Outlander: +10 Best International Locations

Updated On: April 07, 2024 by   Fatma Mohamed

Have you ever thought about TV series filming locations and dreamt of visiting them? You are not alone; we are many. We will try this trip today to Outlander and its filming locations. It is a historical TV series based on the Outlander novel series. It includes several categories: historical fiction, fantasy, drama, and romance. So, sure you will meet your taste. Enter a world where time knows no borders and embark on an enthralling journey through the international locations of “Outlander.” 

The series blends many elements and has a fantastic variety of worldwide locations. It has been filmed in various sites over seven seasons— rough landscapes in Scotland, tropical coasts in South Africa, the ancient Czech Republic, and Prague architecture. What is more impressive than the scenes watched on TV being given a visible form in your eyes?

Visiting that backdrop filming in real life is a dream for Outlander fans— a thrilling adventure will be remembered. If you want to explore the filming sites of the series, this article will be a helpful guide for you! 

The Outlander Series in Books

The Outlander novel series is a historical fiction series by Diana Gabaldon. The story talks about the adventures of Claire Randall, a British (married) nurse. She was transported back in time from 1945 to 1743. Claire meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior.

The series comprises nine books; the tenth book will be released in 2024. The series of novels has been transformed into a television series launched in 2014. It succeeded and has won many awards, including a Golden Globe and Peabody awards.

The Difference Between the Outlander TV Series and the Books

Generally, the Outlander TV series and books are both great modifications of the same story. The show is visually stunning, while the books are more profoundly and character-focused. Eventually, the best way to experience Outlander is to read the books and watch the show.

Where Were the Outlander International Filming Locations?

The thrilling Outlander TV series was filmed in various international locations. Among seven seasons, the series was filmed in countries like Scotland, the Czech Republic (Prague), and South Africa. The series’ makers were keen to choose sites that fit the story’s events and adventures—the landscapes, castles, tropical coasts, etc. 

If you are a fan of the TV series or a traveller who wants to explore new adventures. We will take you on a captivating journey through the global filming locations of the Outlander series. 

Scotland 

The heart and soul of “Outlander” is Scotland. It is the main setting throughout the series. From the cloudy landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the lively streets of Edinburgh, travellers will be immersed in the beauty and roughness of this historic land. 

Travellers can have an evocative experience that transports them to the heart of Scotland’s charming past. So, without wasting time, let’s learn about some of Outlander’s iconic filming locations in Scotland.

Kinloch Rannoch (Craigh Na Dun)

Kinloch Rannoch is a charming village in Scotland. The imaginary location of the standing stones known as Craigh Na Dun captures the mind’s eye of Outlander fans. It is the magical portal that transports the series’ main character, Claire Randall, back in time to 18th-century Scotland. With their mystical atmosphere and ancient history, the standing stones play a vital role in the storyline. 

The standing stones at Craigh Na Dun didn’t exist, but all the surrounding scenes are real. The series crew has created this fictional location. They succeeded in choosing that spot in Scotland. 

The rugged and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Kinloch Rannoch provide a fitting backdrop for the TV show. The magical highlands, green fields, and royal mountains create a unique atmosphere of wonder and adventure. It offers a sight into the world of time-travelling and an experience that will be unforgettable.

Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)

Doune Castle is located close to the village of Doune in Scotland. It was built in the 14th century. Even though it was almost damaged, rebuilt and remodelled numerous times. The historical castle appeared at the Outlander, known as Castle Leoch.

The castle was used for various historical purposes, including as a residence for Scottish nobility and a military fortress. Its features include distinctive architecture, a vast gatehouse, a central courtyard, and grand defensive walls. It offers an overall view of the surrounding countryside, including the River Teith.

Doune Castle gained additional fame recently as a famous filming location for several well-known film and television productions. In addition, it was a filming site of “Outlander“; it also appeared in the famous and legendary series “Game of Thrones” as Winterfell. The fans of the two series will be thrilled when exploring their favourite TV show locations. It will be like a dream trip for them. 

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)

Midhope Castle is a location for the television series “Outlander.” It was built in the 16th century as a tower house in West Lothian, Scotland. In the series, Midhope Castle was the fictional home of Jamie Fraser, the leading actor of “Outlander“. The castle was known as Lallybroch in the series. 

The castle’s rough exterior and interior chambers have been featured in numerous scenes across the series. Midhope Castle is an accurate historical site. It’s closed to the public only occasionally due to its weak and uncertain condition. However, fans of “Outlander” and visitors can still visit the location’s exterior and take photos from the surrounding area.

Falkland (Inverness)

Falkland is a small town in Fife, Scotland—the tiny settlement used as a location for the Outlander series. It is known as Inverness on TV shows. The town’s quaint setting and well-preserved architecture provided an authentic backdrop for the series.

Visitors to Falkland can transit the filming locations and link the familiar scenes from “Outlander.” Some remarkable areas within Falkland include the Falkland Palace, Bruce Fountain and scenic Covenanter Hotel. Additionally, it is a lovely place to visit. It is known for its ancient British architecture, walking tracks, and charming views of the surrounding countryside.

Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle Gardens is located in Scotland. However, the series crew in season 2, whose storyline occurred in France, decided to film it there. They avoided going far and used them as famed French gardens. Drummond Castle Gardens was planted in the 17th century and redesigned in the 19th. 

It’s the ideal example of the formal gardens in Europe. It was created in the Italian parterre style. It includes numerous trees and countless flowers. Nature lovers, without a doubt, will love those colourful gardens. Even though the majority of the series scenes were filmed in Scotland, the crew used a few international locations to represent different backdrops. Here are some outstanding filming locations for “Outlander.”

Czech Republic, Prague

Some scenes of Outlander set in France were filmed in Prague, Czech Republic. The crew team took advantage of the city’s architectural beauty of Baroque buildings and historic narrow streets to depict Paris’s atmosphere during that period. 

The storyline of season 2 took place in France, but why hasn’t it been filmed in French locations? The problem was that modern life today in Paris hardly returned to the 18th century. The production team solved that in the capital city of the Czech Republic; it is a throwback to a simpler time. Here are a few Outlander filming locations in Prague.

Na Kampe

It’s located near to Charles Bridge. It was used as a filming location for the series. Its pearling setting and historical architecture give the series team an iconic place to recreate Paris in the 18th century.

Radnicke Schody (Town Hall Stairs)

In real life, it is a street in the centre of Prague. However, it’s known in the Outlander series as step stairs in Paris; it can be found near Prague Castle. 

Vojensky Kostel Svateho Jana Nepomuckeho

The Vojenský kostel svatého Jana Nepomuckého is a church in Prague. It was also utilised for its charming exteriors, representing L’Hôpital des Anges in the TV show. It was used in scenes when Claire and others visited the hospital. The church’s grand front and unique architectural features made it a good choice for the series.

Strahov Monastery Library

The library of Strahov Monastery is located in Strahov, Prague, and was built in 1143. It is protected and isn’t allowed for people to enter. However, it was an exception for filming Outlander.

It was utilised as a filming location for the series to represent the library at the Palace of Versailles in Paris. The library has the advantages of an extensive collection of books and stunning architectural details.

South Africa, Cape Town

As mentioned before, when the Outlander creators used Prague to be Paris, they did the same thing in Cape Town. They replaced the scenes that took place in Jamaica to be filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. The colourful nature and tropical beaches in South Africa represent the Caribbean atmosphere.

There are many scenes of the series filmed in Cape Town Film Studios that are closed to people visiting. However, a few other locations can be seen in South Africa. 

De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant

The series team decided to use De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant as Rose Hall, home to the Bakra, Geillis. However, other scenes for Rose Hall were filmed on a set at Cape Town Studios. The restaurant was chosen for exterior shots. The visitors can enjoy its well-known delicious food types and its pretty views of Table Mountain and surrounding green spaces.

Stellenbosch University

The University of Stellenbosch was also a filming location of the series. It was known as the Jamaican Governor’s mansion in the TV show. It is a public research university in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The crew also used the impressive university buildings to film the series.

Last Words

Here, dear reader, we reached the last station of our journey through the remarkable Outlander filming locations that create the marvellous TV series. The series fans will be excited to visit their favourite series filming locations. Well-planning and full search enable you to have a fantastic trip. Some countries offer Outlander filming location tour packages —so you can enjoy your exciting journey. Don’t waste time, and pack your backpacks!