The Most Popular Star Wars Filming Destinations Around the World
May the 4th be with you! Every year, fans across the galaxy celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4th, a date chosen for its punny nod to the franchise’s iconic phrase, “May the Force be with you.” It’s a day to rewatch the films, don costumes, attend themed events, and for many, plan their next Star Wars-inspired adventure.
In honor of Star Wars Day, a new study by CSDB.gg has revealed the most popular Star Wars filming locations worldwide, based on Instagram data. By analyzing the number of posts under each location’s top hashtag, the study ranked the sites that fans and travelers most love to visit. Did your favorite Star Wars filming spot make the list?
1. Lake District, UK (Episode VII: The Force Awakens)
Topping the list is England’s stunning Lake District, which appeared in The Force Awakens as the planet Takodana—home to Maz Kanata’s castle. The scenic views of Derwentwater helped create the dramatic backdrop for one of the film’s key battles. With over 4.5 million Instagram posts under #lakedistrict, it’s not just Star Wars fans flocking here; the area’s natural beauty is a magnet for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
2. Lake Como, Italy (Episode II: Attack of the Clones)
Lake Como earns second place thanks to its dreamy scenery and romantic connection to the Star Wars saga. Villa Balbianello on Lake Como was the site of Anakin and Padmé’s secret wedding in Attack of the Clones. With over 2.2 million Instagram posts under #lakecomo, the destination continues to captivate travelers, doubling as both a honeymoon hotspot and a cinematic pilgrimage.
3. Death Valley, USA (Episodes IV & VI)
The most popular Star Wars filming location in the U.S., Death Valley, was used to depict parts of Tatooine in both A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. Towering sand dunes and rocky canyons make it an ideal stand-in for the harsh desert planet. The area has amassed over 1.1 million Instagram posts with the hashtag #deathvalley, proving it’s still drawing fans long after the original trilogy aired.
4. Wadi Rum, Jordan (Rogue One & Episode IX)
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, brings otherworldly charm to the Star Wars universe. It served as the moon Jedha in Rogue One and the planet Pasaana in The Rise of Skywalker. With nearly 700,000 Instagram posts under #wadirum, this Jordanian desert is beloved for its vast sandstone landscapes and ancient feel, perfect for stepping into galactic territory.
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5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia (Episode VIII: The Last Jedi)
This dazzling salt flat in Bolivia was used to portray the mineral world of Crait, where the Resistance made their last stand in The Last Jedi. Known for its mirror-like surface and surreal scenery, Salar de Uyuni has become a bucket-list destination for photographers and sci-fi fans alike. It boasts almost 600,000 Instagram posts under #salardeuyuni.
6. Forest of Dean, UK (Episode VII: The Force Awakens)
Home to Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire provided a mysterious setting in The Force Awakens, including the scene where Rey confronts Kylo Ren with a lightsaber for the first time. With more than 360,000 posts under #forestofdean, this ancient woodland continues to enchant visitors with its fairytale-like paths and mossy landscapes.
7. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy (Solo: A Star Wars Story)
The dramatic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites brought rugged realism to Solo: A Star Wars Story. The location’s raw, mountainous terrain provided the perfect backdrop for high-stakes action sequences. It has drawn over 330,000 Instagram posts with the hashtag #trecimedilavaredo, attracting hikers, climbers, and film enthusiasts alike.
8. Reggia di Caserta, Italy (Episodes I & II)
Standing in for the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo, the grand Reggia di Caserta was featured in both The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Located near Naples, this opulent palace has over 300,000 Instagram posts under #reggiadicaserta, offering fans the chance to walk through the halls where Queen Amidala once ruled.
9. Hardangervidda, Norway (Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)
One of the most iconic Star Wars settings, the icy plains of Hoth, were filmed on the Hardangervidda plateau in Norway. Used in The Empire Strikes Back, the freezing, snowy landscape captured the harsh conditions of the Rebel base. The hashtag #hardangervidda has over 150,000 posts, many showcasing the region’s raw and remote beauty.
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10. Reynisfjara, Iceland (Rogue One)
This striking black sand beach was used to portray the stormy world of Eadu in Rogue One. With towering basalt columns and powerful waves, Reynisfjara creates a sense of dramatic isolation, perfect for Star Wars scenes. Over 135,000 Instagram posts under #reynisfjara show off the beach’s cinematic appeal.
