Where was Band of Brothers filmed?
2001
City Locations
Hatfield (UK), Brienz (Switzerland)
Location Types
Hotels/Motels
Location Styles
Gothic/Victorian, Foreign, Hotel Style, Rustic
About Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers is a captivating American war drama miniseries released in 2001. The series was produced by renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's 1992 non-fiction book of the same name. This ten-part miniseries stars notable actors like Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, and David Schwimmer.
The storyline of Band of Brothers meticulously traces the path of Easy Company, an esteemed paratrooper unit, from their initial training at Camp Toccoa in Georgia in 1942, through to their pivotal role in D-Day, their substantial contribution in the Battle of the Bulge, and their victory at the war's end. The narrative includes brief excerpts from present-day interviews with some of the surviving members of the company.
Although the series is not a hagiography, it portrays Richard D. Winters (Damian Lewis) as a courageous, clever, and compassionate leader. The members of Easy Company held him in high regard, and it's evident that he reciprocated this sentiment with genuine respect and concern for them. Other notable characters include Sobel (David Schwimmer), their commanding officer at Toccoa, portrayed as a minor despot who unwittingly unites his men through their mutual contempt for him. Ron Livingston portrays Nixon, Winters' fellow officer and best friend, who battles alcoholism.
Renowned for its gripping and accurate depiction of war, Band of Brothers has garnered widespread acclaim, earning many awards and cementing its status as a landmark in television history. The series received an impressive 20 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, securing seven wins, including the prestigious awards for Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special.
Band of Brothers Locations
The 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers was filmed in the United Kingdom. Most scenes were shot at Hatfield Aerodrome, a former British Aerospace factory that spanned over a large portion of the county of Hertfordshire, England. Additionally, the picturesque village of Hambleden in Buckinghamshire was used to portray Aldbourne. Lastly, East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest was the backdrop for a sequence in episode two, where Easy Company faced off against German guns shortly after landing in France.
Visiting the locations associated with Band of Brothers is a unique and worthwhile experience. A trip to Hatfield Aerodrome would allow one to experience the same landscape on which the series was filmed, as the factory is now open to the public. Furthermore, a jaunt to the charming village of Hambleden provides a glimpse into the traditional English countryside. Finally, a trip to East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest is a must. Here, visitors will find a beautiful nature reserve of over 6,400 acres featuring a variety of plants and wildlife to marvel at.
Band of Brothers was filmed in some of the UK’s most scenic locations. A trip to these locations would be a great way to experience the beauty of the British Isles while immersing oneself in the world of Band of Brothers.
Aldbourne village scenes in Band of Brothers
Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, UK
In the pilot episode of Band of Brothers, viewers are introduced to the quaint English town of Aldbourne, where Easy Company spent eight crucial months preparing for D-Day. A significant part of the narrative focuses on the Barnes family, who welcomed Major Dick Winters into their home, an experience that had a profound impact on his perspective of the war.
Like many others in the series, this scene was filmed not in Aldbourne but in the charming village of Hambleden in Buckinghamshire, England. The production team chose Hambleden for its picturesque and quintessentially English scenery, making it an ideal stand-in for Aldbourne. This beautiful village, with its historic charm, has also been featured in other productions, including the 1968 British film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
A trip to Hambleden provides enthusiasts of Band of Brothers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cinematic universe of Easy Company. They can tread the same paths that Major Dick Winters and his squad did, at least in the context of the series.
Located in south-west Buckinghamshire, Hambleden is approximately four miles west of Marlow. To reach this location from London, you can take a train to Marlow and then a local bus or taxi to Hambleden. Alternatively, it's about a one-hour drive from central London.
Explore Filming Locations
Easy Company’s journey into Normandy scene in Band of Brothers
North Weald Airfield, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6HR, UK
In the gripping "Day of Days" episode of Band of Brothers, viewers are transported back to June 6, 1944, as Easy Company embarks on a dangerous parachute drop into Normandy. However, the mission doesn't go smoothly, and many companies are scattered, landing miles away from their designated drop zones.
This iconic episode was filmed at North Weald Airfield in the neighboring county of Essex, England. This location holds historical significance as it was a tactical location used by British planes during World War II. The scenes of the planes taking off from the airfield, however, were created using CGI, further testament to the high production value of the series.
Today, it houses a museum open to fans and history enthusiasts, offering a rich insight into the airfield's role during World War II. The journey from Liverpool Street stop in London to your destination can be completed in under two hours by train. Alternatively, opting for a private car will shorten the travel time to approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
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Easy Company faces off against 105mm German guns scene in Band of Brothers
Ashdown Forest, Wych Cross, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
Later in the same episode, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as Easy Company regroups in Normandy after a chaotic landing. Winters emerges as a critical figure when he leads a small group of men on a daring mission to destroy German artillery emplacements at Brécourt Manor that are firing on Utah Beach. This memorable scene, where Easy Company confronts and neutralizes the 105mm German guns, is etched in fans' minds.
The sequence was filmed not in the fields of Normandy but in the Ashdown Forest of East Sussex, England. This National Forest, located about 30 miles south of London, was chosen for its ancient open heathland situated on the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its natural landscape lent authenticity to the depiction of the operation at Brécourt Manor.
To visit this iconic filming location, you can take a train from London to East Grinstead, which is the nearest town to Ashdown Forest. From there, a short taxi ride will take you to the forest. If you prefer to drive, it's approximately a one-and-a-half-hour journey from central London.
The Ardennes forest scenes in Band of Brothers
Hatfield Aerodrome Trail, Hatfield AL10 9UH, UK
In the sixth episode of Band of Brothers, "Bastogne," viewers are taken on a harrowing journey with Easy Company as they face the brutal winter conditions in the Ardennes. They grapple with a dire shortage of ammunition, food, and medical supplies. Amidst these trying circumstances, the character of combat medic Eugene "Doc" Roe (Shane Taylor) emerges as a beacon of hope. He tirelessly aids his fellow soldiers, scrounging for medical supplies in the harsh environment.
This powerful episode was filmed at the Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, England. Once a British Aerospace factory, this vast expanse of land was transformed into twelve different European towns for the series, including Bastogne in Belgium, Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and Carentan in France. The production team went to great lengths to create an authentic experience, even constructing a faux forest to simulate the Ardennes for the Battle of the Bulge sequence in "Bastogne."
Transportation options to access this iconic filming location include a train and private car. The journey from London typically takes approximately one hour by road. The area where the aerodrome once stood is now home to the University of Hertfordshire's de Havilland Campus. A museum is open to fans looking to delve deeper into the making of this beloved series.
London Filming Locations Directory
Zell am See and hotel scenes in Band of Brothers
Giessbach Hotel, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland
In the closing episode of Band of Brothers, "Points," viewers are taken to a pivotal point in history as Easy Company oversees the surrender of 25,000 German troops in Zell am See. A tense moment unfolds when Sobel initially refuses to salute Winters, leading Winters to remind him that the rank, not the man, is saluted.
The episode is punctuated with a company baseball game, during which Winters provides an update on the fates of some of the men. This scene is suddenly interrupted by the announcement of Japan's surrender, signaling the war's end. Winters then narrates Nixon's fate and, finally, his own.
These scenes of Austria and Germany were filmed in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region. The cast and crew used the picturesque landscape around the Giessbach Hotel, located in the village of Brienz on the northeast shore of Lake Brienz. The nearby Grimsel Pass in the Bernese region represented Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.
You can fly into Zurich or Geneva airports to visit this memorable filming location. From there, take a train to Interlaken Ost and then change for a regional train or bus to Brienz. The Giessbach funicular, which takes you directly to the hotel, is a short boat ride across Lake Brienz from the town. The hotel remains open and retains its appearance from the series, allowing fans to relive the iconic scenes in person.
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Conclusion
Band of Brothers is an astonishing feat in the realm of television series. It stands apart from many other war dramas, such as Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan, by avoiding emotional manipulation and instead presenting human nature in its rawest form, showcasing mixed motives, conflicting impulses, and the harsh realities of courage, compassion, and brotherhood practiced by real men in the throes of a horrific war.
The production quality is so advanced that it creates an agonizingly real viewing experience. The emphasis on authenticity does not leave much room for the conventional tension that drives most dramas, yet the series manages to captivate its audience nonetheless.
The casting choices are exceptional, with every actor fitting their character impeccably. David Schwimmer, known for his comedic role in Friends, delivers an impressive performance as the bitter Captain Sobel. Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston excel in their roles as Major Winters and Captain Lewis Nixon. The brilliant direction and photography only add to the overall excellence of the series.
However, viewers should be prepared for an intense journey. Watching Band of Brothers requires a high level of commitment. Its realistic portrayal of war and the human condition sets a high standard for future productions. It's more than just a series; it's an exploration of human nature under extreme conditions and a testament to the strength of camaraderie in the face of adversity. It's a journey that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made during the war.