Sure, everybody’s favorite super galactic television series "Star Wars" takes place in a galaxy that’s far, far, far away. But for all those nerds out there itching to recreate some of em’ awesome scenes from the various films, it’s nice to know that many of the actual filming locations where Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, or those cute little Ewoks roamed are actually accessible and much closer to home that one would think.
Did you know that principle filming for "The Force Awakens" took place at Pinewood Studios, near London, or that several different locations around the world were used to depict fictional lands like Tatooine, Endor, or Naboo? If you’re looking to geek out, to hide out, and to further bring out the space nerd inside, recapture the magic by staying at these seven rentals in Star Wars filming locations.
Make Your Trip A Star Wars Adventure In These Vacation Rentals
1. Finse, Norway
In Episode V, a glacier in this mountain village area on the shore of the Lake Finsevatnet in Hordaland county stood boldly in for the frozen planet Hoth in the Star Wars canon. Centered on Finse Station, a railway station on the Berge, the area is gorgeous indeed-- a super relaxed place for soul-enhancing treks, glorious downhill bike rides, and utter relaxation. Author and Star Wars fan Mark Dermul was so taken with the place that he even wrote a travel guide specifically for fans planning to make the pilgrimage!
Try out this fantastic mountain view apartment, which houses up to eight guests. The modern and spacious rental offers everything you’ll need for quality time in Steinboligen at Finse. Find bliss by chilling out in front of the fireplace after a cross country ski trip, or by taking a walk in the mountains during summertime. Yes.
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2. Lake Como, Italy
It's possible to have your own nuptials at the very spot where Anakin and Padme wed by traveling to Lake Como, Italy, which is beautiful in its very own right. However, unlike Planet Naboo, it’s void of a metropolis—instead, the area is perched atop cliffs flanked by waterfalls that make it literally out-of-this-world gorgeous.
Satisfy your Jedi heart by traveling to an Italian paradise and by staying at the Castello Sul Lago Tre, where you can spend hours on a terrace offering lake and mountain views. Located just outside of Menaggio on the renowned northwest shore of Lake Como, the castle allows one to reacquaint themselves with natural beauty and tranquility—it’s definitely a botanical haven to enjoy, as the property is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. You'll enjoy a scenic 4-km walkway that leads to the lakeside villages of San Vito, Pianello, and Musso, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and ferry stops galore.
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3. Skellig Islands – Ireland
Those looking to dwell near Luke Skywalker’s hideaway need to head off to an island off the coast of Ireland on Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the larger of the two Skellig Islands. There’s a sixth-century Christian monastery situated on site that can be reached after a steep 618 step climb. You’ll also be able to find the spot where Rey encounters Luke Skywalker at his remote and rocky island hideout during "Episode VII: The Force Awakens."
Try staying at the this beautiful cottage, which lies in the heart of unspoiled landscape near the village of Ballinskelligs. The home offers modern holiday accommodations while maintaining a full-on traditional Irish cottage experience. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, a living/dining room, a downstairs ensuite double bedroom, endless bed linen supplies, as well as awesome sights of the Ballinskellig coast.
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4. Death Valley, California
Nothing symbolizes Death Valley more than the area of Twenty-Mule Team Canyon, a spectacularly colorful landscape seen most famously at Zabriskie Point that extends several miles to the southeast bordering CA 190. The fascinating area, along with the nearby Artist's Drive, a scenic loop winding through multi-hued volcanic and sedimentary hills, both stood in for Tatooine in Episode VI of the movie franchise.
The desert regions are especially photogenic in late afternoon light, so make sure to channel your inner space geek by holing up at the Desert Moon-Garden, a peaceful, art-filled chalet perfect for weekend and short-term rentals amidst the rugged natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. Explore Death Valley National Park, swim in the lake at Ash Meadows, hike in Red Rock Canyon, or just relax, write, and meditate with the glorious sunset and starry night-skies above you.
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5. Tozeur, Tunisia
The starting spots of the Star Wars franchise in "Episode IV: A New Hope" and "Episode I: The Phantom Menace" – a.k.a. the Skywalker origin stories-- run through Tunisia, which stands in for Tatooine in both films. The exterior of the home where Luke Skywalker grew up actually still stands in Chott el Djerid and has been carefully preserved over the years via the "Save Lars” initiative.
Try renting out a room in a the Dar Tozeur Hotel, which offers an exceptionally beautiful and soothing setting. Have breakfast on the sand surrounded by palm trees, or zip line across banana trees before relaxing by the beautiful indoor and outdoor pools for the rest of the day.
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6. Seville, Spain
In "Episode II: Attack of the Clones," the main plaza in the Spanish city of Seville stands in for the city of Theed on Naboo. A little help from technology and post-production allowed both the city skyline and the plaza to appear much bigger than the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region actually is, but let’s just say that the region is one worth putting on any travel bucket list despite that fact. Along with some of the best flamenco dancing in the world, there’s the ornate Alcázar castle complex to enjoy, the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring, the Gothic Seville Cathedral (which happens to be the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb), and the minaret turned bell tower at the Giraldo.
Try staying in this modern and bright apartment in the center of the city, which offers a delightful living room that looks out onto the street through pretty wrought iron balconies, a nice mix of modern furniture and organic earthy colored textiles, a fully equipped yet highly discreet kitchen, and a minimalistic and cheerful sleeping area with tall, upholstered headboards, large wardrobes, and vintage bedside tables. The apartment even has two modern bathrooms fitted with designer sanitary ware.
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7. Humbolt County – Northern California
It’s a place that’s famous for its Northern California charm-- with over twenty wineries, Victorian chalets, and a plethora of 19th century museums and military forts—but it’s also famous for having served as a major filming location for the lushly-forested planet of Endor, home of the Ewoks. George Lucas was so taken with the Golden State’s ’s Redwood National Park that he wisely chose it as the home planet of everybody’s fave furry Lilliputian warriors.
Stay in this idyllic log home near the coast, situated on several wooded acres and featuring all the amenities that make any vacation rental comfortable and enjoyable. California beauty awaits.
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This article was written by Pamela Chan.