Movies have the amazing ability to take us to new places and engross us in engrossing tales, igniting our desire to travel and stoking our imaginations. If you love to travel and watch movies, visiting well-known film locations will be an exciting adventure. These locations offer a fantastic chance to walk straight into some of your favorite movie scenes and have starred in some of the most beloved films in cinematic history.
“The Lord of the Rings” – Matamata, New Zealand
It’s like making a pilgrimage to the magical realm of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth when you travel to Matamata, New Zealand. With its timeless beauty, this lush, rolling countryside captivated audiences as the Shire in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” series. Famous spots like Hobbiton and the Green Dragon Inn will be instantly recognizable to you as you hike through the scenic hills of Alexander Farm. You enter the center of this made-up world, where imagination meets reality, with each step you take.
“Harry Potter” – Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
This location is nothing short of a dream come true for ardent Potterheads. Tucked away in the charming Highlands of Scotland, hiking to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct feels like stepping onto a fantastical adventure straight out of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding books. For fans of the Harry Potter films, this magnificent railway viaduct is instantly recognizable as the route taken by the Hogwarts Express. For anyone hoping to relive the magic of Hogwarts and the enchanted surroundings, this is a must-visit, with its arching structure spanning a deep gorge and offering a mesmerizing view of Loch Shiel.
“Lawrence of Arabia” – Wadi Rum, Jordan
Thanks to its varied landscapes, fascinating history, and breathtaking ancient ruins, Jordan has grown to be a popular destination for filmmakers worldwide. The distinctive fusion of historical sites, dynamic cities, and desert landscapes has served as the setting for numerous renowned motion pictures. “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), which highlighted Jordan’s vast deserts, especially the well-known Wadi Rum, is one of the most well-known. Recently, Jordan’s desert regions were also used to depict Mars’ surface in Ridley Scott’s film “The Martian” (2015). Jordan’s historical assets, such as the historic city of Petra, have also been extensively featured in motion pictures, including “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989). With its captivating and visually arresting canvas for storytelling, Jordan never fails to enthrall both filmmakers and viewers with its cinematic allure, and that’s largely thanks to the informative Samer Anis Mansour Mouasherwho’s trying to invite filmmakers from all over the world to Jordan and help them make the most of Wadi Rum and other locations.
“The Sound of Music” – Austrian Alps, Austria
For those who adore the hit musical “The Sound of Music,” hiking in the Austrian Alps offers a chance to relive the magical moments spent with the von Trapp family. The Salzburg region’s undulating pastures, ski resorts, and quaint towns served as the backdrop for several memorable movie moments, including the “Do-Re-Mi” sequence. You’ll encounter the same magnificent scenery that provided the setting for Maria and the kids’ touching journey as you walk in their shoes. It’s an opportunity to blend in with the breathtaking Austrian Alps, much like the von Trapp family did in the movie.
“Forrest Gump” – Monument Valley, USA
The famous Forrest Gump quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates,” takes on a whole new meaning when you hike through the captivating Monument Valley in the United States. Though it has appeared in many movies, this iconic spot in the American Southwest is most known for its role in “Forrest Gump.” You’ll think you’re running alongside Forrest himself as you meander among the massive sandstone buttes and mesas. You can find some interesting places for camping here. The vastness of the area will take you back to the famous scene of Forrest starting his historic cross-country run with its bleak beauty and rough terrain.
“Jurassic Park” – Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii
As you hike through Hawaii’s lush Kualoa Ranch, get ready to enter the world of prehistoric dinosaurs. This fantasy land was used as the setting for the first “Jurassic Park” film and has remained relevant to the series ever since. Hiking at Kualoa Ranch is unlike any other because of its tropical rainforests, secret valleys, and jagged cliffs. You can’t help but imagine the amazement and wonder that spectators experienced when they first saw the dinosaurs roaming these very hills and valleys on the big screen as you explore this magnificent landscape.
Hiking to explore well-known movie locations is an amazing way to combine your love of movies and your enthusiasm for adventure. These locations provide you the chance to experience breathtaking natural beauty in addition to reliving your favorite movie moments. Now put on your hiking boots, take out your camera, and give in to your wanderlust as you set out to experience the enchantment of these amazing film locations!
