Check out the stunning locations where 'Dune' films were shot

Denis Villeneuve's highly-anticipated sequel to “Dune,” based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, was released in Chinese theaters March 8 to great fanfare. After a long wait, fans could finally return to the world of Arrakis and witness the showdown that had been building since the first part. The film has already received high ratings thanks to its futuristic visual effects, sound, and excellent performances of the cast. Join us on a journey to explore the real-life locations used for the futuristic visuals in the film.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The red-sand landscapes of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan have been featured in iconic films such as “Dune,” “Dune: Part Two,” “The Martian,” “Prometheus,” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” This rugged valley terrain captures the mystical and otherworldly essence of the desert planet, making it an ideal backdrop for these films.

The magical ecosystem in the Jordanian desert features sweeping red sand dunes and towering sandstone arches. Photos by SD-Agencies

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, has many tourist attractions, including Lawrence Spring, Lawrence House, Burdah Rock Bridge and Little Bridge. For adventure seekers, sandboarding down the Al Hasany dunes is a thrilling experience, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of Khazani Canyon and Abu Khashaba Canyon. You can access Wadi Rum via Aqaba Airport, also known as King Hussein International Airport, which is located approximately 60 kilometers away.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Dune franchise features the distinctive landscapes of Abu Dhabi in both films, especially as the rock shelters of the Fremens people. Abu Dhabi is a great destination for travelers, with attractions like Ferrari World Yas Island, Warner Bros World, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Observation Deck at 300 and Emirates Heritage Village. To reach, you can make use of the Zayed International Airport, which is the primary gateway to Abu Dhabi.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Budapest, Hungary

“Dune: Part Two” filmed its epic battle scenes in Budapest’s Origo Film Studios. It’s one of the largest movie studios in Hungary, with nine soundstages and 18,000 square meters of space. In addition, Budapest is also a favorite destination for filmmakers. Other films shot in Budapest include “Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire,” and “Poor Things.” If you plan to visit the studios, make sure to explore nearby attractions.

The Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary.

For instance, the Advent Budimpešta (13.8 km), is a site of rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. Then, you cannot miss the Budapest Lichterglanz (16.3 km) and the Fisherman’s Bastion (17.3 km). You can reach the city through Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Treviso, Italy

Altivole in Italy is a new setting in the “Dune” saga where Princess Irulan and the Corrino house reside. The city has unique Italian architecture that stands out from the arid landscapes of the Fremen. Treviso, located in northeastern Italy, is a picturesque city with a network of canals featuring the Piazza dei Signori, Palazzo dei Trecento, Fontana delle Tette and the Duomo, a prominent landmark with a neoclassical facade, Romanesque crypt and a masterpiece by Titian. Visitors can also explore the medieval frescoes at the St. Catherine complex in the Civic Museums. You can access the Venice Treviso Airport to reach the place.

Piazza dei Signori in Treviso, Italy.

Stadlandet, Norway

The lush oceanic world of Caladan where Paul Atreides and House Atreides call their ancestral home, which inspired awe in the audience in the first installment of the series, was filmed in Stadlandet, Norway. Caladan is often described by its bodies of water and heavy rainfall, which make its landscape rich with greenery and vegetation. The filmmakers chose Norway, known for similar traits, to convey the rich planet.

Exploring Norway's Stadlandet is all about the ocean and the power in nature. 

Stadlandet, a peninsula in Stad municipality, is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic surfing conditions, dramatic weather and unique cultural history. The view from the beautiful Vestkapp plateau, which stands 496 meters above the Stadhavet sea, is one of the most spectacular on the Norwegian coast. The cliff is nearly flat on top, from where it plunges straight down into the ocean. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views in all directions. Vestkapp is the westernmost point on the Norwegian mainland and is known for having both the best and the worst weather. You can fly to Ørsta-Volda Airport to reach the destination.

(SD-Agencies)