Is Trolltindene, the Troll Peaks, in Netflix’s Troll movie a real place?

Do you long to travel to Norway? I sure do. For one, because I’d love to see the fjords and mountains. But also because I’m addicted to Nordic noir, a genre of true crime fiction, and I love how the country embraces and incorporates trolls into its culture. Which is one of the reasons that Netflix’s Troll was so much fun to watch.

At face value, the Netflix original movie is a creature feature, but it’s also a couple of other things, including a way to experience Norway’s natural beauty from the comfort of my own home. (But it’s also a commentary on the importance of environmental conservation —and oftentimes lack thereof.)

But what about the setting in the movie? Like when it starts out with a spectacular flyover and indicates it’s Trolltindene (the Troll Peaks) in Romsdalen. Is that a real place? Yes!

Where Netflix’s Troll Was Filmed

Sometimes where a movie is set is not where it was filmed. Take the 1986 movie Troll, for instance, which was filmed in Italy. However, HITC reports that Netflix’s Troll was filmed in Norway. (I figured it was, but it’s good to know that, in fact, it was.)

Drammen and Oslo were used for city scenes. Studio filming also happened in Oslo. The Romsdalen valley and the Jotunheimen mountain range provided scenic mountain shots. Crews also filmed in Lom, Øyer, and in the place where the cave troll in the movie was released, Dovre.

Additionally, Ulsteinvik, a coastal town, Rena a riverside village, and the town of Askim, were also used as filming locations.

13 Places to Find Trolls in Norway

Since Norway is on my travel bucket list, and since the movie piqued my interest, I figured I’d do some research on where to find trolls in Norway. That way, I’ll have it for later. Or you’ll have it for now if you’re planning a Norwegian troll expedition any time soon.

Thankfully, VisitNorway.com has made it super easy. They’re one of those visitor bureaus that includes a guide to the mythical and magical places that travelers might want to see, including these 13 places to jaunt in troll territory in Norway.

1. Trollstigen (“The Troll Ladder”)

You can hike, bike, or drive the winding road that slinks through the mountains. Visit Norway suggests stopping at the Trollstigen platform for some spectacular views that will “stay with you forever.”

2. Trollveggen (“The Troll Wall”)

The very place that inspired this post is not far from Trollstigen. And like the father and daughter at the beginning of Netflix’s Troll who are seen climbing there, Trollveggen is a popular spot for that activity.

It’s also the location of Europe’s highest vertical drop. You can also grab a bit in the cafeteria and shop for a souvenir in the Trollveggen Visitor Center, which Architectural Digest named as one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. There’s also a viewing platform here, too, to take in the spectacular scenery.

3. Trolltunga (“The Troll’s Tongue”)

Visit Norway notes this is a challenging hiking spot —and not one for those afraid of heights if you want to venture out on the troll’s tongue! Which, why was a troll sticking his tongue out anyway? Rumor has it hubris got the best of him. He didn’t think he’d turn to stone when the sun came out, so he stuck his tongue out in defiance and, well…maybe that was a bad idea. But it makes for a stunning photo op!

4. Trollpikken (“The Troll’s Cock”)

This troll must’ve really lost track of time too close to sun up while he was busy, um…”self-basting” shall we say? Apparently, it’s an easy 2.3 kilometers hike each way to check it out, though. (And I won’t call you a pervert for wanting to if you don’t call me one!)

5. Trollfjorden (“The Troll’s Fjord)

Cruise through this narrow fjord to take in the spectacular scenery, including white-taled eagles and the 1000-meter-high Trolltinden peak.

6. Trollkyrkja (“The Troll Church”)

The first thing I wondered when I spotted this one was, “Are trolls religious?” In Netflix’s Troll, they emphasize that trolls can smell Christian blood. (And apparently, eat them too? At least, that’s what happened to one poor believer in the movie.)

Anyway, this isn’t your typical church, but if trolls were religious, this natural beauty may be where they chose to worship. Visit Norway says it “consists of three exciting marble and chalk caves, with underground rivers and waterfalls.”

They also say that the more energetic and adventurous can climb the nearby Trolltindan and Stordalstinden mountains. And the Trolldalsvannene lakes are great if you’re up for a “refreshing dip.” (Lake swimming in Norway? Brrr. I’m shivering just thinking about that.)

7. Trollheimen (“The Home of Trolls”)

Mountains, mountains, and more mountains and lots of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing and biking, are what you’ll find here. Along with “rich cultural heritage” because “humans have inhabited this area since the Stone Age.”

8. Trollfoss (“The Troll Waterfall”)

The great thing about this one is it’s not far from Oslo, only about two hours. The waterfall isn’t very high, about 12 meters, but that’s enough to make it the tallest in the Vestfold region of Norway. The hike isn’t very long either, only taking about 30 minutes. But it is steep so it may not be do-able for everyone.

9. Hunderfossen Fairytale Park

I’m an amusement park junkie. I’d totally be up for a visit to ride the rides and check out how trolls are incorporated into this one.

10. Villa Fridheim

This Swiss chalet-style house is one of the biggest in Norway, making it a perfect setting for Norway’s only fairytale museum. And, of course, trolls are among the fairytale creatures featured here.

11. Eventyrskogen

Learn about Norwegian folklore as you hike this fairytale forest, which includes a troll’s cave to explore. If you dare…

12. Troll Museum

I could’ve sworn I included the Troll Museum in Tromso in the “Monster Museums” episode of the Macabre Museums season on the podcast. Turns out, I didn’t. Maybe it was closed at that time due to Covid, and I wasn’t sure it was going to reopen or something? I don’t know, but the museum aims to bring visitors “closer to the magic of Norwegian folk beliefs and the creatures that populate them.” Sounds like my kind of museum!

13. The Troll Painter’s Home

Theodor Kittelsen brought trolls and other Norwegian mythical creatures to life in his illustrations. You can see some of his work and learn about his life during a visit to his home in Sigdal.

Troll Trailer

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