The sequel sweeps across Norway, stitching together locations chosen for visual impact and cultural resonance. Central to the film is the high peaks of Jotunheimen and the sacred cathedral Nidarosdomen in Trondheim, but the production also filmed in Bøverdalen, Valdresflya, Hemsedal, Vemork, Grotli, and Askim. Together, these locations create a world rooted in Norwegian history, folklore and the present day — recognisably Norwegian, yet expansive for a global audience.
Jotunheimen: A Landscape Born of Myth
Jotunheimen sits at the centre of the film’s visual identity — not only as a setting, but as the mythological home of the troll. With Norway’s tallest peaks and a landscape carved by millennia of ice and wind, the region carries an atmosphere that has shaped folklore for generations. For director Roar Uthaug, returning here wasn’t a question of preference, but of necessity.
We needed landscapes that could hold their own against creatures of myth. Jotunheimen isn’t just scenery — it’s a character. Its scale, its silence, its rawness… it gives the film its pulse.
Deep snow, wind-swept ridges and high-altitude weather shaped some of the film’s most striking scenes. Challenging weather conditions demanded technical precision and resilience, underscoring the technical capability and resilience of Norwegian crews, who are trained to work with precision even under extreme conditions.
Lom & Bøverdalen: Gateway to the High Mountains
At the foot of Jotunheimen lies the national park village Lom and the broad sweep of Bøverdalen, where rural life unfolds beneath towering summits. For the production, the area offered a rare mix of human warmth and alpine drama. Historic buildings, authentic village life and the rise of the high mountains created a visual contrast that anchors key moments in the story.
Hanne Larsen, Film Commissioner at the Eastern Norway Film Commission, reflects on the dual power of the region:
Jotunheimen – «The home of the giants», has a way of humbling everyone who steps into it. For a story rooted in myth, there’s simply no better place — the scale, the silence, the sense of something ancient all become part of the narrative. And just below those peaks, Lom provides the perfect gateway: practical and welcoming, yet poised right at the edge of some of the world’s most dramatic terrain. Together, they offer filmmakers an extraordinary combination of authenticity and cinematic power.
Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral: Filming in a Sacred Space
Trondheim plays a pivotal role in Troll 2, a dynamic urban counterpoint to the film’s mountain and myth-scapes. With its blend of medieval streets, contemporary architecture and the broad sweep of the Nidelva river, the city provided both atmosphere and scale. The river shaped several key scenes, its curves, bridges and waterfront spaces giving the production a distinctive visual backdrop for key action sequences.
Behind the scenes, the city proved to be more than a location, Midgard Film Commission and local authorities worked closely with the production to accommodate demanding action elements in the city centre. Local residents embraced the project, offering assistance and patience as the central square and large thoroughfares were closed to accommodate large-scale scenes.
Key sequences were filmed in and around Nidardos cathedral (Nidarosdomen), Norway’s national sanctuary. As one of Northern Europe’s most significant medieval cathedrals, it is ordinarily not opened to large-scale film productions. Access was granted only after careful, months-long dialogue between cathedral leadership, the production, and Midgard Film Commission to ensure the fullest protection of its spiritual and cultural significance.
I am deeply impressed — and proud — of how the city of Trondheim mobilized around this production. Nidaros Cathedral, in particular, is not a filming location but a sacred space. Granting access demanded trust, careful coordination, and a clear commitment from the production to honour the cathedral’s history and sanctity. Motion Blur’s thoughtful and respectful approach throughout the process was decisive, and truly made the difference.
Modern Landscapes and Critical Infrastructure
Troll 2 also depends on the textures of modern Norway — a side of the country as integral to the story as its ancient mountains. Locations such as Askim and Vemork, known internationally from The Heroes of Telemark, add tension and contemporary relevance. These are spaces where industrial heritage and the realities of modern Norwegian life intersect with the film’s more mythical elements.
From the windswept plateau of Valdresflya to the folklore-laden landscapes of Dovre, and from the alpine atmosphere of Hemsedal to Trondheim’s rich urban backdrop, the film unfolds across a broad national canvas. Each place brings its own tone — stone, ice, water, industry, history — shaping a story firmly grounded in Norway’s geography and identity.
A Production Made Possible by Regional Collaboration
The making of Troll 2 is as much a story of collaboration as it is of spectacle. Motion Blur worked closely with regional film commissions, local crews and communities to navigate protected cultural sites, remote mountain terrain and complex logistics. The film was supported through Norway’s Production Incentive and additional regional financing from Filminvest, Trondheim Municipality and Trøndelag County making it a true national effort.
As much as Norwegian nature and landscape hold an inherent place in Troll mythology, so does our collaboration with Norway’s Production Incentive and the regional support from Filminvest, Trondheim Municipality, and Trøndelag County. Without them, there would be no Troll 2.
Just as Troll introduced audiences worldwide to the dramatic force of Norway’s geography, Troll 2 showcases the depth, capability, and readiness of the country’s film industry. These locations aren’t just seen — they’re felt. From sacred stone to open plateau, from mountain shadow to urban edge, the film unfolds across a Norway that is both timeless and fiercely alive.
