From Tatooine to Hoth: Real Life Star Wars Locations

Written by Stride Destination Expert, Samantha Scott

If you’re like me, you’re getting REALLY excited for the new Star Wars movie. And I mean really excited.

But did you ever wonder where the Star Wars movies were filmed? (Spoiler alert…they’re not real. I know right? Major disappointment).

Tunisia (Tatooine)

We’ll start in Matmana, Tunisia. Possibly the most recognizable location, this serves as the Tatooine compound where we first meet Luke Skywalker, who does not want to participate in harvest because he wants to pick up power converters. And is it just me or do we get a sense that even by Episode VI he’s still disappointed he never got them? But I digress.

The Tatooine dwellings from these introductory scenes are actually not entirely made up. They were pre-existing, and inspired by their shape, size, and overall look, George Lucas changed very little about these traditional desert homes for filming. The mise-en-scene is filled with fantasy and sci fi elements to complete the illusion, but the main structures come from real life. Perhaps another reason these films hit such a chord. You can even stay overnight in Aunt Beru’s living room at the Hotel Sidi Driss!

Death Valley, California (Tatooine)

What better place to film another planet than Death Valley, California? Many scenes were filmed here, perhaps most notabely the road along which everyone’s favorite Droid duo walk ominously towards Jabba the Hutt’s palace. Due to it’s other-worldly landscape, Death Valley is also used extensively for Tatooine exteriors.

Redwood Forest, California (Endor)

Hiking through Jedediah State Park in northern California, it’s impossible not to think an Ewok might peek out from behind the trees. And for good reason! Most of the Planet Endor Ewok village and battle sequence in Episode VI were filmed here.

Norway (Hoth)

Speaking of other worldly landscapes, the Ice Planet of Hoth, which opens Episode V was filmed on a glacier in Norway. It’s very easy to imagine snow monsters and hidden ice caves existing here!

Lake Como, Italy (Naboo)

Like any good Star Wars nerd, I don’t like giving much attention to the prequels. But there’s no denying that they were shot in some pretty spectacular locations. Like Villa del Balbianello which was used for Naboo, where actor Hayden Christensen gave an infamous speech as Anakin Sykwalker…memorable for all the wrong reasons…learning the hard way that sometimes you really should question the screenwriter.

While you’re in Italy, take a tour of the impressive Palace of Caserta which was the location for many interiors of Queen Amadala’s palace.

Seville, Spain (Naboo)

In Attack of the Clones, the beautiful Plaza de Espana was used as Naboo’s capital. Located in Seville, Spain, the plaza was bulit in 1929 for the Worlds Fair. The interior is used as government office space, but tourists and visitors are welcome to walk around the picturesque exterior.

Guatemala (Yavin 4)

Rounding out our journey is Tikal, Guatemala. Star Wars fans may know it better as Rebel Base Yavin 4 in Episode IV. Steeped in real and not just fictional history, Tikal is one of the largest cities we know of from the ancient Maya civilization.