For most people, travel is about seeing famous landmarks, eating new food, or relaxing somewhere warm. But for millions of fans around the world, the ultimate travel goal isn’t a beach or a museum—it’s the chance to stand where their favorite stories were filmed.
From Hogwarts to Hobbiton, from Hawkins, Indiana to Westeros, fandom travel has become a booming cultural phenomenon. These journeys, often called fandom pilgrimages, aren’t just vacations—they’re emotional experiences that connect fans to the stories that shaped their lives.
In 2025, pop-culture tourism is stronger than ever. Studios are building official tours, small towns are thriving on fan visits, and social media has turned every fictional backdrop into a global destination. But why do fans travel thousands of miles to walk through places that technically never existed? And what does this trend say about how fandom has evolved?
1. The Rise of Fandom Tourism
Fandom pilgrimages aren’t new—Beatles fans have visited Abbey Road for decades—but the digital age has supercharged the phenomenon. Streaming, social media, and constant content availability have made locations more recognizable than ever before.
When a show like Game of Thrones airs, millions of viewers immediately Google “where was this filmed?” Within weeks, travel sites are promoting tours to Croatia’s Dubrovnik (King’s Landing) or Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad).
The result is an entirely new kind of tourism industry. Towns once known only to locals now welcome visitors year-round. Airbnb listings, walking tours, and local businesses all adapt to the fandom economy. Even small communities—like Forks, Washington, forever immortalized by Twilight—now rely heavily on fan traffic for economic survival.
2. Emotional Connection Beyond the Screen
What separates fandom travel from traditional tourism is the emotional attachment. For fans, these trips are deeply personal. Standing in front of the “Welcome to Hawkins” sign from Stranger Things or walking through the Scottish Highlands where Outlander was filmed feels like entering the story itself.
Fans often describe these experiences as “coming home to a place that never existed.” There’s a mix of nostalgia, belonging, and magic that comes from bridging fiction and reality.
It’s also communal. Many fans plan group trips or meet-ups, sharing cosplay photos and recreating iconic scenes. Some even bring props, costumes, or letters from online friends to mark the moment. These real-world connections strengthen fandom bonds and turn solitary obsessions into shared memories.
3. Iconic Fandom Pilgrimage Destinations
While nearly every major franchise now has a location worth visiting, a few have become bucket-list legends for fans worldwide.
Hogwarts and the Wizarding World – From the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, fans flock to these sites for a tangible dose of magic. Universal’s Wizarding World parks have turned fandom tourism into a theme-park empire, merging real travel with fantasy immersion.
Hobbiton, New Zealand – The preserved film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit remains one of the most beloved fan destinations on Earth. Walking among the round doors of the Shire feels like stepping directly into Tolkien’s world.
Dubrovnik, Croatia (Game of Thrones) – This medieval coastal city became synonymous with King’s Landing. Even years after the series ended, Game of Thrones tours still sell out daily.
Skellig Michael, Ireland (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) – The remote island monastery, where Luke Skywalker lived in exile, draws both Star Wars devotees and nature lovers willing to brave a rough boat ride for cinematic history.
Atlanta, Georgia (The Walking Dead / Stranger Things) – The rise of “filmed in Georgia” has made Atlanta and surrounding small towns central to fandom road trips. Shops, diners, and neighborhoods proudly display filming photos and fan art.
Vancouver, British Columbia – Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver has served as the backdrop for hundreds of fandoms including Supernatural, The X-Files, and the CW’s superhero universe. Fans gather for conventions and location tours that span decades of TV history.
4. How Studios and Tourism Boards Embrace Fandom Travel
What started as organic fan enthusiasm has become a billion-dollar business. Studios now partner with tourism boards to create official experiences, walking tours, and visitor centers.
Warner Bros. leads the pack with its Harry Potter Studio Tour and Friends Experience pop-ups. Disney integrates fandom travel into everything it does, from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Marvel-themed cruises. Even Netflix and Amazon have invested in travel partnerships promoting The Witcher in Poland and Rings of Power in New Zealand.
Local governments, too, recognize the economic boost. After Outlander boosted Scottish tourism by an estimated 45% in key regions, VisitScotland launched dedicated fandom travel campaigns. These initiatives celebrate cultural pride while welcoming global visitors who arrive via fandom.
5. The Psychology of Fandom Pilgrimages
Travel psychologists note that fandom pilgrimages offer more than escapism—they provide catharsis. For many fans, visiting fictional places offers closure or connection to something deeply personal.
It’s a modern form of mythic pilgrimage. In medieval times, people traveled to religious sites seeking enlightenment; today, fans journey to filming locations seeking emotional fulfillment. The settings serve as sacred spaces for stories that shaped their identities.
Social media amplifies this ritual. Every photo tagged at a fandom location becomes part of a collective online scrapbook. Visiting these sites isn’t just personal—it’s participatory. Fans add their own chapter to the ongoing global story.
6. Fandom Travel and Cultural Respect
While fandom tourism has many positives, it also raises questions about preservation and cultural sensitivity. Some destinations—especially small communities—struggle with the sudden influx of visitors.
Fans must balance enthusiasm with respect. Locations like Skellig Michael have implemented visitor limits to protect fragile ecosystems. Others, like Dubrovnik, face overtourism challenges that can strain local resources.
Responsible fandom travel means understanding that these places are both fictional backdrops and real communities. Supporting local businesses, following regulations, and respecting private property ensures these beloved destinations remain open for future generations of fans.
7. The Future of Fandom Pilgrimages
As streaming expands and media franchises become more global, new destinations are constantly emerging. K-drama fans visit Seoul. Anime tourists flood Tokyo. Marvel fans hunt for every spot where Tony Stark stood.
Virtual tourism is also growing. Studios now offer VR recreations of filming locations and behind-the-scenes tours, letting fans experience fictional worlds from home. But for many, nothing replaces standing on the same ground where a story came to life.
Ultimately, fandom pilgrimages represent something timeless: the human need to connect meaningfully with stories. Whether it’s a small-town diner from Supernatural or a mountain trail from The Lord of the Rings, these journeys remind fans that fiction shapes reality—and sometimes, reality gives fiction a home.
8. Why Fandom Travel Will Always Matter
Fandom pilgrimages blur the line between storytelling and real life. They transform imaginary worlds into tangible memories. They remind fans that their love of a show or film is part of something larger—a global network of people who feel the same spark.
In a world that often feels divided, fandom travel unites people through shared wonder. Fans don’t just see a location; they experience belonging. Whether it’s the cobblestone streets of King’s Landing or the quiet shores of the Shire, fandom travelers know that home isn’t always where you live—it’s where your favorite story began.
