12 Movies to Watch Before Visiting Norway (And Places You Can Visit)
12 Movies to Watch Before Visiting Norway (And Places You Can Visit)
Planning a trip to Norway? Watching a few movies set in the country is a great way to discover its landscapes, history and culture before you arrive.
From spectacular fjords and snowy mountains to Viking legends and Arctic adventures, Norwegian cinema can give you a fascinating introduction to the country.
Some of these films were shot in Norway, while others tell the stories of famous Norwegians or important events in the country’s history.
And the best part? You can visit some of the real places connected to these stories during your trip.
Here are 12 movies to watch before visiting Norway, along with filming locations, museums and destinations that are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. The Last King (Birkebeinerne, 2016)
Genre: Historical drama, adventure
The Last King takes you back to medieval Norway, during a period of civil war and political conflict.
Based on historical events, the film follows two Birkebeiner warriors who must protect the young heir to the Norwegian throne, Håkon Håkonsson, from his enemies.
Their dangerous journey takes them across snow-covered mountains and forests, with spectacular scenes of the Norwegian winter.
Beyond the action, the film introduces an important chapter of Norway’s medieval history. The Birkebeiners played a significant role in the country’s political struggles, and their story is still remembered today.
Places to visit: Lillehammer and the surrounding mountains
Much of The Last King was filmed around Lillehammer, including locations such as Sjusjøen, Mesnalia, Hafjell and the Maihaugen open-air museum.
If you’re travelling through this region, you can explore the mountain landscapes that appear in the movie.
You can also visit Maihaugen, one of Norway’s largest open-air museums, where historic wooden buildings offer a glimpse into traditional Norwegian life.
The Birkebeiner story is also remembered through the famous Birkebeinerrennet, an annual cross-country skiing event between Rena and Lillehammer.
Best for: travellers interested in medieval history, winter landscapes and traditional Norwegian culture.
Explore the Lillehammer region
2. The Heroes of Telemark (1965)
Genre: War, historical drama
The Heroes of Telemark is a classic British war film starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris.
Set during the Second World War, it tells the story of Norwegian resistance fighters who attempt to sabotage a heavy-water production facility used by Nazi Germany.
The film is inspired by real sabotage operations carried out in the Telemark region, although some characters and events were fictionalised for dramatic effect.
The snowy mountains and remote valleys play an important role in the story, showing a side of Norway that is very different from its famous fjords.
Places to visit: Rjukan and Vemork
One of the most interesting places to visit is Vemork, near the town of Rjukan.
This former industrial complex was the site of the famous heavy-water sabotage operations during World War II.
Today, it is home to the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, where you can learn about the resistance fighters, the heavy-water production facilities and the events that inspired the film.
The surrounding Rjukan Valley is also worth exploring, with impressive mountain scenery and industrial heritage sites recognised by UNESCO.
Best for: history lovers and travellers exploring the Telemark region.
3. Amundsen (2019)
Genre: Biography, adventure, historical drama
Roald Amundsen is one of Norway’s most famous explorers, best known for leading the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911.
Directed by Espen Sandberg, Amundsen explores his extraordinary life, personal relationships and determination to explore some of the most remote places on Earth.
The movie shows both the achievements and personal sacrifices behind his polar expeditions.
Although much of the story takes place outside Norway, it offers an interesting introduction to the country’s long history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
Places to visit: The Fram Museum in Oslo
If you’re visiting Oslo, don’t miss the Fram Museum, located on the Bygdøy peninsula.
Here you can see the original polar ship Fram, which Amundsen used during his expedition to Antarctica between 1910 and 1912.
You can even step aboard the ship and explore its cabins and interior spaces.
The museum also tells the stories of other important Norwegian polar explorers, including Fridtjof Nansen.
It’s one of the most interesting places in Oslo for understanding Norway’s relationship with polar exploration.
Best for: adventure lovers, maritime history and travellers visiting Oslo.
4. 22 July (2018)
Genre: Historical drama
22 July, directed by Paul Greengrass, is a powerful drama about the terrorist attacks that took place in Norway on July 22, 2011.
The film follows the events of that day and their aftermath, focusing on survivors, their families and the Norwegian legal and political response.
It explores how the attacks affected Norwegian society and the long process of recovery that followed.
This is an emotional and sometimes difficult film to watch, but it provides important context for understanding a tragic event in Norway’s recent history.
Worth knowing: 22 July is not a documentary. It is an English-language dramatisation based on real events.
Place to visit: The 22 July Centre in Oslo
If you’re interested in understanding this part of Norwegian history, you can visit the 22 July Centre, a national remembrance and learning centre in Oslo.
Located at Akersgata 42, the centre has exhibitions about the attacks, the people affected and their lasting impact on Norwegian society.
Through personal testimonies, historical documents and original objects, visitors can learn more about the events and reflect on the importance of democracy and remembrance.
This is a place for learning and reflection rather than a conventional tourist attraction.
Best for: travellers interested in modern Norwegian history and society.
5. Trollhunter (Trolljegeren, 2010)
Genre: Fantasy, horror, comedy
If you enjoy fantasy stories with a sense of humour, Trollhunter is one of the most entertaining Norwegian movies you can watch.
Filmed in a mockumentary style, it follows a group of students who discover that a mysterious hunter is tracking trolls hidden in the Norwegian wilderness.
The story combines traditional Norwegian folklore with modern storytelling, creating a strange and often funny adventure.
One of the best things about the film is its scenery. You’ll see forests, mountains, valleys and remote landscapes that make the imaginary world of the trolls feel surprisingly believable.
The movie also introduces elements of Norwegian folklore, where trolls have appeared in traditional stories for centuries.
Places to visit: Western Norway and the Dovre Mountains
Trollhunter was filmed in several parts of Norway, including Volda, Årdal, Sogndal and the Dovre mountain region.
These areas offer exactly the kind of dramatic landscapes that make the film so memorable.
If you’re travelling through western Norway, the Sogndal and Årdal regions are particularly beautiful, with deep valleys, mountains and access to the Sognefjord area.
Further east, the Dovre Mountains offer open mountain landscapes associated with Norwegian folklore and troll legends.
You won’t find real trolls, of course, but these landscapes help explain why such creatures became part of Norwegian storytelling.
Best for: nature lovers, fantasy fans and travellers exploring Norway’s mountain regions.
6. Kon-Tiki (2012)
Genre: Adventure, biography
Kon-Tiki tells the extraordinary true story of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his famous expedition across the Pacific Ocean in 1947.
Heyerdahl and five companions sailed from Peru to Polynesia aboard a wooden raft built using traditional materials and techniques.
Their goal was to demonstrate that ancient sailors could have completed similar journeys.
The film follows their dangerous voyage across thousands of kilometres of open ocean, facing storms, sharks and the challenges of life at sea.
Although the story takes place mostly outside Norway, it highlights the country’s long connection with exploration and maritime history.
The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Place to visit: The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo
The Kon-Tiki Museum, located on Oslo’s Bygdøy peninsula, is dedicated to Thor Heyerdahl’s expeditions.
Its main attraction is the original Kon-Tiki raft, which Heyerdahl and his crew used to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1947.
You can also see objects collected during his expeditions, photographs and exhibitions about his research and adventures.
The museum is located close to the Fram Museum, so you can easily visit both on the same day.
Best for: maritime adventures, exploration history and a cultural day in Oslo.
7. The Burning Sea (Nordsjøen, 2021)
Genre: Disaster, action, thriller
Known internationally as The Burning Sea, this Norwegian disaster film explores the dangers of offshore oil production.
The story begins when an oil platform collapses in the North Sea, triggering a series of increasingly dangerous events.
As engineers and emergency teams investigate the disaster, they discover a much larger threat.
The film combines action, suspense and impressive visual effects, but it also introduces an important part of Norway’s modern economy.
Oil and gas production has played a major role in the country’s economic development since the discovery of petroleum resources in the North Sea.
Place to visit: The Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger
If you want to learn more about the industry behind the movie, visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum) in Stavanger.
Located beside the city’s harbour, the museum explains how offshore oil and gas production transformed Norway’s economy.
Its exhibitions include models of oil platforms, interactive displays, equipment and information about working at sea.
You can also learn about the technology used in offshore operations, safety procedures and the environmental challenges associated with the industry.
It’s an interesting place to discover a side of Norway that is rarely included in traditional travel itineraries.
Best for: technology, modern Norwegian history and travellers visiting Stavanger.
Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
8. The Wave (Bølgen, 2015)
Genre: Disaster, thriller
If you’re planning to visit the Norwegian fjords, this is one movie worth watching.
The Wave is a Norwegian disaster thriller set in the spectacular village of Geiranger, one of the country’s most famous fjord destinations.
The story follows a geologist who discovers signs of an approaching landslide that could trigger a devastating tsunami in the fjord.
As the danger becomes clear, he must race against time to protect his family and the local community.
Although the events in the film are fictional, the story is inspired by real geological risks associated with unstable mountainsides in western Norway.
The movie uses the dramatic landscape of Geirangerfjord to create an intense and visually impressive thriller.
Places to visit: Geiranger and Geirangerfjord
Geiranger is one of the most recognisable real locations featured in the film, and several exterior scenes were shot in the village and surrounding area.
Located in the Møre og Romsdal region, Geiranger is famous for its narrow fjord, towering mountains and impressive waterfalls.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss:
- Geirangerfjord: take a scenic boat trip through one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
- Flydalsjuvet viewpoint: enjoy panoramic views of Geiranger and the surrounding landscape.
- Ørnesvingen viewpoint: admire the fjord from one of the famous bends on the Eagle Road.
- The Seven Sisters Waterfall: one of Geirangerfjord’s most iconic natural attractions.
Watching The Wave before visiting will make the landscape feel particularly familiar, although the disaster shown in the movie is fictional.
Best for: fjord cruises, scenic viewpoints and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Discover the best things to do in Geiranger
9. Insomnia (1997)
Genre: Psychological thriller, crime
Insomnia is a Norwegian psychological thriller set in Tromsø, in northern Norway.
The story follows a detective investigating a murder during the summer, when the sun barely sets above the Arctic Circle.
As the investigation progresses, the constant daylight begins to affect his sleep and judgement, adding tension to an already complicated case.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it uses the Midnight Sun as an essential part of the story.
During summer, northern Norway experiences weeks of continuous daylight, creating an unusual atmosphere that can be difficult to imagine if you’ve never experienced it.
The film captures this phenomenon while exploring the darker side of human psychology.
Worth knowing: This is the original Norwegian film directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, not the 2002 American remake directed by Christopher Nolan.
Place to visit: Tromsø and the Midnight Sun
If you’re travelling to northern Norway during summer, Tromsø is an excellent place to experience the Midnight Sun.
The city is located well above the Arctic Circle, where the sun stays above the horizon for several weeks between late May and late July.
During this period, you can enjoy outdoor activities even late at night.
Some of the best experiences include:
- Fjellheisen cable car: take the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding mountains.
- Midnight Sun boat trips: explore the Arctic coastline under the unusual light of the summer night.
- Coastal walks: enjoy the landscape and peaceful atmosphere during the late evening.
Tromsø is also an excellent destination in winter, although the Midnight Sun is only visible during the summer months.
Best for: Arctic landscapes, unusual natural phenomena and summer adventures in northern Norway.
10. Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi, 2025)
Genre: Drama
Sentimental Value is an internationally acclaimed Norwegian drama directed by Joachim Trier. It won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2026, becoming a major milestone for Norwegian cinema.
The film tells the story of two sisters, Nora and Agnes, whose estranged father, a once-famous film director, returns to their lives hoping to reconnect with his family through a new film project.
Starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning, the movie explores family relationships, memories and the complicated connections between generations.
Unlike adventure films that focus on Norway’s mountains and fjords, Sentimental Value offers a more intimate portrait of contemporary Norwegian life, with Oslo playing an important role in the story.
Places to visit: Oslo’s Frogner neighbourhood
Much of the film was shot in Oslo, particularly around Frogner, one of the city’s most elegant residential neighbourhoods.
If you’re visiting the Norwegian capital, you can explore several locations connected to the movie:
- Frogner: walk through its beautiful streets, historic buildings and leafy avenues. The family house featured in the film is located here, although it is a private residence and not open to visitors.
- National Theatre: one of Norway’s most important theatres and a key filming location.
- Lorry Restaurant: a historic Oslo restaurant where a scene between Nora and her father takes place.
You can also combine your walk with a visit to Frogner Park, home to the famous Vigeland sculptures.
Best for: travellers interested in contemporary Norwegian culture, architecture and discovering Oslo beyond its main tourist attractions.
Explore the filming locations in Oslo
11. Troll (2022)
Genre: Fantasy, action, adventure
Troll is one of Norway’s biggest international film successes.
Released on Netflix in 2022 and directed by Roar Uthaug, the movie brings one of the country’s most famous mythological creatures to life.
The story begins when a gigantic troll awakens deep inside the Dovre Mountains after being trapped for thousands of years.
As the creature makes its way towards Oslo, a group of experts must find a way to stop it before it causes widespread destruction.
The film combines spectacular visual effects, action and traditional Norwegian folklore, with some of the country’s most impressive natural landscapes providing the backdrop.
Its international popularity led to a sequel, Troll 2, released on Netflix in December 2025.
Places to visit: Dovrefjell and Jotunheimen
One of the best things about Troll is that many scenes were filmed in real Norwegian locations.
If you enjoy mountains and dramatic landscapes, several places featured in the film are worth exploring.
- Dovrefjell: the mountain region where the troll awakens. It’s known for its wide landscapes, hiking opportunities and wild musk oxen.
- Jotunheimen National Park: home to Norway’s highest mountains and spectacular alpine scenery.
- Trollveggen (Troll Wall): an impressive mountain wall in the Romsdalen Valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
If you’ve watched Troll 2, you may also recognise Trondheim and its famous Nidaros Cathedral, another important location in the sequel.
These destinations are especially interesting because they combine the film’s fictional story with Norway’s real landscapes and mythology.
Best for: nature lovers, fantasy fans and travellers exploring Norway’s national parks.
Discover the real locations from Troll and Troll 2
12. Narvik (Kampen om Narvik, 2022)
Genre: War, historical drama
Narvik is a Norwegian war drama based on the Battle of Narvik in 1940, one of the most important early battles of the Second World War.
Released in Norwegian cinemas in 2022 and internationally on Netflix in 2023, the film tells the story of a Norwegian soldier and his family during the German invasion of Norway.
At the time, Narvik was an important strategic port because of its railway connection to Swedish iron ore mines.
The battle involved Norwegian, British, French, Polish and German forces, turning this small Arctic town into a key location during the early stages of the war.
The film combines military action with the personal experiences of civilians caught in the conflict.
Its dramatic winter landscapes and historical setting make it particularly interesting for travellers who want to learn more about northern Norway.
Places to visit: Narvik and the Ofotfjord
If you’re travelling to northern Norway, Narvik is an interesting destination for history lovers.
The town is surrounded by steep mountains and overlooks the beautiful Ofotfjord, creating a spectacular natural setting.
There are several places where you can discover the real history behind the movie:
- Narvik War Museum: learn about the Battle of Narvik, the German occupation and the experiences of soldiers and civilians during World War II.
- Narvik harbour: explore the area that made the town strategically important during the war.
- Ofotfjord: admire the dramatic fjord landscapes where important naval battles took place.
- Ofoten Railway: discover the railway that connected Narvik with Sweden’s iron ore mines and played a significant role in the conflict.
The surrounding mountains also offer beautiful viewpoints and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best for: travellers interested in World War II history, Arctic landscapes and destinations beyond Norway’s most popular tourist routes.
