A short drive up the Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik lies one of the most peaceful — and most cinematic — spots in the whole region. Trsteno Arboretum is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, and to Game of Thrones fans it's instantly recognisable as the gardens of the Red Keep in King’s Landing — the shaded pavilion where Sansa Stark confides in Lady Olenna Tyrell. This guide covers the entrance fee, opening hours, how to get there by bus or car, and every filming spot in the garden.
Practical note: Trsteno is open year-round. Adult entry is €10. Bring cash — card facilities at the gate can be limited. The arboretum is around 24 km northwest of Dubrovnik; allow 30 minutes by car or bus.
What is Trsteno Arboretum?
The Trsteno Arboretum is a historic garden in the village of Trsteno, created by the noble Gučetić-Gozze family around 1494 — making it one of the oldest arboretums in Europe, over 500 years old. Spread across roughly 25 hectares on a hillside sloping down to the Adriatic, it holds more than 300 species of exotic and Mediterranean plants, a Renaissance summer villa, a working 15th-century aqueduct, and a beautiful Baroque fountain.
Today the arboretum is managed by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU) and has been a protected site since the mid-20th century. It's a rare combination of botanical wonder, Renaissance history, and Game of Thrones fame — all in one quiet, shaded garden that remains remarkably uncrowded even in high summer.
Game of Thrones tours covering Trsteno Arboretum
Several Dubrovnik Game of Thrones full-day tours combine the Old Town King’s Landing locations with a visit to Trsteno Arboretum — the gardens of the Red Keep where Sansa met Lady Olenna — plus Srđ Hill panorama and, on some tours, Lokrum Island and the Iron Throne replica. Transport, licensed guide, and on-set stories included.
Trsteno Arboretum & Game of Thrones
For fans, Trsteno is a pilgrimage site. Trsteno Arboretum served as the palace gardens of King’s Landing — the manicured grounds of the Red Keep where the Tyrells and Lannisters plot amid the greenery. It appears mainly in Seasons 3 and 4.
The most memorable scenes filmed here include:
- Sansa Stark and Lady Olenna Tyrell meeting in the garden pavilion (Season 3, Episode 2, “Dark Wings, Dark Words”), where the sharp-tongued “Queen of Thorns” quietly interrogates Sansa about Joffrey.
- Oberyn Martell and Cersei Lannister conversing among the plants (Season 4, Episode 5), a tense exchange laced with menace.
Standing in the same garden pavilion where these scenes unfolded, framed by ancient plane trees and Adriatic views, is a genuine highlight of any Game of Thrones trip to Croatia. The filming locations guide is included in every extended full-day tour departing from Dubrovnik.
What to see at Trsteno Arboretum
Beyond the Game of Thrones connection, the Trsteno botanical gardens reward slow exploration. Allow at least 90 minutes to see everything at a relaxed pace.
The 500-year-old plane trees
Near the entrance stand two monumental Platanus orientalis — Oriental plane trees among the oldest and largest in Europe, with vast spreading canopies that create a cool canopy even on the hottest summer days. They’re estimated to be over 500 years old.
The Neptune fountain
The arboretum’s most photographed feature: a Baroque grotto fountain with the sea god flanked by nymphs, set against a wall of trimmed greenery. Deeply atmospheric — and a natural backdrop for photos.
The Renaissance villa and aqueduct
The original summer residence of the Gučetić family is flanked by formal Renaissance planting and served by a 15th/16th-century stone aqueduct that still channels water into the garden today. The villa exterior and garden layout are clearly the model for what production designers translated into the Red Keep gardens on screen.
Mediterranean and exotic flora
Over 300 species — palms, cypresses, citrus, cacti, aloe — with sea views throughout and shaded paths that make the garden a pleasure even in July and August heat.
Trsteno Arboretum entrance fee & opening hours (2026)
| Ticket | Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult | €10 |
| Child & student | €7 |
| Groups (per person) | ~€8 / €6 |
Some categories (local veterans, pensioners, disabled visitors, and county schoolchildren) enter free. Bring cash in euros — it’s the reliable way to pay at the gate.
Opening hours (approximate — confirm before visiting):
- May–October: approximately 07:00–19:00
- November–April: approximately 08:00–16:00
The arboretum is open year-round, though hours are shorter in the low season. Arriving early avoids any tour groups and gives you the garden in its best light.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Trsteno
Trsteno lies about 18–24 km northwest of Dubrovnik along the coastal D8 road toward the Pelješ ac peninsula — around a 30-minute journey by car or bus.
By bus
Local Libertas suburban buses connect Dubrovnik with Trsteno. The most useful lines are 12 (toward Slano) and 35 (toward Orašac) — lines 15, 21, and 22 also serve the route. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly €3–5 one way. Buses depart from Dubrovnik’s main bus station in Gruž. Return buses can be infrequent — check the timetable before you go. The bus stops on the coastal road; the arboretum entrance is a short uphill walk.
By car
Driving is the easiest independent option — about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik with parking near the entrance. It also lets you combine Trsteno with stops along the coast (Ston, the Pelješac wine region) on a longer day.
On a guided Game of Thrones tour
The most hassle-free way to visit, especially for fans wanting the on-screen context. Every extended full-day Game of Thrones tour from Dubrovnik includes Trsteno as a dedicated stop, with transport, a licensed guide pointing out the exact filming locations, and combined Old Town coverage in a single day.
Tips for visiting Trsteno Arboretum
- Allow 1.5–3 hours to wander without rushing. Add time to sit by the Neptune fountain and walk the upper terraces.
- Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures. The garden’s deep shade also makes it a wise choice on hot days when the Old Town is sweltering.
- Check the bus timetable both ways if travelling independently; return buses can be sparse and a missed bus means a long wait or a taxi.
- Bring cash for the entrance fee. A little extra for a cold drink — there are no cafes inside.
- Wear comfortable shoes — some paths are uneven and sloping, though the main routes are broadly accessible.
- No pets are allowed inside the gardens.
Trsteno Arboretum FAQ
Can I visit Trsteno Arboretum without a Game of Thrones tour?
Yes. You can reach Trsteno independently by bus (lines 12 or 35 from Dubrovnik’s Gruž bus station, roughly 30 minutes, approximately €3–5 each way) or by car (about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, with parking near the entrance). Adult admission is €10. Many visitors combine an independent visit with a morning in the Old Town on the same day. To get the full Game of Thrones context — exact filming spots, on-set production stories, and how the garden scenes connected to the King’s Landing arc across Seasons 3 and 4 — consider a guided full-day GoT tour that includes Trsteno as a dedicated stop.
See Trsteno on a Game of Thrones tour from Dubrovnik
Extended full-day tours combine the Old Town filming locations with Trsteno Arboretum, Srđ Hill, and Lokrum Island in one trip. From $88 per person, free cancellation, instant confirmation.
★ Full-day tours run Apr–Oct for Lokrum · Trsteno open year-round