History Channel’s ‘Hatfields & McCoys’ is a Western docudrama series that centers on the feud between Kentucky and West Virginia. The clash results in vengeance, courage, sacrifice, murders, and heinous crimes. At the heart of the story is the close friendship of Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy, who belong to each other’s rival side. As the matter blows out of proportion and affects countless families, the Supreme Court finally intervenes to stop the dangerous conundrum.
Kevin Reynolds directs the show and effortlessly showcases the true story set in the 1800s. The luscious mountains, old school houses, and towns are a treat to the eyes. If you are curious about all the filming locations that elevate the historical show‘s rusty and antique appeal, we’ve got you covered.
Hatfields & McCoys Filming Locations
‘Hatfields & McCoys’ was filmed in Romania and West Virginia, specifically in Bucharest, Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and Huntington. Principal photography of the docuseries purportedly spanned 73 days. Romania is a southeast European country well-known for its natural landscapes, rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque architecture. In the show, the supposed backdrop is West Virginia and Kentucky, and a city in the latter state, named Hazard, reportedly saw a high rise in tourism after the series premiered. So, without further ado, let’s traverse through the precise locations that appear in the series!
Bucharest, Romania
Multiple pivotal parts of ‘Hatfields & McCoys’ were lensed in Bucharest, Romania’s capital city. The filming unit set up camp at Castel Film Studios at Street Matei Voievod 94B. It is the movie studio they opted for due to its high-grade production quality and availability of top resources. Bucharest is famous for its unique blend of modern amenities, historical appeal, and vibrant art.
Titled the Paris of the East, the Romanian capital is home to numerous places of interest, such as Herastrau Park, Old Town, The Palace of the Parliament, and Bucharest North Railway Station. The city has also served as a backdrop for other notable projects such as ‘Vikings’ and ‘What Happened to Monday.’
Transylvania, Romania
Several portions of the series were taped in Transylvania, a region in central Romania. The cast and crew lensed important sequences in Brasov, a county surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Apart from the eponymous city, Rasnov is a small town in the county where they shot additional scenes. It is near stunning mountain ranges such as the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Rasnov’s historic center, colorful buildings, and Rasnoavei Gorge are the most sought places for filming. Moreover, the team shot scenes in Zarnesti, another town in Brasov County, where Libearty Bear Sanctuary is a popular shooting location.
Carpathian Mountains, Romania
The Carpathian Mountains cover several parts of Romania and were an ideal filming site for ‘Hatfields & McCoys.’ All the mountain scenes of the docuseries were taped here. The deep valleys, dense forest, flora, and fauna are the epitome of scenic beauty. The second-largest mountain range in Europe played an important role in shaping the country’s history, as many battles and wars occurred in this region. A few movies filmed in the Carpathian Mountains are ‘The Expendables 3,’ ‘Cold Mountain,’ and ‘The World to Come.’
Huntington, West Virginia
The production team also recorded pivotal portions involving the Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, the second-largest city in West Virginia. Situated in the Cabell and Wayne counties, it is known for its industrial revolution, theaters, and galleries. The infrastructure of modern homes, surrounded by ample greenery, gives Huntington a mesmerizing look. Notable movies such as ‘We are Marshall,’ ‘Teenage Strangler,’ and ‘Choices,’ were shot in the city.
Read More: Is Hatfields & McCoys Based on a True Story?
