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Conan the Barbarian movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Conan the Barbarian filmed?

2011

City Locations

Pernik (Bulgaria), Bolata (Bulgaria), Sofia (Bulgaria), Vitosha (Bulgaria), Bistriza (Bulgaria), Kavarna (Bulgaria)

Location Types

Film Studio, Unusual, Unique

Location Styles

Dated, Muscle, Neglected, Beach Front, Colonial

About Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian follows the story of the titular character, a mythical warrior of unparalleled skill who sets out on an epic quest for revenge. After his father is brutally killed and his village destroyed by a powerful warlord, Conan embarks on a journey to seek retribution against those responsible.

Along the way he faces off with various foes, eventually coming face to face with Khalar Zym, the man behind it all. Conan must use every ounce of his strength to survive and exact vengeance upon those who wronged him.

Starring Jason Momoa in the title role, this new interpretation of Conan was directed by Marcus Nispel and features narration from Morgan Freeman. The film received generally positive reviews from critics due to its strong action scenes, visual style, and compelling story.

Conan the Barbarian Locations

The production of Conan the Barbarian took place in Bulgaria. Using a mix of diverse and stunning backdrops, Bolata, Nu Boyana Film Studios, Bistritsa, Pobiti Kamani, Pernik, Zlatnite Mostove, and Vitosha served as some of the movie’s backdrops.

Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria was a key filming location, one of Bulgaria’s most versatile production settings. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Vitosha Mountain range, a popular destination for nature lovers, this area offers natural caves sprawled over vast green meadows and large lakes.

Bolata, known for its scenic beach location with rocky terrain that looks like it could be from some mythical land, was yet another crucial filming location. Nearby Pobiti Kamani also makes an appearance in several scenes showing off its vast desert-like landscape made up of strange columns of rock structures rising from ground level in a mesmerizing fashion.

A visit to the filming locations of Conan the Barbarian would certainly be worthwhile for any huge fan of the movie. The locations have tremendous cinematic potential and have also been featured in movies like Conan The Barbarian and TV shows like Game Of Thrones. Furthermore, some of these landmarks double as photogenic backdrops and offer various activities that visitors can explore.

Fun Facts:

Stuntman Steve Blalock served as the primary double for Jason Momoa in many of the fight scenes. He also trained Momoa on how to handle various blades and weapons, for scenes where he was required to fight unarmed enemies or those armed with more dangerous weaponry than Conan's sword. Blalock even appeared alongside Momoa as a thug in some scenes that showcased more brutal hand-to-hand combat between characters.

Conan slaying attackers scene in Conan the Barbarian

Bistritsa, Бистрица, 1444, Bulgaria

A young Conan (Leo Howard) is the son of a barbarian chieftain Corin (Ron Perlman). During an ambush by attackers, Conan successfully slays them while passing the trials to become a warrior. He proves his skill as a violent warrior by returning with the attackers' heads. However, despite his success, his father believes that he is not yet ready to wield his own sword.

Bistritsa is a small village located on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Nestled in the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, Bistritsa is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bistritsa has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The village played an important role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence in the late 19th century, and most of the local landmarks and historical sites reflect this turbulent period in the country's past.

If you're traveling from Sofia, the easiest way to reach Bistritsa is by car. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and the route is well-signposted. You can also reach Bistritsa from Sofia by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app.

Conan searching for a way scene in Conan the Barbarian

Bolata, Bulgaria

Conan (Jason Momoa) and his companions navigate their way through a treacherous cave system in search of the villainous Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang). The scene was filmed in Bolata, situated on the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and close to the town of Kaliakra.

The town is a nature preserve that is widely recognized for its breathtaking scenery, pristine waters, and diverse ecosystem. This area has been inhabited since ancient times and is home to numerous archaeological sites that bear witness to this history. Notably, it contains several Thracian tombs, including the renowned tomb of Sveshtari, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're planning a trip to Bolata, Bulgaria, which is situated in the northern section of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near Kaliakra, you have several options to get there. If you're traveling from Sofia, take a train or bus to Varna. From Varna, travel to Kavarna, the nearest town to Bolata. Once you reach Kavarna, take a local bus or taxi to Bolata, which is approximately 6 kilometers away.

Alternatively, rent a car in Varna or Kavarna and drive to Bolata, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from Varna and 10-15 minutes from Kavarna.

The desert scene in Conan the Barbarian

Pobiti Kamani, 9144, Bulgaria

Conan and his companions journey through a mystical desert on their mission to save the world. As they move deeper into the formations, the camera showcases the eerie beauty of the location, revealing the intricate patterns of the rocks and the play of light and shadows. Finally, Conan and his companions emerge from the formations, revealing a breathtaking vista of the surrounding desert.

The Standing Stones, Stone Forest, or Pobiti Kamani is a one-of-a-kind natural attraction situated outside the Bulgarian city of Varna. This captivating site features clusters of limestone pillars stretching from the desert floor, taking the appearance of petrified trees or surreal creatures.

These formations have been in existence for about 50 million years and are the result of erosive processes caused by geological and climatic factors. As time passed, the erosion and weathering of the limestone rocks led to the formation of these impressive stone pillars, which continue to fascinate visitors to this day.

For travelers coming from Sofia, reaching Pobiti Kamani is possible through public transport options going to Varna. From there, you can continue the journey by taking either a taxi or a local bus to the site.

Alternatively, rent a car in Varna to get to Pobiti Kamani, especially if you prefer a more convenient and flexible way of travel.

Golden Bridges scene in Conan the Barbarian

Zlatnite Mostove (Golden Bridges), 1616 Sofia, Bulgaria

After Conan and his allies navigate a dark and ominous cave system, they eventually emerge into a stunning underground chamber, where the Golden Bridges are located.

Located in the Bulgarian part of the Rhodope Mountains, Zlatnite Mostove (also called the Golden Bridges) is a remarkable natural landmark. The rock formation consists of towering pillars and arches that have been shaped over centuries by erosion.

The color of the rocks is a vibrant blend of yellow and orange hues, reminiscent of bridges that span deep valleys, hence the name "Golden Bridges.” This distinct coloring is due to the presence of iron oxides, which gives them their characteristic golden shade.

For those who do not have access to a car, there are several public transportation options available. You can take a bus from Sofia to the nearby town of Smolyan or Chepelare, both of which are located relatively close to Zlatnite Mostove. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a local guide to reach the Golden Bridges.

Another option is to take a train from Sofia to the nearby town of Septemvri, and then transfer to a narrow gauge railway that runs through the Rhodope Mountains. This scenic train ride provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Zlatnite Mostove itself.

Conan coming to rescue Tamara scene in Conan the Barbarian

Pernik, Перник, Bulgaria

After discovering that Tamara (Rachel Nichols) has been taken captive, Conan sets off for Argalon. There, he seeks the aid of Ela-Shan (Saïd Taghmaoui) to assist with infiltrating Zym's (Stephen Lang) castle. Meanwhile, Zym has plans to use Tamara's blood to repair his mask and her body as a vessel for his deceased wife's soul.

Situated in western Bulgaria, Pernik is a city that lies to the southwest of the country's capital, Sofia. It serves as the administrative center for Pernik Province and is renowned for its bountiful cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving artistic community.

The city is nestled at the base of Vitosha Mountain and is encompassed by green forests and rolling hills. Its natural surroundings favor outdoor enthusiasts interested in activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. The Struma River, which is situated nearby, provides a perfect location for water sports like kayaking and rafting.

If you are traveling from Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, there are several ways to reach Pernik. The easiest and most convenient way is by car, as the drive takes around 30 minutes along a well-maintained highway.

Conan and Zym battle scene in Conan the Barbarian

Nu Boyana Film Studios, ul. "Kumata" 84, 1616 м. Национален Киноцентър, Sofia, Bulgaria

The epic battle scene between Conan and his rival Khalar Zym is a thrilling display of swordplay and savagery. The two fighters clash swords, their weapons ringing out with each strike. Conan uses his brute strength and cunning swordsmanship to outmaneuver Khalar Zym, who in turn relies on his speed and agility to evade Conan's blows.

Nu Boyana Film Studios is a state-of-the-art movie production facility located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is one of the largest and most well-equipped film studios in Europe and has played host to some of the biggest productions in recent years.

The studio was originally founded in 1962 as Boyana Film and was primarily used for the production of Soviet-era films. After the fall of communism, the studio fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. However, in the early 2000s, the studio was purchased by Nu Image, a US-based production company, and was given a major overhaul and modernization.

To get to ul. "Kumata" 84, which is the address of the National Film Center in Sofia, Bulgaria, you can follow these directions:

If you are coming from Sofia Airport, take the metro line M2 towards Vitosha station and transfer to bus number 64 towards Boyana. Take the bus and get off at the stop called "Vasil Petleshkov Blvd." From there, navigate your way to the National Film Center.

Conclusion

Conan the Barbarian is an epic adventure spanning a range of stunning filming locations. Filmed at Nu Boyana Film Studios and other Bulgarian locations, including Bolata, Bistritsa, Pobiti Kamani, Pernik, Zlatnite Mostove, and Vitosha, the movie brings to life the story of a vengeful barbarian warrior seeking revenge on the evil warlord who murdered his father.

Along his journey, he encounters many obstacles and wild creatures while uncovering many secrets and mysteries. Fans of the 2011 sword and sorcery movie will enjoy retracing the steps of the cast and crew through the Conan the Barbarian filming locations.

From start to finish, Conan the Barbarian is a cinematic masterpiece that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bulgaria. Even today it remains one of director John Milius' best works with its thrilling storyline and powerful performances.