One of the best-selling novels of all time, The Lord of the Rings has also led to multiple blockbuster films. Both the books and the movies have become so popular, they’ve inspired their own brand of travel: Tolkien Tourism. The term, of course, derives from the name from the author of the book trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Fans of the book and film series routinely line up to travel to the locations that inspired the famous trilogy, ranging from the film set locations in New Zealand to the historic places from Tolkien’s childhood. Tolkien Tourism is an ideal way for true fans to immerse themselves in the magic of this fantasy world.

Here are four of the top global destinations to help you launch your own mythical quest.

England – Birmingham 

England was Tolkien’s home for 50 years, so it’s no surprise that the setting served as inspiration for his fantasy novels. Visitors can start their tour in Birmingham, the homestead of Tolkien’s family and the location that Tolkien considered his hometown. The Birmingham Tolkien Trail takes you through the iconic two towers of Edgbaston Waterworks and Perrott’s Folly — inspiration for the famed Two Towers of the novels — as well as a stop at the Sarehole Mill, a restored 18th century working mill complete with family-friendly Tolkien exhibits.

Be sure to make a stop at Moseley Bog, a nature reserve and the inspiration behind the forests of the Middle-earth. Cheddar Gorge also deserves a spot on your trip itinerary. As the location of Tolkien’s 1916 honeymoon trip with his wife Edith, Cheddar Gorge influenced the creation of Helm’s Deep and the White Mountains caverns.

Switzerland – Lauterbrunnen Valley

Do you want to learn more about the inspiration behind Rivendell? A trip to Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley will take you through the wonderland that inspired much of the setting of The Fellowship of the Ring. Visitors can still take the same route that Tolkien journeyed when he visited this region of Switzerland on a school vacation during his younger days.

Tolkien later went on to say that his experience hiking this majestic trail significantly impacted his writing. The acclaimed author was able to recall the images from this stunning hike and use them to sketch Rivendell and the Elvish Valley.

France – Mont Saint-Michel

There is no mistaking the resemblance between the French medieval town of Mont Saint-Michel and the fictional city of Minas Tirith. Exploring the town of Mont Saint-Michel will make you feel as if you have stepped into the Gondorian city. From the distinctive pale walls to the towering spire, the setting will inspire you to imagine the climactic battle unfolding around you. You can visit Mont Saint-Michel as a day trip from Paris or make a night out of it by staying in the middle of town.

While in this region, be sure to visit the Somme Battlefield to learn more about Tolkien’s experience fighting in World War I. Tolkien fought in the deadly battle of 1916, providing him with the background knowledge and context to create the fictional War of the Ring.

New Zealand – The Movie Sets 

As the granddaddy of them all, New Zealand is an absolute must-see destination for Tolkien Tourism travelers. The Peter Jackson movies were filmed mostly in New Zealand, making it the ultimate pilgrimage for fans of the series. There are a number of different filming locations to add to your bucket list. The densely forested Kaitoke Regional Park is where the Elven city of Rivendell was set in the films, making it a good starting off point. While at this park, visitors can participate in a guided tour that stops at the Fords of Isen and Elrond’s house.

Or visit the haunting Tongariro National Park to feel as if you are walking through Mordor toward Mount Doom. For something a little bit more sheltered, try the Weta Workshop, a great place to learn more about the special effects used to enhance the movies. The workshop is conveniently located just outside the New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Lastly, visitors to Auckland are more than happy to take the two-hour trip to the intact Hobbiton movie set, which features a guided tour, a hearty meal, and more. Here you will find the popular open-air museum of the Shire and a replica of the Green Dragon Inn.

(And we’re very proud of ourselves that we got through an entire post about The Lord of the Rings without working in a pun about something being…our precious! Well, until now, that is.)

Have you engaged in any Tolkien tourism? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!