The dramatic and untamed landscapes of Iceland’s Highlands are set to become the backdrop for the highly anticipated fantasy series, ‘The Crimson Cipher’. This decision positions the remote region as a future pilgrimage site for fantasy enthusiasts and signals a significant potential boom for Iceland’s already thriving tourism industry.
The “Game of Thrones” Effect: A Proven Formula for Tourism
Iceland is no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight. Its otherworldly terrain has provided the setting for numerous blockbusters, including ‘Interstellar’, ‘Prometheus’, and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. However, no production has had a more profound impact on its tourism than HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’.
The series, which extensively filmed across Iceland, showcased locations like the Svínafellsjökull glacier (the Frostfangs) and Grjótagjá cave (Jon and Ygritte’s love nest) to millions of viewers worldwide. The impact was immediate and staggering. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, the number of international visitors to Iceland skyrocketed from just over 490,000 in 2010, the year before the show premiered, to a peak of over 2.3 million in 2018. This phenomenon, often called “set-jetting” or film tourism, transformed Iceland’s economy and put many of its natural wonders on the global map.
Why the Highlands? A Land Forged in Fire and Ice
While previous productions have favored Iceland’s more accessible southern coast and glaciers, ‘The Crimson Cipher’ is venturing deep into the island’s interior—the Highlands. This sparsely populated region is only accessible for a few months during the summer and is characterized by a raw, preternatural beauty that is perfect for an epic fantasy setting.
The production team aims to capture the vast volcanic deserts, vibrant rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal vents, and pristine glacial rivers that define the area. These are landscapes that look genuinely alien, requiring little to no digital enhancement to evoke a sense of a different world. By choosing the Highlands, the series is set to unveil a side of Iceland that many international travelers have yet to discover.
Future Outlook: The “Crimson Cipher” Effect
The announcement has already sparked excitement, and the long-term effects are expected to be substantial.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The production itself will bring immediate economic benefits, injecting funds into local services, accommodations, and hiring local crews. However, the true impact will be felt after the series airs. ‘The Crimson Cipher’ is poised to create a new wave of film tourists, specifically drawn to the unique locations featured in the Highlands. Tour operators are likely to develop specialized “Crimson Cipher” tours, similar to the popular ‘Game of Thrones’ tours that remain a major draw for visitors.
A Spotlight on Sustainable Travel
The expected influx of visitors also brings challenges. The Icelandic Highlands are a fragile ecosystem, and the news raises important questions about sustainable tourism. The government and local tourism bodies will face the critical task of managing increased visitor numbers to protect the delicate environment from overuse. This could lead to new infrastructure, such as improved trails and visitor centers, and stricter regulations to ensure the preservation of the very landscapes that are attracting the attention.
For fans of fantasy and adventure, the wait for ‘The Crimson Cipher’ begins. But for Iceland, the series has already cast its spell, promising to cement its reign as the ultimate destination for those seeking to step into a world of myth and legend.
