10 Star Wars Filming Locations You Can Visit Around The World

1. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California, USA

Serving as the backdrop for the planet Endor, fans will easily recognize the towering Redwoods from Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park as the home of the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi. Guests can explore the park on the 1,200-mile-long (1,931 kilometers) Coastal Trail, relax on the nearby beach with 8 miles (12 kilometers) of scenic coastline, and set up camp at the many campsites throughout the area. Among the outdoor activities, guests can also visit the The Mill Creek Day Use Area, an on-going restoration project, which aims to protect and heal the forest from past logging. For those camping, the park provides plenty of restrooms, showers, parking, and drinking water.

Del Norte County

Address: 1416 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814

Website: Del Norte County

2. Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Known to reach temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), Death Valley National Park served as the backdrop for the desert planet of Tatooine for many scenes in A New Hope. A few notable scenes filmed here include the scene when R2D2 and C3PO crash land on the planet and R2D2 is abducted by Jawas. Despite the arid climate, visitors to Death Valley may spot several species of the park’s wildlife, including bighorn sheep, kangaroo rabbits, and desert tortoises. Due to extreme weather conditions, guests are cautioned to bring ample water and avoid hiking after 10 am during the summer. Admission starts at 12 USD for a week-long ticket. There are also several campgrounds, lodging, and restaurants throughout the area.

Death Valley National Park

Address: Death Valley, CA 92328

Website: Death Valley National Park

3. Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Finse, Norway

The action-packed opening scenes from The Empire Strikes Back where Luke Skywalker is attacked by a wampa and the Rebels battle towering AT-ATs took place on this icy glacier in Finse, Norway. Guests looking to get an up-close look can book a 6-hour walking tour of the glacier with a professional guide. Due to weather conditions, it is recommended that hikers wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring plenty of food and drinks for the trip. It is also recommended that guests be physically fit and in good health. Prices for the hiking tour, which includes the guide, hiking equipment, insurance, and a special gift, starts at 75 USD (650 KR).

Finse Station (Start of tour)

Address: 5719 Finse, Norway

Website: Hardangerjokulen Glacier

4. Skellig Michael, Ireland

The pivotal ending scene in The Force Awakens where Rey and Luke Skywalker finally meet was filmed on these scenic islands in Ireland. Home to a 6th century monastery, guests can explore the island themselves by booking tours through Casey’s Skellig Island Tours. Guests have the option of either the Eco Tour, a boat tour which circles around the islands, or the Landing Tour, which allows guests to explore the island on foot. Along with the historical sites, guests may also catch glimpse of the puffins, razorbills, and Arctic terns, which populate the area. Prices for the Eco Tour start at 39 USD (35 EUR) for adults, while the Landing Tour is 83 USD (75 EUR). Due to popularity, it is highly recommended to book well in advance.

Skellig Michael

Address: 8 miles (12 km) off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry, Ireland

Website: Skellig Michael

5. Villa del Balbianello, Italy

With a romantic view overlooking Lake Como, this picturesque villa served as the backdrop for the secret wedding between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala in Attack of the Clones. Guests can tour the 12th century villa, which is, fittingly, a popular site for weddings. Prices for a combined walking and boating tour start at 257 USD (230 EUR).

Villa del Balbianello

Address: Via Comoedia, 5, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy

Website: Villa del Balbianello

6. Ong Jemal/Tozeur, Tunisia

With the original sets still standing, fans visiting this location can witness Anakin Skywalker’s hometown of Mos Espa, the Lars homestead, and the Sith infiltrator landing site. A large oasis city, there are several camel tours offered which take guests throughout the Sahara and plenty of other attractions, such as Tozeur Zoo and Turkish baths. Guests can also easily rent a car from the Tunis-Carthage International Airport for 30 USD (74.50 TND) per day and visit the film sites throughout the area.

Ong Jemal/Tozeur

Address: Ong Jemal/Tozeur, Tunisia

Website: Ong Jemal/Tozeur

7. Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia

Another notable Tatooine location, this site served as the home of Luke Skywalker’s Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru in A New Hope. Although many of the props have since been removed, both the exterior and interior remain in a state fans will easily recognize. Guests also have the option to stay overnight at the hotel, which hosts a collection of Star Wars memorabilia and a themed menu.

Hotel Sidi Driss

Address: Matmatat-Al-Qadimal, Tunisia

Website: Hotel Sidi Driss

8. Tikal, Guatemala

With ancient Mayan ruins towering above the treetops, fans will recognize this as the Rebel base on Yavin 4 from A New Hope. Guests to this park are free to explore the Great Plaza, which contains the North Acropolis, Central Acropolis, and six surrounding temples. There are also two museums, the Sylvannus G. Morley and The Stelae Museum, which contain artifacts from ancient Mayan life and culture. The park is open daily with tickets starting at 20 USD (146.74 GTQ) for the park and 1.30 USD (9.50 GTQ) for the museums. Guests can also sign up for an early morning Sunrise Tour for 34 USD (249.46 GTQ).

Tikal National Park

Address: Tikal, Guatamala

Website: Tikal National Park

9. Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England

Serving as the backdrop for the planet Takodana in The Force Awakens, Puzzlewood forest was where Rey faces Kylo Ren during the First Order attack. Beyond Star Wars, this enchanting forest also served as J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for Middle Earth. Guests can experience the scenic woods on one mile (1.6 kilometer) of winding pathways through unique trees, moss-covered rocks, and lush greenery and plant life. A cafe, gift shop, playground, and plenty of picnic benches can be found on site. Guests can also book a cottage with early access to Puzzlewood starting at 633 USD (500 GBP) for four nights. Regular admission starts at 8.40 USD (6.50 GBP).

Puzzlewood

Address: Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB

Website: Puzzlewood

10. Laamu Atoll, Maldives

The site of the climactic battle during Rogue One, this breathtaking beach in the Maldives served as the tropical planet Scarif. The site is also home to the luxury resort Six Senses, with land and over-water villas for guests to enjoy. Plenty of marine life are present in the waters off the coast of the resort, such as dolphins, green turtles, and parrotfish, and guests can snorkel through multi-colored coral reefs. Villas with private beach access and several luxury amenities start at 502 USD (7,730.80 MVR) per night.

Laamu Atoll Six Senses Resort

Address: Maldives

Website: Six Senses Resort

A dream trip for Star Wars fans

From tropical islands to magical forests, the Star War films have used several breathtaking locations all over the globe. If you or a Star War fan you know are looking to plan a vacation, take a trip to these filming locations this upcoming travel season.