10 ‘Star Wars’ Filming Locations Not So Far Away
Since the release of the film in May 1977, Star Wars has gathered a sizable following through its use of extraterrestrial creatures and imaginative worlds. As many devoted fans know, there are many filming locations from throughout the history of the franchise that can be visited today without the need for lightspeed. From England to Italy to Norway, here are some of the best filming locations from the Star Wars franchise that should be familiar to you.
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to check out these breathtaking sights.
Villa Del Balbianello, Italy
The best part of the most hated scene in the Star Wars saga were the gorgeous views of the Italian countryside. The hideaway from Attack of the Clones is very much real, and it has drawn the likes of those who can afford it, such as George Clooney, who has a villa on Lake Como.
Yuma Desert, Arizona
Rather than returning to Tunisia where the first film was shot, it was decided that the more economical Arizona would stand in as the setting for Tatooine in Return of the Jedi. One of the most memorable set pieces from the film was the Sarlacc Pit, which took over five months and over 5,500 workers to bring to life.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Alderaan may have been destroyed back in 1977, but you can still visit the landscape where it was imagined in the prequels. At the foothills of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is a perfect place to escape and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Whippendell Woods, United Kingdom
One of the oldest and most protected forests in the U.K., Whippendell made a great sacred place for the Gungans on Naboo. It was in this forest that the world was first subjected to Jar Jar Binks.
Mount Etna, Italy
Even though Mount Etna is an active volcano, it was given plenty of computer-generated lava to serve as Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith. Here, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have their climactic lightsaber battle.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon, California
Just off California’s Route 190, this 2.7-mile stretch of Death Valley served as the pathway for R2-D2 and C-3PO’s journey to Jabba’s Palace in Return of the Jedi. The vast desert gave it the same atmosphere that Tunisia had provided six years earlier.
Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway
In order to distinguish itself from the terrain of the first film, The Empire Strikes Back begins on the ice planet of Hoth. Shot on one of Norway’s largest glaciers, this location gave us a memorable battle sequence, as well as tauntauns.
Ajim, Tunisia
One of the most iconic locations in the Star Wars universe is the planet of Tatooine, which was originally filmed in Tunisia. Ajim still has many of the buildings featured in A New Hope, including Obi-Wan Kenobi’s house.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
The Forest Moon of Endor was shot right here in the States. If you visit this gorgeous area of California, make sure to soak in some of the world’s oldest and tallest trees. Be careful not to step on an Ewok!
Tikal, Guatemala
This ruined Mayan city served as a great location for the rebel base on Yavin 4 in the first film. After seeing some of the ancient ruins on a travel poster, George Lucas decided that he needed to find a way to incorporate Tikal into his movie.
