Heat (UK)

VIK, ICELAND

-

The GOT producers are clearly fans of an impressive rock formation, and the basalt columns and black sand on Reynisfjar­a beach don’t disappoint. Thrones actors Liam Cunningham (Davos) and Joe Dempsie (Gendry) were recognised by one fan while they were filming in the area, and Thronies were soon speculatin­g that this Icelandic beach would be used to portray Eastwatch. In fact, the beach is so spectacula­r, it’s already featured in Bon Iver’s music video for Holoscene.

The village itself is on the south coast and has around 300 inhabitant­s, plus a few puffins. But the area is worth the two-hour drive from Reykjavik, because the otherworld­ly beach is breathtaki­ng. In the ocean stand two sea stacks, which legend says are trolls who were turned to stone as they were dragging a ship to shore. Also, look out for the tiny church perched on the hill as you enter Vik, which looks like it’s been plucked from the set of Trumpton.

STAY: Icelandair Hotel is sleek and modern with incredible views of the natural surroundin­gs, and rooms are around £200 a night (Icelandair­hotels. com). Equally, however, you can base yourself in Reykjavik, where there is a huge choice of hotels that cater for every budget, and visit Vik as a day trip. SIGHTSEEIN­G FOR SUPERFANS The Beyond The Wall five-day/ four-night excursion includes a tour around the Lake Mývatn area, where you’ll visit The Wall itself, as well as Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love cave. Tour guide Jon Thor Benediktss­on was actually a crew member on the third season of the show, so he knows his stuff. Prices are from £500, and you can book through Icelandtra­vel.is.

 ??  ?? Room of views
Room of views
 ??  ?? “Damn British summer”
“Damn British summer”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom