On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the galaxy’s most popular Star Wars filming locations, from the UK’s breathtaking Lake District to Bolivia’s surreal Salar de Uyuni, where iconic scenes come to life for fans and travelers alike!
The Star Wars franchise has captivated audiences for decades, not only with its epic storytelling but also with its breathtaking filming locations that bring alien worlds to life. A recent study by CSDB.gg analyzed Instagram posts under the most popular hashtags for Star Wars filming locations, ranking them by their social media popularity. From the rolling hills of the UK’s Lake District to Bolivia’s surreal salt flats, here are the top 10 most popular Star Wars filming spots, enriched with details about each iconic destination.
The Most Popular Star Wars Filming Locations
1. Lake District, UK – Takodana in The Force Awakens (#lakedistrict, 4.5M+ posts)
Topping the list is the UK’s Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning landscapes of rugged fells, serene lakes, and charming villages. Derwentwater, a shimmering lake surrounded by dramatic hills, served as the lush planet Takodana in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015). This location, home to Maz Kanata’s castle, is where Rey first encounters the Force in a pivotal scene. The Lake District’s natural beauty, with its hiking trails, historic sites like Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, and water activities on Derwentwater, makes it a magnet for tourists and Star Wars fans alike. Its staggering 4.5 million Instagram posts under #lakedistrict reflect its status as a must-visit destination, boosted by its cinematic fame and accessibility from major UK cities like Manchester.
2. Lake Como, Italy – Naboo in Attack of the Clones (#lakecomo, 2.2M+ posts)
Just shy of the top spot, Italy’s Lake Como is a picturesque destination that served as the romantic backdrop for Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala’s secret wedding in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002). Filming took place at Villa Balbianello, an elegant 18th-century villa perched on the lake’s western shore, with its manicured gardens and stunning lake views. Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, is a haven for luxury travelers, offering boat tours, historic villas, and charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Its 2.2 million #lakecomo Instagram posts highlight its allure as a glamorous getaway, made even more iconic by its Star Wars connection.
3. Death Valley, California, USA – Tatooine in A New Hope and Return of the Jedi (#deathvalley, 1.1M+ posts)
America’s top Star Wars filming location, Death Valley National Park in California, ranks third globally with over 1.1 million Instagram posts under #deathvalley. This vast desert, known for being one of the hottest places on Earth, doubled as the arid planet Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) and Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983). Iconic scenes, such as R2-D2 and C-3PO’s desert wanderings and the Sarlacc pit battle, were filmed in areas like Dante’s View and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Visitors to Death Valley can explore otherworldly landscapes, including Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America) and Zabriskie Point’s eroded hills. Its stark beauty and Star Wars legacy make it a bucket-list destination for fans and adventurers.
4. Wadi Rum, Jordan – Jedha and Pasaana in Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker (#wadirum, 700,000 posts)
Jordan’s Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, ranks fourth with nearly 700,000 Instagram posts under #wadirum. This otherworldly desert, with its towering sandstone cliffs and red sands, first appeared as the moon Jedha in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and later as the planet Pasaana in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Wadi Rum’s dramatic landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also starred in films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. Visitors can experience Bedouin culture, take jeep or camel tours, and camp under the stars, making it a dream destination for Star Wars fans seeking adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – Crait in The Last Jedi (#salardeuyuni, 600,000 posts)
Rounding out the top five is Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, which served as the mineral planet Crait in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017). Its blindingly white surface, contrasted by blood-red soil revealed during the climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance, makes it one of the most visually striking Star Wars locations. With nearly 600,000 Instagram posts under #salardeuyuni, this remote destination captivates visitors with its surreal, mirror-like reflections during the rainy season and vast, crystalline expanse in the dry season. Located at 3,656 meters above sea level, it’s a challenging but rewarding spot for travelers seeking a unique Star Wars pilgrimage.
6. Forest of Dean, UK – Takodana in The Force Awakens (#forestofdean, 364,821 posts)
The UK’s second entry, the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, ranks sixth with 364,821 Instagram posts under #forestofdean. The ancient woodland of Puzzlewood, with its moss-covered rocks and twisting pathways, was used in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens for the scene where Rey faces off against Kylo Ren in a lightsaber duel on Takodana. This enchanting forest, one of Britain’s oldest, feels like a fairy-tale setting, making it a favorite for families and Star Wars fans. Visitors can explore walking trails, cycle routes, and nearby attractions like the Dean Heritage Centre. According to VisitBritain, 70% of UK tourists visit film or TV locations, and the Forest of Dean’s Star Wars connection makes it a top draw.
7. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy – Vandor in Solo: A Star Wars Story (#trecimedilavaredo, 333,720 posts)
Italy secures another spot with Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a dramatic mountain range in the Dolomites that appeared as the snowy planet Vandor in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). With 333,720 Instagram posts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its jagged peaks and alpine meadows, offering some of Europe’s best hiking and climbing opportunities. The rugged terrain provided a fitting backdrop for the high-stakes heist in Solo. Visitors can explore trails around the three iconic peaks, stay in mountain refuges, and enjoy breathtaking views, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and Star Wars fans.
8. Reggia di Caserta, Italy – Naboo in Attack of the Clones (#reggiadicaserta, 303,990 posts)
Italy’s Reggia di Caserta, an opulent 18th-century palace near Naples, ranks eighth with 303,990 Instagram posts. This grand Baroque palace served as the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), showcasing its lavish interiors and sprawling gardens. Often compared to Versailles, the palace features a 3-kilometer-long fountain-lined garden and ornate rooms that perfectly captured Naboo’s regal aesthetic. Visitors can tour the historic apartments, explore the gardens, and immerse themselves in the opulence that made this location a Star Wars standout.
9. Hardangervidda, Norway – Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back (#hardangervidda, 159,558 posts)
Norway’s Hardangervidda National Park, with 159,558 Instagram posts, is the icy landscape that brought the planet Hoth to life in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980). This vast plateau, one of Europe’s largest, features glaciers, snowfields, and rugged terrain, making it the perfect stand-in for the Rebel Alliance’s ice-covered base. Visitors can hike, ski, or spot wildlife like reindeer in this remote wilderness. Its Star Wars connection, combined with its stark beauty, draws fans eager to experience the chilling setting of the iconic Battle of Hoth.
10. Reynisfjara, Iceland – Eadu in Rogue One (#reynisfjara, 135,104 posts)
Completing the top 10 is Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach, which served as the rain-soaked planet Eadu in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). With 135,104 Instagram posts, this black sand beach, framed by basalt columns and towering sea stacks, is one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. Its moody, otherworldly atmosphere made it an ideal Star Wars setting. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Vík village and Reynisdrangar rock formations, but must heed warnings about the beach’s dangerous sneaker waves. Its cinematic fame and striking beauty make it a must-visit for Star Wars enthusiasts.
The Rise of Screen Tourism
The popularity of these Star Wars filming locations underscores the growing trend of screen tourism. VisitBritain research reveals that 70% of tourists to the UK visit film or TV locations, with 90% of those planning future trips eager to explore such sites. From the Lake District’s rolling hills to Iceland’s volcanic beaches, these destinations offer fans a chance to step into the Star Wars universe while discovering some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, these Instagrammable spots are worth adding to your galactic itinerary.
Sources:
- Movie-Locations.com
- Atlas of Wonders
- Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
- VisitBritain
Methodology:
A list of popular sites where filming took place from any Star Wars movie was gathered by movie location databases. Each popular site was then ranked based on the volume of Instagram posts under the site’s most popular hashtag. Each spot was then ranked from highest to lowest accordingly.
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