Explore the real-world places that appear in A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Winterfell, King's Landing, The Wall, Casterly Rock, The Eyrie and 13 more.
Seat of House Stark, capital of the North
Winterfell is the ancestral home of House Stark and the primary setting for the Stark family in the early books. Bran Stark is pushed from the tower here by Jaime Lannister, and Ned Stark rules from this castle before his journey to King's Landing. The castle serves as a refuge and power center for the North throughout the series.
Winterfell was built by Brandon the Breaker, though legends attribute its construction to giants in ancient times. The castle sits atop hot springs that warm it during the harsh northern winters, which led to the saying 'The North Remembers.' The Stark dynasty has ruled from Winterfell for thousands of years, making it one of the most ancient and respected seats of power in Westeros.
Winterfell represents the honor, duty, and enduring strength of House Stark. The castle embodies the Stark words 'Winter is Coming' and serves as the emotional core of the North's storyline. Its fate—whether in Stark hands or conquered—reflects the broader struggle for control of Westeros.
Capital of the Six Kingdoms, seat of the Iron Throne
King's Landing is where Ned Stark comes as Hand of the King to serve Robert Baratheon. The city is consumed by intrigue as Cersei and Jaime Lannister manipulate events around the Iron Throne. Bran Stark awakens from his coma here, and multiple major political conspiracies unfold in the Red Keep and throughout the city's streets.
King's Landing was founded by Aegon the Conqueror after his conquest of Westeros three hundred years before the events of the series. The city grew around the Red Keep, which Aegon built using Valyrian steel and dragon fire. The city has been the political heart of Westeros and the seat of the Iron Throne for all of Targaryen and Baratheon rule.
King's Landing is the center of power and corruption in the series, where the game of thrones is played with the highest stakes. The city represents the ambition, treachery, and moral compromise that defines the political struggle for the crown. The fate of the kingdom is determined by events occurring within its walls.
Ancient barrier of ice and magic protecting the realm from the Others
Jon Snow joins the Night's Watch and travels to Castle Black at the Wall. The Wall serves as a barrier against wildlings and the mysterious Others, with the Watch maintaining castles along its length. Jon becomes Lord Commander and coordinates the defense against threats from beyond the Wall.
The Wall was built eight thousand years before the series by Brandon the Builder with the help of giants and magic after the Long Night. It stretches 300 miles across the width of Westeros and stands 700 feet high. The Wall is the most iconic structure in Westeros, legendary as an impenetrable barrier between the civilized world and the mysterious lands beyond.
The Wall represents the ultimate threat facing the Seven Kingdoms—the return of ancient, magical evil that no political maneuvering can defeat. It symbolizes the struggle between human ambition and existential danger, and its defense becomes increasingly important as the series progresses.
Fortress and ancestral seat of House Lannister, the Westerlands
Casterly Rock is the home of Tywin Lannister and the legendary seat of House Lannister wealth. Tyrion uses his wit and cunning to navigate his position within his family here. The fortress is never directly visited in the early books but looms large in discussions of Lannister power and Tywin's command during the War of Five Kings.
Casterly Rock is built into an actual rock formation and contains legendary gold mines that have made House Lannister the richest family in Westeros. Lann the Clever, the founder of House Lannister, is said to have tricked the Casterlys out of their fortress through cunning. The castle's wealth is its primary source of power and influence.
Casterly Rock symbolizes the Lannisters' belief that wealth and cunning can overcome any obstacle. The fortress represents the contrast between the Lannisters' material power and their moral corruption, a theme central to Tyrion's arc and the family's role in the larger conflict.
Mountaintop fortress and seat of House Arryn, the Vale of Arryn
The Eyrie is where Jon Arryn served as Warden of the East and Hand of the King until his mysterious death. Sansa Stark becomes a ward of the Vale under Lysa Arryn's guardianship. The castle's isolated position in the Mountains of the Moon makes it one of the most defensible locations in the realm.
The Eyrie was built by House Arryn thousands of years ago and sits atop the highest mountain in the Vale, nearly inaccessible except through narrow passes. The castle's location made House Arryn powerful and difficult to threaten militarily. The Arryn sigil, the falcon, represents the house's lofty position and pride.
The Eyrie represents isolation and the consequences of withdrawing from the greater game of thrones. Lysa Arryn's rule from the Eyrie is marked by paranoia and manipulation, showing how isolation can corrupt power. The Vale's refusal to engage in the broader conflicts drives major plot developments.
Volcanic island fortress, former seat of House Targaryen
Dragonstone is where Stannis Baratheon bases his claim to the throne with the help of the Red Priestess Melisandre. Davos Seaworth serves Stannis from this castle. The island's volcanic nature and dragon lore make it a powerful symbol of Targaryen legacy and Stannis's military operations.
Dragonstone was the ancestral seat of House Targaryen before they conquered Westeros with their dragons. The castle was built with Valyrian steel and stone, and contains relics of the Targaryen dynasty. Dragons once laired on the island, and its volcanic nature is said to be connected to Targaryen magic and dragonfire.
Dragonstone represents the fallen Targaryen dynasty and becomes a power center for Stannis's faction. The castle embodies themes of power, magic, and the tension between ancient magical forces and political ambition. Its volcanic nature foreshadows the return of magic to Westeros.
Fortress of House Tully, capital of the Riverlands
Riverrun is the ancestral seat of House Tully and the center of operations for Robb Stark's war against the Lannisters. Catelyn Stark calls her banners here after Bran's 'fall' in Winterfell. The castle becomes a strategic focal point as the War of Five Kings rages across the Riverlands.
Riverrun is built at the confluence of three rivers and features unique water defenses, being surrounded by waters on three sides. House Tully has ruled the Riverlands for thousands of years from this strategic location. The castle's position makes it both difficult to assault and crucial for controlling the Riverlands.
Riverrun represents the Tully family's role as a bridge between the great houses and their increasing involvement in larger conflicts. The castle's defense and surrender foreshadow the changing fortunes of the North and the consequences of the War of Five Kings.
Fortress of House Baratheon, seat of the Stormlands
Storm's End is the ancestral seat of House Baratheon and remains a powerful stronghold throughout the series. Renly Baratheon gathers his forces here to support his claim to the throne. The castle is famous for its unbroken walls and defensive prowess.
Storm's End was built by Durran Godsgrief, a legendary founder who used magic to make the castle impervious to storms. The castle has withstood countless assaults and natural disasters, making it legendary for its durability. The Baratheon sigil, a crowned stag, reflects their pride and strength.
Storm's End represents the power and resilience of House Baratheon but also foreshadows their decline. The castle serves as a symbol of the Stormlands' might and becomes a focal point for competing claims to the throne. Its fate reflects the broader struggle for control of the Seven Kingdoms.
Fortress and seat of House Tyrell, the Reach
Highgarden is the seat of House Tyrell, the most powerful house in the Reach due to its wealth and agricultural resources. Mace Tyrell leads forces from Highgarden during the War of Five Kings. The castle is known for its gardens and prosperity.
Highgarden was built by House Tyrell and represents the agricultural wealth and beauty of the Reach. The castle's gardens are legendary, filled with flowers and plants from across Westeros. House Tyrell's sigil, a golden rose, reflects the castle's emphasis on cultivation and growth.
Highgarden represents the power of economic resources and agricultural production in the game of thrones. The Reach's wealth makes it a crucial ally, and Highgarden's location and resources determine much of the political maneuvering around the War of Five Kings.
Twin fortresses controlling the Riverlands, seat of House Frey
The Twins is where Robb Stark is betrayed during the War of Five Kings. Walder Frey hosts what appears to be a wedding celebration but orchestrates the massacre of Stark forces. This event, known as the Red Wedding, becomes a turning point in the war.
The Twins are two identical castles built at a crossing point of the Trident River, giving House Frey strategic control over north-south travel in the Riverlands. Walder Frey is known for his cunning and his ability to leverage his position at this crossing. The castle's design reflects House Frey's focus on tactical advantage.
The Twins represents betrayal and the brutal consequences of breaking sacred customs like guest right. The Red Wedding is a pivotal moment that shows how political alliances can be destroyed through treachery. The location becomes synonymous with one of the series' most shocking and consequential events.
Fortress and capital of Dorne, seat of House Martell
Sunspear is the capital of Dorne and seat of House Martell. Doran Martell rules from this castle and maintains Dorne's independence from the Seven Kingdoms. The castle reflects Dorne's unique culture and its isolation from the major conflicts of the early books.
Sunspear was built in Dorne's unique architectural style, reflecting the region's blend of Westerosi and Rhoynish influences. House Martell is descended from the Rhoynar, refugees who fled Valyria ages ago. The castle symbolizes Dorne's pride and its separate identity within the realm.
Sunspear represents Dorne's role as an independent power that plays by different rules and maintains its own agenda. Doran Martell's control from Sunspear shows how political cunning and patience can be as powerful as military might. The castle becomes increasingly important as Dorne's hidden plans unfold.
Ruined fortress in the Riverlands, once seat of House Harren
Harrenhal is captured by Robb Stark's forces and becomes a strategic stronghold during the War of Five Kings. Arya Stark briefly works here in disguise. The massive ruins reflect the consequences of opposing Targaryen power with dragons.
Harrenhal was built by Harren the Black as the largest fortress in Westeros. Aegon the Conqueror burned the castle with his dragons, killing Harren and his entire line. The ruins stand as a monument to the destructive power of dragonfire and Targaryen conquest.
Harrenhal symbolizes the consequences of resistance to superior power and the lasting impact of Targaryen dominance. The castle's fall and ruin represent how even the mightiest structures can be destroyed by greater forces. Its strategic importance during the war shows how desperation drives alliances.
Fortress of House Bolton, in the North
The Dreadfort is the seat of House Bolton, ancient rivals of House Stark. Roose Bolton commands forces for Robb Stark but harbors secret ambitions. The fortress becomes a symbol of betrayal when Bolton betrays Stark during the War of Five Kings.
The Dreadfort is one of the oldest castles in the North, built in ancient times. House Bolton is known for flaying their enemies, a practice that has made them infamous and feared. The castle's dark reputation reflects the house's brutal nature and old practices.
The Dreadfort represents treachery and the dangers of trusting those with different codes of honor. Roose Bolton's betrayal and his seat's dark history foreshadow the collapse of the Northern alliance and the rise of new powers in the North.
The most fertile region of Westeros, center of agricultural wealth
The Reach is the breadbasket of Westeros and provides critical resources during the War of Five Kings. Mace Tyrell commands armies from this region in support of the Lannisters. The region's prosperity and resources make it a prize worth fighting for.
The Reach was conquered by House Gardener before being defeated by Aegon the Conqueror. House Tyrell was elevated to power following the Conquest and has ruled the Reach since. The region's fertility and agricultural output make it the most prosperous region in Westeros.
The Reach represents economic power and the importance of food supply in warfare. The region's resources and location make it crucial to any faction's success. Control of the Reach determines who can sustain large armies and feed the realm.
Mountainous region in the Vale of Arryn, home to wildlings and outlaws
The Fingers is a wild region within the Vale where Littlefinger grew up in modest circumstances. Lysa Arryn rules the Vale from the Eyrie, leaving the Fingers relatively ungoverned. The region remains largely untamed despite being within the Vale's domain.
The Fingers are a mountainous area known for its harsh terrain and sparse population. The region has never been fully civilized and remains home to wildlings, bandits, and outcasts. The Mountains of the Moon dominate the region, creating barriers to settlement and governance.
The Fingers represent the wild edges of civilization and the limits of the great houses' power. Littlefinger's origins in this humble region foreshadow his rise and his unique position outside traditional noble hierarchies.
Fortress and seat of House Greyjoy, the Iron Islands
Pyke is the seat of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands. Theon Greyjoy returns here to answer his father's summons. The fortress becomes important when Theon attempts to claim the Iron Islands and prove his loyalty to his house.
Pyke is built on rocks surrounded by the sea, reflecting the Iron Islands' isolation and maritime culture. House Greyjoy is descended from ancient ironborn kings and maintains the old ways of raiding and conquest. The castle's design emphasizes its connection to the sea.
Pyke represents the Iron Islands' unique culture and their position outside the mainstream politics of Westeros. Theon's journey to and from Pyke reflects his identity crisis and the challenges of divided loyalty between two worlds.
Port city of the Vale of Arryn
Gulltown is the primary port city of the Vale and serves as the Vale's main connection to the wider world. Sansa Stark arrives here when fleeing King's Landing, using Gulltown as a waypoint to reach the Vale.
Gulltown is the largest city in the Vale of Arryn and serves as the gateway for maritime trade and travel. The city benefits from its position as the Vale's connection to the sea and wider Westeros.
Gulltown represents the Vale's limited connection to the rest of Westeros and its general isolation from political conflicts. The city serves as an escape route for those fleeing the politics of King's Landing.
Ancient city and seat of the Hightower, southernmost major city
Oldtown is the oldest city in Westeros and home to the Citadel, where maesters are trained. Sam Tarly leaves the Night's Watch and travels to Oldtown to study. The city is a center of learning and magical knowledge.
Oldtown was founded by the First Men thousands of years ago and predates most other settlements in Westeros. The Hightower, built in Oldtown, is one of the oldest and tallest structures in the realm. The Citadel, located in Oldtown, is where maesters learn their crafts.
Oldtown represents knowledge, tradition, and the connection to ancient Westerosi history. The Citadel's role in training maesters makes Oldtown crucial to the functioning of the Seven Kingdoms. Sam's journey there represents a pivot toward magical and arcane knowledge.
More by George R. R. Martin: All George R. R. Martin books