The galaxy far, far away isn’t so far after all. While Star Wars is a legendary work of fiction, the breathtaking locations used in George Lucas’s original trilogy are very real—and they’re waiting to be explored. From arid deserts to lush forests and frozen tundras, these destinations transport travelers straight into the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or an adventure seeker, here’s your ultimate guide to visiting the real-world filming locations of Star Wars Episodes IV, V, and VI.
Tatooine – Tunisia & Death Valley, California
No Star Wars location is as iconic as Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s dusty home planet. While entirely fictional, its distinctive look comes from real-world deserts in Tunisia and Death Valley, California. The original Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) saw Lucas transform several Tunisian landscapes into the planet of twin suns.
- Matmata, Tunisia – The most famous site is the Hotel Sidi Driss, which served as the interior of Luke’s home, the Lars Homestead. This troglodyte-style dwelling is still open to visitors and has barely changed since filming.
- Chott el Jerid, Tunisia – The dried-up salt flats of Chott el Jerid were used for the exterior of the Lars Homestead. You can still find remnants of the set here.
- Djerba, Tunisia – The village of Ajim on the island of Djerba doubled as Mos Eisley, home to the infamous cantina where Han Solo shot first (yes, he did!).
- Death Valley, California, USA – Additional Tatooine scenes were filmed in Desolation Canyon and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where R2-D2 and C-3PO wandered the desert.
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: The name “Tatooine” comes from a real Tunisian town called Tataouine, which Lucas encountered while scouting.
Yavin 4 – Tikal, Guatemala
The lush jungle moon of Yavin 4, home to the Rebel Alliance’s secret base, is actually Tikal National Park in Guatemala. One of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world, Tikal’s towering ancient pyramids served as the backdrop for the Rebel Base in A New Hope (1977).
Visitors can climb Temple IV, where the famous establishing shot of the base was filmed. The view over the dense Guatemalan jungle makes it easy to imagine Rebel ships launching into battle against the Death Star.
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: The background noise you hear in Yavin 4 scenes is actual wildlife audio recorded at Tikal.
Hoth – Finse, Norway
If you’re looking for an icy adventure, the remote Norwegian village of Finse is the real-world Hoth. The dramatic battle of Echo Base in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) was filmed here on the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier.
Brave travelers can visit Finse by train, and in the winter, you can trek across the same snowy landscapes where the Rebels fought the Empire’s AT-AT walkers. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try cross-country skiing in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker.
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: During filming, a severe blizzard hit the area. Instead of waiting it out, Lucas used the storm to film the scene where Luke struggles through the snow after escaping the Wampa.
Dagobah & Cloud City Interiors – Elstree Studios, England
Although the misty swamps of Dagobah (Yoda’s home) appear to be a real location, they were actually built inside Elstree Studios in England. Similarly, the stunning interiors of Cloud City (Bespin) were filmed here as well. While visitors can’t tour these sets, Elstree Studios remains a must-visit for hardcore Star Wars fans looking to visit where some of the saga’s most legendary moments were created.
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: Yoda’s home on Dagobah was so detailed that Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) spent weeks filming with Frank Oz (Yoda’s puppeteer) inside a cramped, swamp-like set.
Endor – Redwood National Park, California
The towering trees and lush greenery of Redwood National Park in California provided the perfect setting for the forest moon of Endor, home of the Ewoks, in Return of the Jedi (1983).
Redwood National Park offers hiking trails through dense forests, where you can stand among the same ancient trees seen in the thrilling speeder bike chase. The area remains one of the most stunning national parks in the U.S. and a must-visit for nature lovers and Star Wars fans alike.
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: The Ewok village set was built high up in the trees, but after filming, it was dismantled and removed without a trace.
Jabba’s Sail Barge & Sarlacc Pit – Buttercup Valley, Arizona
The intense desert battle at the Sarlacc Pit, where Luke Skywalker and his friends face Jabba the Hutt’s minions, was filmed in Buttercup Valley, Arizona, located in the Imperial Sand Dunes. The vast, shifting sands provided the perfect alien landscape for the scene in Return of the Jedi (1983).
Nerdy Star Wars Fact: Jabba’s massive sail barge was an enormous set that took months to build in the Arizona desert—only to be blown up in the final scene.
Star Wars Travel Itinerary: Plan Your Galactic Journey
If you’re ready to embark on the ultimate Star Wars adventure, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Explore Tunisia’s Tatooine sites, from Luke’s home to Mos Eisley.
- Day 4-5: Head to Tikal, Guatemala, and step into the Rebel Base on Yavin 4.
- Day 6-7: Travel to Norway’s Finse and relive the battle of Hoth on the icy plains.
- Day 8-9: Hike the Redwood forests of Endor in California.
- Day 10: End your journey in Arizona’s Imperial Sand Dunes, where the final battle at the Sarlacc Pit took place.
While the Star Wars universe exists in fiction, these stunning locations are real, ready to be explored by travelers who want to step into the world of Jedi, Sith, and smugglers. Whether it’s trekking through the deserts of Tunisia, hiking the redwoods of Endor, or braving the icy winds of Hoth, each destination offers a unique adventure. If you’re in Toronto, I’ll see you at FanExpo this year.
May the Force (and your wanderlust) be with you!
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and traveling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!