Discover Norway through scenic film locations

You can admire these film locations on screen at home or on the big screen at the cinema. Better yet, experience them in real life by travelling to Norway!

1. Sentimental Value

Joachim Trier's award-winning film Sentimental Value has already made history by winning an Oscar for best international feature! Not to mention that the film was nominated in a total of nine Oscar categories.

In the film, director Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård) suddenly reappears in the lives of his daughters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). He wants Nora to play the lead role in his big comeback, but she refuses. Hollywood star Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning) takes the part and finds herself caught in the middle of a family drama.

The film was shot on location in Oslo, Norway and Sweden. The film’s most important setting is the family home at Thomas Heftyes Gate 25, in the Frogner district. It's located in Oslo's west end, with elegant historic buildings, leafy boulevards, boutique shops, cafés and a mix of cultural attractions and green spaces like the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, inside Frogner Park.

The restaurant where Nora meets her father is Lorry, just behind the Royal Palace. The venerable restaurant has existed since the 1870s and is a true institution serving traditional dishes and a huge selection of international beers. The walls are adorned with numerous works of art.

Other locations featured in Sentimental Value include the National Theatre, Norway’s main theatre and an iconic building, where Nora suffers a panic attack before her performance.

2. Troll 1 & 2

Roar Uthaug’s popular Netflix hits, rooted in Norse mythology, take viewers on a spectacular journey through some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes – places that are now under attack. The story in Troll begins deep in the Dovrefjell mountains, where a troll awakens after centuries of slumber and heads south toward Oslo, rushing through the culturally rich Gudbrandsdalen valley.

Europe's highest vertical rock wall Trollveggen (The Troll Wall), close to the "Alpine capital" of Åndalsnes, provides a stunning backdrop to the opening scene. Witness it from the ground, or from the world famous Rauma Railway.

In both films, the Jotunheimen mountain range plays a significant role, the legendary home of the jotner (giants). The Bøverdalen valley appears as a striking backdrop. Hiking enthusiasts can tackle Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak, or the popular Besseggen. Jotunheimen National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and winter sports, with mountain cabins and hotels providing strategic starting points for outdoor adventure.

For more stunning scenery, visit Scenic Route Valdresflye, where the character Nora’s father Tobias lives in a remote cabin.

Oslo is another key setting. Locations in Norway's capital include The Royal Palace and Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main shopping street, where a thrilling chase unfolds. This grand avenue stretches from the palace right through the city centre.

Fjord Norway is also seen in the first film. Nora is searching for fossils in Flø in Ulstein before being given a surprising mission. Whether fossils are found there or not, this village is a gem in itself!

Trondheim takes on a major role in Troll 2, with scenes shot in the compact city centre and around the historic Nidaros Cathedral. The dramatic cathedral adds a powerful, mythic atmosphere that fits the film’s universe perfectly.

The characters also journey on the St. Olav Ways, Norway's most famous pilgrim path, which connects Oslo with the iconic Nidaros Cathedral.

Vemork’s historic hydroelectric plant near Rjukan in Telemark – famous for the WWII heavy water sabotage – is one of the sequel’s most striking locations. The mix of dramatic war history, industrial heritage and steep mountain walls in Telemark creates a powerful cinematic backdrop.

Oslo is also shown in Troll 2, where the action shifts to just outside the capital, in Maridalen – a forested valley with lakes and the preserved ruins of the medieval St. Margaret’s Church.

The opening scene was shot in Hemsedal, one of Norway's best ski destinations, where Stavkroa, a real-life after-ski club, is used to stage the dramatic attack sequence.

... want to dive deeper into the world of Troll? Explore spectacular locations from the films here:

3. Home for Christmas

The film Home for Christmas follows nurse Johanne (Ida Elise Broch), who, under pressure from her family, is searching for a suitable companion for Christmas Eve while also hoping to find a fulfilling romantic relationship. Along the way, she stumbles into plenty of chaotic dating adventures – both in a sauna, an escape room, and aboard a horse-drawn sleigh.

The perfect wintry backdrop for her search for love at Christmas is the small town of Røros, located in the Trøndelag region, five hours drive north of Oslo.

In Røros, Johanne can often be seen strolling through the snow-covered streets or riding a kicksled (spark in Norwegian). Visitors can rent their own spark at the tourist information office.

Røros’ main street, Kjerkgata, appears frequently, with its colourful wooden houses and charming craft shops. It's even on of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Johanne’s home with the pink gate is actually not in Røros but in the Kampen district of Oslo.

The ice rink where Johanne is occasionally seen ice skating is located by the music pavilion in Kirkeparken in Moss in the region of Østfold, about an hour’s drive south of Oslo.

Additional scenes were filmed at the Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo.

4. Pippi

Even the filmmakers of Pippi Longstocking couldn’t resist Norway. Created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren in 1945, Pippi is one of the most beloved children's characters in the world.

The snowy scenes in Pippi Goes on Board from 1969 were shot in the same town as Home for Christmas – Røros.

In the film, you can see Pippi rolling a giant snowball down the historic Sleggveien street.

It’s not only a famous location, it also gives viewers an idea of the social history of the mining community. Some of the houses are open to the public in summer.

5. The Worst Person in the World

Joachim Trier’s film, The Worst Person in the World, dives deep into the complexities of love and self-discovery in the modern world.

Julie (Renate Reinsve) is turning thirty. She feels her talents have gone unfulfilled, while her older boyfriend, Aksel, a successful graphic novelist, is pushing for the couple to settle down.

One night she crashes a party on impulse. Julie meets the charming and carefree Eivind – a spark is lit, and her world is turned upside down.

The film makes excellent use of Oslo’s distinctive architecture, urban landscapes and natural beauty.

Julie first meets Aksel at Rouleur Oslo, a wine bar/café/cycling workshop in the St.Hanshaugen district.

Adjacent St. Hanshaugen park is one of Oslo's largest parks, located just north of the city centre. This popular recreational area is great for walks, and there is a lovely view of Oslo from the top of the hill. Julie and Eiving spend a night together in the park, experiencing a fleeting yet emotionally significant moment.

The restaurant Ekebergrestauranten in the Ekeberg area is where Aksel held his book launch party. Located on the hillside, the restaurant offers fine dining with panoramic views of the city and the fjord.

Eivind works in the modern Barcode District, an area with a striking architectural style that defines Oslo's skyline. It's part of the neighbourhood Bjørvika, one of the trendiest new neighbourhoods in Oslo. Stroll the Harbour Promenade to experience everything from world-class art at the MUNCH museum, to fjord-side saunas and delicious eateries.

Don't miss Kunstnernes Hus (The Artists's House), located in the heart of Oslo, where Julie is seen working in the film's last scene. It's one of Norway’s most important, artist-run museums for Norwegian and international contemporary art.

6. Tenet

There was a lot of buzz around Christopher Nolan’s Tenet upon its release in August 2020. The film's protagonist, played by John David Washington, must fulfil quite the task: save the entire planet from collapse. However, the laws of time no longer apply.

One of the most impressive architectural icons in Norway’s capital, Oslo, is featured in the film. In a scene in which John David Washington and Robert Pattinson, in the role of Neil, are talking about an aeroplane accident, they are standing on the roof of the Opera House.

The building features futuristic architecture and a gleaming white marble facade. Apart from being the perfect location for a Nolan film, it has served as the venue for the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet since 2008. The roof is freely accessible to visitors and offers a beautiful view of the city and the Oslofjord.

When you are in the Bjørvika area, you should also pause to visit a new building right next to the opera: the Deichman Library, which opened in June 2020. In addition to an extensive book collection, it is home to a cinema, wonderful play areas for the kids, a gift shop, restaurant, and more.

7. No Time to Die

James Bond’s latest adventure, No Time to Die, is another film that was hotly anticipated prior to its release. It was the final outing for Daniel Craig in the role of 007. In the film, James Bond has already retired to Jamaica when he is suddenly tasked with the risky mission of saving a scientist.

In the film, you can see a girl fleeing from a masked man on a frozen lake. This quiet lake is called Langvann and is located near Hakadal, a village in Viken County, north of Oslo. The lake is a one-hour hike through the forest from Hakadal’s train station.

You can discover yet another location in Norway in the film: the Atlantic Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. As many as seven bridges take you from island to island – the perfect setting for a dramatic car chase!

Storseisundbrua, the longest bridge on the route, is particularly impressive and the most famous landmark on the Norwegian Scenic Route.

8. Ex Machina

In the science fiction thriller Ex Machina, programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a stay at the private refuge of super-rich company boss Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Caleb's task is to evaluate the AI in robot Ava (Alicia Vikander). Almost the entire film takes is set in a high-tech property in the heart of Alaska. But the mysterious setting in the middle of the untouched wilderness is, in fact, shot at the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal, north of the Norddalsfjord. The hotel is located in a breathtaking landscape with fantastic views from its modern chalets, all of which feature a unique design.

The hotel, including the spa area, where most of the scenes were shot, was designed by Norwegian architects Jensen & Skodvin. On the small terrace in front of the spa, Caleb meets Nathan for the very first time. From the whirlpool of this very spa, guests can enjoy excellent views of the river and the impressive mountain scenery.

Naturally, a few scenes in Ex Machina were shot in a studio and in a private house. But the meadow where the helicopter drops Caleb as well as the spot at the river where Ava waits for the helicopter, are both just a short walk away from the spa in Valldal.

If it fits your travel plans, we recommend a drive on the Norwegian Scenic Route Trollstigen either to or from Juvet Hotel. On the steep mountain road with eleven hairpin bends, you’ll enjoy dramatic views of mountains and waterfalls – true film material! At the top, there is a visitor centre with several viewing platforms.

9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Although the magical world of the famous wizard Harry Potter is mostly shot in the UK, one scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was filmed in Norway.

The Rauma Railway near the village of Bjorli served as a backdrop for the train ride on board the Hogwarts Express through a snowy landscape in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth film in the series.

The scene in which Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Ron (Rupert Grint) are talking about the unbreakable curse of Snape was shot inside a museum train owned by the Norwegian Railway Club.

During the shoot, the crew stayed at the Bjorligard Hotel, which unfortunately has since been closed down.

If you don't plan to travel the scenic route on the Rauma Railway, you can still enjoy it by car. We recommend making a few stops along the Rauma River to experience the wild water rushing through the beautiful Romsdalen Valley.

10. The Wave

Roar Uthaug's Norwegian disaster film The Wave takes place on the shores of the Geirangerfjord. It was inspired by a real rockfall which resulted in a giant tidal wave and devastated a village in Tafjord in 1934. A crevice in the Åkernes mountain on the Geirangerfjord has been monitored constantly ever since.

The main character in the film is an experienced geologist named Kristian, played by Kristoffer Joner. It is his last day of work at the Åkerneset monitoring station in Geiranger when the catastrophe occurs: huge boulders fall into the fjord and trigger the tsunami he has always feared. In the midst of panic, Kristian tries to bring his family to safety.

In addition to the Geirangerfjord itself, Havila Hotel Geiranger is also an important location for the film. Kristian’s wife Idun (Ane Dahl Torp) works there and manages to hunker down inside a bunker when the tidal wave approaches. In the film, the hotel's entrance is on Maråkvegen, but in reality, it is at the upper main building.

The Geirangerfjord is without doubt one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. We highly recommend a trip around the area. Here, you can admire numerous steep waterfalls, including the famous Seven Sisters and get amazing views from the viewpoints at Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen, the latter of which means 'eagle’s curve' in Norwegian.

Hot tip: Set in Oslo, the film's sequel, The Quake, tells the story of what happens three years after the natural disaster in the Geirangerfjord.

11. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

If you want to visit the location where secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) hangs from a cliff, you’re better off if you have no fear of heights. The fight scene between Hunt and villain John Lark (Henry Cavill) at the end of Mission: Impossible – Fallout takes place on the edge of a 600-metre-high razor-sharp cliff in the Himalayan mountains in Kashmir.

In reality, the spectacular showdown was filmed on Preikestolen, the famous Pulpit Rock in Norway. On the shortest route, the hike to the plateau takes approximately two hours. The reward is a magnificent view of the Lysefjord. Alternatively, you can see Preikestolen from a boat that departs from Stavanger.

Tom Cruise has clearly enjoyed Norway very much. He returned to Norway for his seventh cinematic outing of the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One. This time, the mission was more dangerous than ever, featuring one of the biggest stunts in cinema history – a motorcycle jump off a cliff ending in a base jump from Helsetkopen mountain in Sunnmøre. There's also an intense action scene on the Rauma Railway in Åndalsnes.

And it didn't end there, as Cruise came back for a third time for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning! There were ten full days of shooting on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, in the spring of 2023. The cast and crew had a truly unique experience shooting in these remote islands where polar bears roam freely.

Planes filmed the nature from above, and ships ferried the cast and crew to Borebukta and Ekmanfjorden in the northern part of Isfjorden. You can visit this part of Svalbard by taking a boat trip in the summer.

The team most definitely felt the elements as temperatures can drop as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius in winter, but these conditions and the vast, dramatic landscapes are perfect for an action scene!

Check out more of Norway's spectacular Mission: Impossible locations!

P.S. While you're in Svalbard, you should also visit the unique Adventdalen valley, where parts of Superman (2025) were filmed.

12. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

As the Star Wars universe continues to grow, the locations of the original trilogy have long since become legendary. This includes the ice planet Hoth, on which the new secret base of the rebels is tracked down by Darth Vader's forces in The Empire Strikes Back.

The scenes in which Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) have to brave both the cold and the onslaught of the Imperial All Terrain Armoured Transports were filmed in Norway in 1979. In fact, they were shot by the village of Finse, on the edge of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.

Star Wars fans will easily recognise the mountain landscape here. There are a number hiking trails around Finsevatnet lake and the glacier area. However, you shouldn’t go on a hike without a guide in winter. The train station in Finse is located 1,222 metres above sea level, right next to the hotel Finse 1222, where the crew stayed during production.

The scenes in which Luke crawls exhausted through the snow after his rough encounter with a wampa and Obi-Wan Kenobi instructs him to go to Master Yoda’s Dagobah system were shot just behind the hotel. The hotel occasionally organises fan events in February, including a location tour with a dog sled. Fans even converge in full storm trooper uniforms!

Getting to Finse is a highlight on its own. We recommend taking the Flåm Railway from Flåm up into the high mountains at Myrdal. From there, you can change to the Bergen Railway which stops at Finse. Both connections are among the most beautiful train journeys in the world and will take you to a galaxy far, far away.

13. Dune

Based on the popular sci-fi novel of the same name and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune is the story of a unique young man who has to travel to one of the most dangerous planets in the universe to secure the future of his family and his people.

In one of the first stills published of the film, we see Timothée Chalamet as protagonist Paul Atreides walking on a beach on his home planet of Caladan before embarking for the desert planet of Arrakis.

The beautiful beach with the green hills in the background has a touch of Hawaii, but it is actually in Norway. We found it on the west coast of the peninsula Stadlandet in the northwestern part of Nordfjord.

If you pay a visit to Stadlandet, you should plan a stop at Vestkapp. Although it’s not the westernmost point of Norway (which is further south), its striking cape towers 500 metres above sea level. On a clear day, you can see far into the distance in all directions.

More locations to discover

These were just a few iconic Norwegian locations. Many other films and series have showcased Norway, including:

*The Netflix series Milliardærøya (Billionaire Island), which was filmed on the scenic island of Frøya. Midgard Film Commission and Frøya won the Global Production Award for Emerging Locations at Cannes in 2025.

* The film Munch about the life of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (Viaplay).

* The WWII drama Narvik, set in Narvik in Northern Norway (Netflix).

* The sci-fi tragicomedy Downsizing with Matt Damon, shot in Lofoten.

* The series Vikings, set in the southwest of Norway.

* HBO's smash hit Succession, featuring scenes in Romsdalen.

* The Marvel film Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johansson, shot in the coastal region of Sunnmøre.