and boglands here provided a versatile backdrop for everything from travel montages to battlefield exteriors. The area’s isolation allowed for controlled shooting environments without modern intrusions.
Historical Set Reproductions
A number of historically inspired locations, such as Kattegat, Jomsborg, and London Bridge, were recreated on large sets or with CGI extensions layered over real footage. These sets combine elements from different real-world cultures and periods, but all were based in Ireland.
Did They Film in Scandinavia?
No scenes were filmed in modern Norway, Sweden, or Denmark, although aerial shots and digital assets may have been used to represent Scandinavian landscapes. The production relied heavily on Irish geography and studio facilities, enhanced by CGI and careful editing.
Why Ireland?
- Scenery: The rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and ancient ruins naturally suit the early medieval aesthetic.
- Proximity: Ireland offers a compact filming area with varied terrain within close reach of Dublin and the studios.
- Cost-efficiency: Tax incentives and established film infrastructure make Ireland a cost-effective choice.
- Continuity: With Vikings also having been filmed in Ireland, this provides visual and atmospheric consistency between both series.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Vikings: Valhalla may depict journeys across oceans and empires, but its heart remains in the Irish landscape. Through careful set design, location scouting, and digital artistry, the production team has convincingly transformed parts of Wicklow into a mythic world of Norse legends and English conflict. The Irish terrain has once again proven to be an invaluable foundation for epic television storytelling.
