Netflix’s The Witcher has become known not just for its monsters and magic, but for its sweeping landscapes, ancient castles, and striking medieval settings. While the Continent is fictional, many of the locations used in the show are real places scattered across Europe. This guide explores key filming locations across the series, covering the countries and landmarks used to bring Cintra, Kaer Morhen, and other parts of the Witcher world to life.
Hungary
Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest
This Gothic-Renaissance castle was used extensively in season one, serving as a stand-in for several interiors, including scenes within Cintra and parts of Aretuza. Its imposing structure and intricate stonework lent a believable medieval aesthetic.
Mafilm Studios & Backlots
Located just outside Budapest, Mafilm Studios provided custom-built sets for many interior and city scenes, including parts of Blaviken and the infamous market square where Geralt first earns the “Butcher” title.
Poland
Ogrodzieniec Castle, Silesia
This ruined fortress in southern Poland was used for battle scenes in season one, most notably the Battle of Sodden. Its dramatic clifftop location helped create a sense of grandeur and peril.
Poland, home of the original Witcher novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, was a natural choice for some of the early scenes. Forests and rural landscapes also served as the backdrop for travelling sequences in season one.
Canary Islands, Spain
La Palma & Gran Canaria
Much of season two’s more varied landscapes were filmed in the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain of La Palma was used for elven ruins and strange otherworldly realms. Gran Canaria’s dense pine forests helped depict parts of Kaer Morhen’s surrounding wilderness.
Roque Nublo
A highland rock formation that appears in scenes featuring elven migration and the journeys of Ciri and Yennefer. Its misty elevation gave a mythic quality to these storylines.
Croatia
Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik
This fort was used for scenes set in Cintra, particularly in flashbacks and ceremonial moments. The stone walls and Adriatic backdrop provided a regal setting that contrasted with the brutality of its eventual fall.
Kaštel Gomilica
Also featured as Cintra, this village near Split stood in for portions of the city’s harbour. Its architecture helped ground the fictional setting in tangible history.
Slovenia
Soca River Valley
This lush, alpine landscape was featured during Ciri’s journey across the Continent, particularly during her escape scenes in season two. The river’s turquoise colour and forested banks offered a visually distinct change from the stone-heavy settings elsewhere.
United Kingdom
Bourne Woods, Surrey
Some woodland scenes in season two and three were filmed in Surrey’s Bourne Woods, known for its use in historical and fantasy productions. Its evergreen density created an ideal backdrop for monster encounters and moments of reflection.
Lake District
Portions of Ciri’s visions and training sequences were filmed around the Lake District, with wide panning shots used to illustrate her evolving powers and connection to the Elder Blood.
Iceland
Used for the dreamlike, glacial landscapes of the mysterious spheres and monoliths, Iceland featured in key transitional scenes between the worlds. Its haunting, open spaces helped reinforce the show’s growing otherworldly tone in later episodes.
Summary Table: Key Locations
| Country | Notable Locations | Appears As |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | Vajdahunyad Castle, Mafilm Studios | Cintra, Aretuza interiors, Blaviken |
| Poland | Ogrodzieniec Castle | Sodden battlefield |
| Canary Islands | La Palma, Gran Canaria | Kaer Morhen wilderness, elven ruins |
| Croatia | Fort Lovrijenac, Kaštel Gomilica | Cintra |
| Slovenia | Soca River Valley | Ciri’s travels |
| UK | Bourne Woods, Lake District | Forests, Ciri’s training |
| Iceland | Highlands and glaciers | Monolith realm, alternate spheres |
The Seven Swords Takeaway
The Witcher’s real-world locations play a vital role in shaping the tone and realism of the series. Rather than relying heavily on green screens, the production blends practical landscapes and historical architecture with careful visual effects. It gives the Continent a weight and texture that’s hard to fake, grounding the fantasy in something real. For fans of the series and lovers of travel, many of these locations remain open to visitors—stepping into Geralt’s world might be just a flight away.
