Star Wars on Earth

“Star Wars” has captured the imaginations of fans all across the globe. Some could even argue that “Star Wars” is the greatest movie franchise ever made. The stunning visual landscapes can be attributed to its enduring popularity, which are seen as the backdrops for this epic franchise. From the desolate deserts of Tatooine to the icy landscapes of Hoth, the “Star Wars” movies have taken us on a journey through some of the most galaxies. Many of these locations are not just the result of creative special effects, but are actually places that can be visited in real life.

Skellig Michael, Ireland

We all remember Luke Skywalker’s iconic Jedi hideaway on Arch-To in “The Last Jedi.” The small island is stunning, with beautiful views of the ocean surrounding it. Did you know that Luke’s ancient Jedi shelter, where he spent his days in isolation, isn’t just a prop made specially for the movie? It's called a clochán, also known as a beehive hut, and it was used as living quarters by the monks who lived on the island long before Mark Hamill got there.

As one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland, Skellig Michael is a popular tourist destination. Due to the fragile nature of the site, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit the island each day. So, if you’re lucky enough to secure a spot, make sure to soak in all the history and natural beauty that Skellig Michael has to offer!

Matmata, Tunisia

Tatooine might be the most beloved planet in the “Star Wars” universe. This desert planet, instantly recognizable by its twin suns, is famously known as the childhood home of both Luke and Anakin Skywalker. The southern parts of Tunisia, a country in northern Africa, was perfect for the filming of Tatooine because of its harsh, desert climate. This is definitely a place that feels out of this world, making it the perfect place for a “Star Wars” filming location.

The most famous location on Tatooine is Luke’s subterranean childhood home. Located at Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, Tunisia, this fictional-looking building was actually built centuries ago by Berbers. The history of this location remains unknown since the region was largely undiscovered by outsiders until 1967. Today, the location serves as a hotel with set decorations intact, making it a great place for “Star Wars” fanatics to visit.

*Photo from SHVETS production via Pexels*

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a picturesque lake located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Known for its incredible scenery with the perfect combination of mountains and crystal-clear water, it was one of the filming locations for “Attack of the Clones.” Specifically, the Villa del Balbianello, a stunning villa located on the western shore of the lake, was used for the romantic scenes between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. The villa's beautiful terraced gardens and breathtaking views of the lake made it the perfect backdrop for the movie's romantic storyline.

Since the release of the movie, the Villa del Balbianello has become a popular tourist attraction for “Star Wars” fans, as well as those simply looking to enjoy the villa's stunning architecture and surroundings. Many visitors come to the villa specifically to see the locations used in the movie, and the villa has even hosted “Star Wars”-themed events and weddings.

Finse, Norway

Norway is a country known for its stunning natural beauty, including its majestic glaciers. One such glacier is the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, located in the Finse region of Norway. Finse is a small village situated at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level, making it an ideal location for skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

The Finse region was used as a filming location for the scenes set on the ice planet Hoth, including the iconic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, which were filmed in the snowy and icy landscapes of Finse.

The production crew had to endure extreme weather conditions during the filming, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. The snowmobiles and other equipment used in the filming had to be specially adapted to work in the harsh environment. Despite the challenges, the Finse region proved to be the perfect location for the movie's icy planet setting.

Today, visitors to the Finse region can visit many of the filming locations used in “The Empire Strikes Back,” including the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, which was used as the backdrop for many of the movie's most memorable scenes. The region has become a popular destination for “Star Wars” fans and movie enthusiasts, as well as those simply looking to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Norway.

If you’ve ever been to one of these otherworldly locations, tag us @theedgemag!