This blog post was updated on January 29, 2024.

If the world of Dune has captivated you, and you’re enthralled by director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation, here’s more to get excited about. The stunning landscapes that brought the sand planet of Arrakis to life are not just cinematic magic; they’re real and within reach. The movie’s visual splendor, a key aspect of Frank Herbert’s literary masterpiece, owes much to actual locations. From Jordan’s vast deserts to Norway’s rugged coastlines, these places played a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Take a tour with us across the stunning places that make Dune a visual spectacle in the big screen. Grab your popcorn (spiced, of course), fill those water pouches generously, and get ready to follow the fabled Muad’Dib on an adventurous journey into the vast and mesmerizing world of Dune.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Imagine yourself walking in the footsteps of Paul Atreides as you traverse the mesmerizing dunes of Wadi Rum. These vast expanses served as the primnary location for Arrakis, capturing the essence of the desert planet with golden sands and windswept landscapes.

Dive deep into the Valley of the Moon, a surreal location within Wadi Rum that perfectly mirrored the alien beauty of the Atreides’ adopted home. With its otherworldly rock formations, this setting provided a backdrop for pivotal scenes in the movie. The Jordanian deserts were the heart and soul of Arrakis in the 2020 movie, and that’s why a trip to Jordan should be a must to any Dune fan. (Just watch out for those pesky giant sand worms!)

Origo Film Studios, Budapest

Time to escape the desert’s harshness and step inside…Central Europe. Many of the film’s indoor scenes were crafted in Budapest at the Origo Studios. This factory of movie dreams — aptly known as The Film Capital of Europe — played a crucial role in bringing the interiors and soundstage shots to life, contributing to the immersive experience of 2020’s Dune. It’s here where the interior shots were meticulously crafted, from the grand halls of Arrakis to the intimate spaces where characters’ destinies unfolded.

Liwa Oasis, United Arab Emirates

Now, shift your gaze to the deserts around the Liwa Oasis in the United Arab Emirates. Here, the filmmakers successfully captured the expansive essence of Arrakis, showcasing the unforgiving yet captivating beauty of the desert. These locations added the necessary layers of realism to the movie’s portrayal of this harsh environment. The expansive dunes played a pivotal role in bringing the desert planet to life, with their golden hues and windswept allure gracing the big screen that not only provided a stunning backdrop for scenes set in Arrakis but also showcased the contrast between the desert’s harshness and the oasis’s life-giving respite.

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Stadlandet Peninsula, Norway

Journey to the Stadlandet Peninsula to discover the sites of the coastal scenes filmed for the movie. The rugged beauty of this Norwegian location painted a vivid picture of the planet Caladan, the ancestral home of the House Atreides.

By traveling here for your next international getaway, you’ll find yourself standing on the same shores where the coastline scenes of Dune were filmed. Its rocky outcrops and dramatic cliffs provided the perfect backdrop to echo the varied locations of Paul Atreides’ birthplace. Embark on coastal hikes that take you through the breathtaking landscapes, feel the ocean breeze on your face, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that inspired the filmmakers to bring a change of pace compared to the rugged Arrakis deserts.

FAQs:

Q: How can I reach Wadi Rum, Jordan, where Dune was filmed?
A: The closest major airport is in Amman, Jordan. From there, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to reach Wadi Rum. Alternatively, consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring the surrounding areas.

Q: What is the best time to visit the Stadlandet Peninsula in Norway for a Dune-inspired trip?
A: The summer months, from June to August, offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, providing an ideal time to explore the coastal scenes filmed on the Stadlandet Peninsula.

Q: Are there restrictions on drone usage in the Liwa Oasis, United Arab Emirates?
A: Yes, drone usage is regulated in the United Arab Emirates. Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying drones in the Liwa Oasis or any other filming locations.

Q: Are there guided tours specifically focused on Dune filming locations in the Stadlandet Peninsula, Norway?
A: While general guided tours of the Stadlandet Peninsula are available, specific Dune-focused tours may vary. Check with local tour operators for specialized Dune-themed experiences.

Q: Can I visit the interior sets used in Dune at Origo Studios in Budapest?
A: Origo Studios may offer limited access to specific sets, depending on ongoing productions and studio policies. Contact the studios directly for information on visiting interior sets used in Dune.

Know any other real-life location used in the Dune movies? Let us know in our comments section below!