The highly anticipated 2026 revival of ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ has officially premiered, and with it comes a stunning new roster of filming locations that are as much a star of the show as the celebrities themselves. The survival reality series, which returned on April 21, is once again pushing A-listers to their limits against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic and unforgiving landscapes. For travel enthusiasts, the show serves as a high-octane guide to destinations that offer raw, untamed beauty.
The New Season’s Global Arena
The latest season turns the planet into a playground of survival, showcasing a diverse set of environments that test the mettle of its guests. The production has confirmed several key locations that are already generating buzz among adventure travelers.
Key 2026 Filming Locations
- Norway: The series ventures into the land of Vikings, featuring the country’s iconic dramatic fjords and treacherous icy ridges. The Nordic landscape provides a chilling and breathtaking setting for survival tasks.
- Wales: Known for its rugged mountains and verdant valleys steeped in myth and history, Wales offers a different kind of challenge with its unpredictable weather and challenging terrain.
- Sardinia, Italy: The production highlights the rugged, sun-drenched coastlines of this Mediterranean island. Beyond the idyllic beaches, Sardinia’s wild interior presents a formidable environment.
- Wyoming, USA: Representing the American West, the vast and remote canyons and mountains of Wyoming are featured prominently. This location underscores the show’s love for wide-open spaces that are both beautiful and isolating.
Background: The Landscape as a Character
‘Running Wild’ has always prioritized its locations, treating them not just as backdrops but as integral characters that shape the narrative of each episode. The choice of location is deliberate, designed to maximize both visual spectacle and the physical and mental challenge for the celebrity guest.
The franchise’s history includes a passport full of epic destinations. Previous seasons have taken audiences to the misty Scottish Highlands, the formidable Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, and the diverse island terrain of Corsica. This strategy solidifies the show’s brand as a global adventure series, consistently seeking out visually stunning and logistically complex environments. By doing so, the show taps into a core human fascination with exploration and the raw power of nature.
Future Impact: The “Grylls Effect” on Tourism
The reveal of these locations is predicted to have a tangible impact on travel trends, a phenomenon often referred to as “film-induced tourism.” When a popular show shines a spotlight on a destination, it can significantly boost interest and visitor numbers.
The Rise of Adventure Tourism
While specific data for the 2026 season is not yet available, the trend is well-documented. Major film and television productions can increase tourism to a featured location by an average of 30-40%, with some locations seeing even more dramatic spikes. For destinations like Wyoming and Sardinia, the “Grylls effect” could translate into a notable increase in bookings for hiking, climbing, and survival-themed tours.
We can anticipate local tour operators in these regions developing new travel packages inspired by the show. Experiences that mimic the challenges faced by the celebrities—albeit with significantly more safety measures—are likely to become popular. This trend caters to a growing market of travelers seeking transformative experiences over conventional sightseeing. The series not only showcases a place but also inspires a new way to interact with it, encouraging viewers to step out of their comfort zones. For the destinations themselves, it’s an unparalleled marketing opportunity, presenting them to a global audience of millions as the ultimate adventure playground.
