Lokrum and the Iron Throne: the Game of Thrones connection explained

Lokrum’s unlikely role in Game of Thrones

Lokrum Island is primarily a nature reserve — a forested island 700 metres off the Dubrovnik Old Town waterfront, accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride. It has botanical gardens, a salt lake, peacocks, and a Benedictine monastery dating to the 11th century. But for Game of Thrones fans, Lokrum has an additional claim: the island served as the city of Qarth in Season 2, and it is now home to a replica Iron Throne.

The combination makes Lokrum one of the most visited half-day destinations from Dubrovnik, and one of the easiest to combine with a morning walk through the King’s Landing filming locations in the Old Town.

What was filmed on Lokrum?

In Season 2 (2012), Lokrum provided the exterior locations for Qarth — the wealthy city beyond the Red Waste where Daenerys Targaryen sought protection for her dragons. The scenes filmed here used the monastery’s courtyard and surrounding gardens as the backdrop for Qartheen social gatherings and Daenerys’ early negotiations with the city’s rulers.

The monastery building’s honey-coloured stone walls and shaded cloister columns gave Qarth the appearance of a prosperous, ancient city — a visual contrast to the fortress-like aesthetic of King’s Landing. The same courtyard that hosted Qartheen scenes is now the monastery exhibition space, including the Iron Throne display.

It is worth noting that only a small number of Season 2 scenes were filmed on Lokrum. The island was not a major filming location across the full run of the show. The Iron Throne replica and the Qarth connection have, however, significantly amplified its profile.

The Iron Throne replica: where it is and what it looks like

The replica throne is located in the cloister of the Benedictine Monastery, which occupies the central part of the island not far from the main ferry landing. From the landing, follow the signs for the monastery. The walk takes about 10–12 minutes along a well-marked path.

The throne is displayed in the cloister alongside a small exhibition of Game of Thrones content related to Lokrum’s filming involvement. You can sit on the throne for photographs. The monks’ refectory — now the monastery café — is adjacent.

The monastery complex also houses exhibits on Lokrum’s history, including its foundation in 1023 by Benedictine monks from Mljet, and the legend of Richard the Lionheart’s alleged shipwreck near the island.

Guided Lokrum Island tour with Game of Thrones interpretation

Lokrum beyond Game of Thrones: what else to do

The island rewards spending more time than the 30 minutes needed for the GoT content. Key things to see:

The Dead Sea (Mrtvo More). A small salt lake connected to the sea by underground channels, located in the interior of the island. The water is warmer than the sea and sheltered from wind — popular for swimming. The name is local; the salinity is much lower than the actual Dead Sea.

Botanical garden. The grounds around the monastery contain a botanical garden established in the 19th century when Archduke Maximilian of Austria leased the island and planted exotic species from around the world. Tree ferns and cycads give the garden a distinctly unusual character for the Adriatic.

Fort Royal. A French-built hilltop fortification at the island’s highest point, offering panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands to the north-west, and the open sea to the south. The walk up takes 20–25 minutes from the monastery.

Wild peacocks. The island has a resident population of peacocks descended from birds brought by Archduke Maximilian. They wander freely throughout the island, including through the monastery grounds, and are entirely unbothered by people.

Swimming coves. The rocky shores on the south and south-east sides of the island have clear water and are less busy than the ferry-landing side. The FKK (naturist) area is in this section.

Game of Thrones + Lokrum Island combined tour from Dubrovnik

How to get to Lokrum

The Lokrum ferry departs from the Old Harbour (Stara Luka) in Dubrovnik’s Old Town — the small inner harbour, not the main Gruž ferry terminal. Boats run approximately every 30–45 minutes from around 9am. The last return boat is usually at 6pm or 7pm depending on the season; check the posted timetable at the harbour.

The crossing takes 15 minutes. The ticket includes Lokrum island entry. Note that Lokrum is a protected nature reserve — you cannot stay overnight, and camping is prohibited.

In the winter months (roughly November to March), ferries run infrequently or not at all. The island is technically accessible by private water taxi but the nature reserve entrance may be closed.

Combining Lokrum with a Game of Thrones day

The most logical combination is a morning GoT walking tour or self-guided walk through the Dubrovnik Old Town filming locations, followed by the afternoon Lokrum ferry. The Old Town GoT walk takes 2–3 hours; the ferry to Lokrum runs until late afternoon in summer, giving you plenty of time to cross after lunch.

Alternatively, Lokrum in the morning (when the island is quieter) and the Old Town in the afternoon works well in July and August when afternoon heat in the walled city is uncomfortable.

The Dubrovnik Game of Thrones 2-day itinerary builds a full two-day plan around both the Old Town locations and Lokrum, with Trsteno Arboretum on the second day.

Practical information

Ferry: Departs Old Harbour roughly every 30–45 minutes, April–October. 15-minute crossing.

Island entry: Included in the ferry ticket (one price covers both).

Opening hours: The monastery exhibition and throne display are open during island visiting hours (approximately 9am–6pm in peak season).

Currency: Croatia uses EUR since 2023.

What to bring: Water (the island has a café but supplies can be limited), sun protection (the fort and some paths are exposed), swimming gear if you want to use the Dead Sea lake or the sea coves.

Crowds: Lokrum receives a large number of visitors in July and August. The Iron Throne area in particular is busy from 11am to 3pm. Arriving on the first boat of the morning gives you the throne area to yourself.

Frequently asked questions about Lokrum and Game of Thrones

Is the Iron Throne exhibition free?

The throne is included in the standard Lokrum island entry fee, which is paid as part of the ferry ticket. There is no additional charge to enter the monastery area or see the throne.

Can you have a photo taken on the Iron Throne?

Yes — sitting on the throne for photographs is encouraged. In peak season there may be a short queue. In the morning it is usually uncrowded.

Did Daenerys’ dragons live on Lokrum in Game of Thrones?

In the story, Daenerys’ dragons were imprisoned in the House of the Undying — filmed at Minčeta Tower in Dubrovnik. The Lokrum scenes were set in Qarth before she entered the House of the Undying.

Are there GoT-specific tours to Lokrum from Dubrovnik?

Yes. Some tours combine a morning Old Town GoT walk with a Lokrum afternoon, while others focus specifically on the island. Tours typically explain the Qarth connection in detail and help with the monastery orientation on arrival.

Is Lokrum suitable for children?

Yes. The island is flat enough near the centre for children, though the path to Fort Royal is steep. The peacocks are a reliable highlight for young visitors. Swimming in the Dead Sea lake is safe and calm.

What is the ferry schedule for Lokrum?

Schedules are seasonal and change year to year. The current timetable is posted at the Old Harbour. In summer (June–September), boats typically run from 9am to 7pm. In shoulder season (April–May, October) hours are shorter. The ferry does not run reliably from November to March.