Where was King and Conqueror filmed? Explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and filming locations that brought the Battle of Hastings to life.
Two former allies, one disputed crown, and a date with history.
King & Conqueror is an eight-part BBC and CBS Studios historical drama starring James Norton as Harold Godwinson and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy, with Emily Beecham, Clémence Poésy, Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, and Luther Ford rounding out the cast.
Set against the political turmoil leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the series follows the unlikely friendship, growing rivalry, and brutal struggle for England’s throne. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, King & Conqueror brings the medieval succession crisis to life with a deliberately gritty, realistic style.
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and studio sets helped recreate 11th-century England and Normandy‘s muddy battlefields and political scheming to give the show its gritty, historically inspired look.
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👑 King & Conqueror Filming Locations
Here’s how King & Conqueror transformed Iceland’s rugged wilderness and purpose-built sets into the battlefields, settlements, and royal landscapes of 11th-century England and Normandy.
🌋 Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, Iceland
Just east of Reykjavík, Heiðmörk Nature Reserve provided the sweeping landscapes needed to make Iceland stand in for 11th-century England. Its open terrain, forests, and lava fields helped create the show’s rugged historical world.
Hjallaflatir, a gravel plain within Heiðmörk Nature Reserve near Reykjavík, became a major King & Conqueror filming site. The production built a small medieval village here, while the surrounding grassy fields were transformed into the battlefield for the series’ recreation of the Battle of Hastings.
The battle scenes were filmed on a huge scale, with defensive walls constructed for the sequence and around 180 people fighting alongside 50 to 70 horses, giving the 1066 conflict a raw, physical feel.
What was filmed here:
- Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: English countryside and historic landscapes.
- Hjallaflatir: The Battle of Hastings battle sequences & defensive walls.
What to see & do here:
- Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: Explore forests, lava fields, and trails.
- Reykjavík: Combine the visit with museums and city sights.
🌊 Hvalfjörður, Iceland
Hvalfjörður, a dramatic fjord in West Iceland, supplied the austere landscapes that help define King & Conqueror.
Its rugged coastline, mountains, and open spaces fit the series’ emphasis on brutal realism, military ambition, and an approaching war that nobody seems capable of avoiding.
What was filmed here:
- Hvalfjörður: Rugged historical landscapes and outdoor scenes.
What to see & do here:
- Hvalfjörður: Enjoy scenic drives and coastal views.
- West Iceland: Explore waterfalls, mountains, and nearby attractions.
🎬 RVK Studios, Gufunes, Reykjavík
RVK Studios in Gufunes near Reykjavík, served as the production’s studio base. Large exterior sets recreated 11th-century England and Normandy, including the Norman castle and historical London Stockades.
What was filmed here:
- RVK Studios: Norman castle and London Stockades sets.
What to see & do here:
- Reykjavík: Visit museums, galleries, and coastal attractions.
- Gufunes: Explore Reykjavík’s creative and industrial district.
⚔️ 3-Day King & Conqueror Locations Itinerary
Exploring the King & Conqueror filming locations works well as a two-day Reykjavík-area road trip, with Heiðmörk first and Hvalfjörður the following day. Keep your itinerary flexible because some trails, particularly Glymur, are seasonal and weather-dependent.
🌋 Day 1: Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
Explore Reykjavík’s volcanic landscapes with a day among fiery craters, peaceful woodlands, and scenic lakes.
- Rauðhólar (The Red Hills): Walk among the striking 5,200-year-old red pseudo-craters formed by volcanic activity.
- Reforested Woodlands: Follow the walking trails through groves containing more than four million planted trees.
- Lake Elliðvatn: Stay at Hotel Kriunes, enjoy the peaceful lakeside scenery and look for some of the 60+ bird species recorded here.
- Lava Fields & Caves: Explore moss-covered lava formations and natural shelters scattered around the reserve.
- Mt. Helgafell: Take an easy hike up the nearby mountain for panoramic views. Stop at one of the designated picnic or BBQ areas for lunch.
- Northern Lights: Return after dark for an aurora-viewing opportunity away from central Reykjavík‘s light pollution.
- Overnight: Reykjavík.
🌊 Day 2 & 3: Hvalfjörður & beyond
Follow the scenic fjord road for a day of dramatic waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and spectacular scenery.
- Glymur Waterfall: Hike to Iceland‘s second-tallest waterfall, plunging 198 metres into Botnsdalur valley. Allow 3-4 hours and check trail conditions before going.
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Relax in natural geothermal pools overlooking the fjord and surrounding mountains.
- National Museum of Iceland: Step into the Viking Age with swords, jewellery and everyday artefacts from the first settlers.
- Golden Circle Tour: Explore the Kerid Crater, Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall, & Þingvellir National Park.
- Return to Reykjavík: Drive back along the scenic fjord route after your final stop.
- Overnight: Reykjavík.
❓ King & Conqueror FAQs
Wondering who plays Harold or how much of the history is real? Here are the answers.
What is King & Conqueror about?
King & Conqueror is a historical drama about Harold Godwinson and William, Duke of Normandy, whose rivalry leads to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The story begins at Edward the Confessor’s 1043 coronation, when the future enemies are initially unlikely allies.
How historically accurate is King & Conqueror?
King & Conqueror draws inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry but takes creative liberties with timelines, relationships, and cultural details.
Was the succession crisis really just Harold versus William?
No. The historical succession was more complicated, involving Edgar Ætheling’s claim and the Witenagemot’s election of Harold. The show simplifies this into a more direct rivalry.
Did Harold and William really meet in 1043?
Not according to most historians. King & Conqueror brings their first meeting forward to Edward’s coronation, while historical accounts generally place it around 1064 or 1065, after Harold was shipwrecked and brought to Normandy.
How does Harold die in King & Conqueror?
In the finale of King & Conqueror, “The Hand of God,” Harold is attacked by Norman soldiers, stabbed and hacked to death, and struck by an arrow through the eye, combining both major theories of his death.
Did Harold really die from an arrow through the eye?
The historical evidence is debated. Early accounts do not mention an arrow, and restoration analysis suggests the Bayeux Tapestry’s famous arrow may originally have been a spear.
What is the “Hand of God” twist?
Bishop Odo turns Harold’s death into propaganda, claiming a divine arrow punished him for breaking his oath. Edith Swan-Neck agrees to the story to secure safe passage for her children.
What was the Harrying of the North?
William’s brutal campaign against northern England between 1069 and 1070 involved widespread destruction, famine, and mass suffering.
Did King Edward really murder Lady Emma?
No. King & Conqueror dramatizes their conflict, but Emma was stripped of wealth and briefly exiled from court before dying peacefully in 1052.
Was jus primae noctis a real medieval custom?
No. The supposed jus primae noctis (right of the first night) is widely regarded by historians as a myth popularized by modern cinema, including Braveheart.
Were the costumes and armor historically accurate?
Not entirely. King & Conqueror favors dark leathers and a gritty aesthetic, while 11th-century nobility wore brightly dyed fabrics, and high-status soldiers wore iron mail armor rather than leather armor.
Why does King & Conqueror use Icelandic horses?
Iceland’s environmental and agricultural protection laws prevented the production from importing foreign horse breeds, so native Icelandic horses were used for the cavalry charges.
What makes King & Conqueror different from other historical dramas?
Executive producer James Norton aimed for visceral, dirty, gritty realism in King & Conqueror rather than a polished period-drama look.
Did James Norton get injured filming King & Conqueror?
Yes. Norton broke his collarbone during horseback battle rehearsals, then worked around his recovery before returning to demanding action scenes.
Is King & Conqueror Season 2 confirmed?
The creative team is working on a possible second season of King & Conqueror, but the BBC and CBS Studios have not officially announced a greenlight.
What will King & Conqueror Season 2 be about?
King & ConquerorSeason 2 is expected to follow William’s rule after 1066, including the Harrying of the North and the Anglo-Saxon resistance.
Will James Norton return for Season 2?
Norton is not expected to return as Harold, but he’s expected to remain involved as an executive producer.
Who’s in the cast of King & Conqueror?
- James Norton: Harold Godwinson.
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: William, Duke of Normandy.
- Emily Beecham: Edith Swan-Neck.
- Clémence Poésy: Matilda of Flanders.
- Eddie Marsan: King Edward the Confessor.
- Juliet Stevenson: Lady Emma.
- Luther Ford: Tostig.
What are some movies like King & Conqueror?
- The Last Kingdom (2015): Saxon hero navigates Viking wars.
- Outlaw King (2018): Scottish king fights English occupation.
- Braveheart (1995): Scottish rebel battles English rule.
- Gladiator (2000): Betrayed general seeks imperial revenge.
- Vikings (2013): Blood, battles, betrayal, brotherhood.
📺 Where to Watch King & Conqueror
Where is King & Conqueror streaming? Here’s where to find this historical drama.
King & Conqueror proves that medieval politics had everything – power plays, broken promises, bloody battles, and absolutely no shortage of mud.
Disclaimer: This fan-created article is provided for entertainment purposes only. We don’t guarantee the accuracy of any of these facts and don’t recommend making important life decisions based on them. All referenced titles, names, and related intellectual property are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.
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