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10 'Star Wars' Filming Locations Not So Far Away

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

This ruined Mayan city served as a great location for the rebel base on Yavin 4 in the first film. After seeing some of the ancient ruins on a travel poster, George Lucas decided that he needed to find a way to incorporate Tikal into his movie.

(Image via Flickr)

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National and State Parks, California

The Forest Moon of Endor was shot right here in the States. If you visit this gorgeous area of California, make sure to soak in some of the world’s oldest and tallest trees. Be careful not to step on an Ewok!

(Image via Flickr)

Ajim, Tunisia

Ajim, Tunisia

One of the most iconic locations in the Star Wars universe is the planet of Tatooine, which was originally filmed in Tunisia. Ajim still has many of the buildings featured in A New Hope, including Obi-Wan Kenobi’s house.

(Image via Flickr)

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway

In order to distinguish itself from the terrain of the first film, The Empire Strikes Back begins on the ice planet of Hoth. Shot on one of Norway’s largest glaciers, this location gave us a memorable battle sequence, as well as tauntauns.

(Image via Wikimedia)

Twenty Mule Team Canyon, California

Twenty Mule Team Canyon, California

Just off California’s Route 190, this 2.7-mile stretch of Death Valley served as the pathway for R2-D2 and C-3PO’s journey to Jabba’s Palace in Return of the Jedi. The vast desert gave it the same atmosphere that Tunisia had provided six years earlier.

(Image via Flickr)

Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna, Italy

Even though Mount Etna is an active volcano, it was given plenty of computer-generated lava to serve as Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith. Here, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have their climactic lightsaber battle.

Whippendell Woods, United Kingdom

Whippendell Woods, United Kingdom

One of the oldest and most protected forests in the U.K., Whippendell made a great sacred place for the Gungans on Naboo. It was in this forest that the world was first subjected to Jar Jar Binks.

(Image via Flickr)

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Alderaan may have been destroyed back in 1977, but you can still visit the landscape where it was imagined in the prequels. At the foothills of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is a perfect place to escape and enjoy the beauty of nature.

(Image via Flickr)

Yuma Desert, Arizona

Yuma Desert, Arizona

Rather than returning to Tunisia where the first film was shot, it was decided that the more economical Arizona would stand in as the setting for Tatooine in Return of the Jedi. One of the most memorable set pieces from the film was the Sarlacc Pit, which took over five months and over 5,500 workers to bring to life.

(Image via Flickr)

Villa Del Balbianello, Italy

Villa Del Balbianello, Italy

The best part of the most hated scene in the Star Wars saga were the gorgeous views of the Italian countryside. The hideaway from Attack of the Clones is very much real, and it has drawn the likes of those who can afford it, such as George Clooney, who has a villa on Lake Como.

 

(Image via Flickr)