The Spectacular Fjords of James Bond: No Time to Die (2021)

James Bond is no stranger to exotic locations, and Norway provided the perfect backdrop for his swan song in No Time to Die. The film features scenes shot along the Atlantic Ocean Road, a stunning serpentine highway stretching across small islands and fjords. This cinematic setting adds a sense of grandeur to Bond’s action-packed escapades. Norway's dramatic coastal scenery heightened the tension and emotion of Daniel Craig's final outing as 007.

Marvel’s Norse Connection: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

It’s fitting that a film about the Norse god Thor would draw inspiration from his homeland. Though much of Thor: The Dark World was shot on sound stages, scenes set in the mythical realm of Asgard were inspired by Norwegian landscapes. Fjords like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Lysefjord shaped the visual identity of the film. The rugged terrain served as a subtle homage to Norway’s cultural and mythological roots.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Perhaps one of the most famous examples of Hollywood in Norway is the ice planet Hoth from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. These scenes were filmed on the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, near Finse, during one of the harshest winters Norway had ever seen. The unforgiving climate added authenticity to the Rebel Alliance's battle against the Empire. Today, Finse remains a pilgrimage site for Star Wars fans eager to experience the icy terrain of Hoth firsthand.

The Frozen North of Frozen 2 (2019)

Although an animated film, Frozen 2 draws heavily from Norway’s landscapes and culture. The animators and designers visited several Norwegian landmarks, including Nærøyfjord and Akershus Fortress, to capture the essence of the country. From the architecture of Arendelle to the enchanting forests and fjords, Norway’s influence on Frozen 2 is undeniable.

Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)

In this high-octane installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt scales Preikestolen, one of Norway's most famous cliffs, in a death-defying sequence. Although the scene is set in Kashmir, the vertigo-inducing heights of Preikestolen steal the show. The cliff's sheer drop into Lysefjord makes for a heart-stopping finale that left audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Mystical World of Ex Machina (2014)

The cerebral sci-fi masterpiece Ex Machina features Norway as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in itself. Filmed at the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal, the stark modernist architecture juxtaposed against Norway’s lush wilderness creates an otherworldly atmosphere. This secluded setting mirrors the film's themes of isolation and technological transcendence, proving how Norway’s landscapes can heighten a film’s narrative impact.

Other Notable Mentions

Norway’s cinematic resume also includes Black Widow (2021), which features sequences filmed in Sæbø, and The Wave (2015), a Norwegian disaster film that gained international attention for its realistic depiction of a fjord tsunami.

Why Norway?

Hollywood’s fascination with Norway stems from its unique ability to offer pristine, untouched landscapes that are difficult to replicate anywhere else. From dramatic fjords and jagged peaks to remote glaciers, Norway provides the perfect canvas for creating worlds that feel both epic and authentic. Furthermore, Norway’s commitment to sustainable tourism and film-friendly policies has made it an attractive destination for filmmakers seeking natural beauty without compromise.

A Lasting Partnership

As Hollywood continues to look beyond traditional filming locations, Norway’s star will only shine brighter. Its landscapes not only captivate audiences but also elevate storytelling, offering filmmakers a playground of visual and emotional depth. For audiences, Norway’s role in these films serves as an invitation to explore the country’s beauty firsthand—proof that sometimes the real star of the show is the setting itself.

Would you visit any of these iconic locations from Hollywood films? If you're a movie buff and a nature enthusiast, Norway might just be the ultimate destination for your next adventure!