If you have ever watched the classic American comedy film ‘European Vacation’ released in 1985, you might be curious about the locations where the movie was filmed. The film follows the Griswold family as they travel across Europe, encountering various mishaps and adventures along the way. In this article, we will explore where the movie was filmed and some interesting facts about these locations.
London, England
The movie begins in London, England, where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) wins a trip to Europe on a game show. The iconic opening scene of the film was shot in front of Buckingham Palace with Clark and his family posing for a picture with the palace’s guards. Another notable location featured in London is Piccadilly Circus, where Clark drives around a roundabout multiple times trying to navigate his way out of the city.
Paris, France
After leaving London, the Griswolds head to Paris, France. The majority of scenes in Paris were shot on location in the City of Lights. One memorable scene takes place at the Eiffel Tower where Clark accidentally knocks over a cyclist while driving around in circles trying to exit a roundabout.
Rome, Italy
The next stop on their European adventure is Rome, Italy. Many scenes were filmed in Rome’s historic landmarks such as Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. In one scene, Clark and his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo) throw coins into Fontana di Trevi hoping to make wishes come true.
Austria
The last leg of their journey takes them to Austria where they visit various small towns and villages nestled amid picturesque mountains. One of these towns is called Altenmarkt im Pongau which is famous for its winter sports. Clark and his son Rusty (played by Jason Lively) try their hand at bobsledding in this charming Austrian town.
Interesting facts
- The film was directed by Amy Heckerling who also directed the hit movie ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’.
- ‘European Vacation’ was the second installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise which included four films.
- The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide.
- Chevy Chase, who played Clark Griswold, won a Best Actor in a Comedy award for his performance at the American Comedy Awards.
In conclusion, ‘European Vacation’ is a classic comedy film that takes viewers on a hilarious journey across Europe. From London to Rome, and Paris to Austria, the movie showcases some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks and locations. Whether you are a fan of the movie or just curious about where it was filmed, these locations are definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.