“The Home of the Giants”, that’s Jotunheimen, the most mountainous landscape in Norway and the epic setting for Troll, a Motion Blur production inspired by Norse mythology, directed by Roar Uthaug.

Jotunheimen is among the finalists of the EUFCN Location Award 2023, the annual prize for European filming locations organized by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN). The location was submitted by the Eastern Norway Film Commission.

The tagline “Mountains Will Move” identifies the iconic scenes when the mountain awakes and an ancient troll reveals itself. A fearless paleontologist must stop the monster from wreaking deadly havoc. The feature film distributed by Netflix was shot in the municipality of Lom, Eastern Norway.

“The incredible Jotunheimen mountain range is not only used as a backdrop, but the location becomes alive and plays an active part in the story,” says Norwegian director Roar Uthaug. “The natural beauty of Jotunheimen also inspired us in the selection of surfaces and colours that were implemented in creating the character of the Troll.”

The location was crucial for the script, giving value to the story and credibility to its characters. “Jotunheimen has been an integral location and inspiration for Troll. It set the size and tone of the film, it’s visually stunning,” explains Kristian Strand Sinkerud, producer at Motion Blur.

Filming in rural locations is always a challenge. “Sometimes the director and the producers had to carry the equipment themselves to get the best shots,” recalls Strand Sinkerud. “Wherever we filmed, the weather was always in our favour. If we needed sun, we got sun. When we needed wind, we got wind. We believe this happened because of the film’s theme about respecting and caring for nature.”

“It was a bit challenging at times, in the middle of nature, to reach the location with vehicles, or even finding practical parking, but we made it,” says Audun Skarbøvik Location Supervisor at Motion Blur. “Along the main and only road in Bøverdalen we blocked over 300 meters for parking vehicles and unit base. Even housing and serving a crew of 100+ went super.”

“Jotunheimen and the entire Lom municipality are a very film friendly area where everything is possible: you can expect spectacular scenery and a positive and welcoming vibe from the locals,” adds Skarbøvik.

Jotunheimen National Park is home to 29 of the highest mountain peaks in Norway, including Galdhøpiggen (2469 masl), Northern Europe’s highest mountain. “Here you’ll find the highest mountain peaks in Northern Europe, beautiful glaciers and lakes, outstanding nature, and access to snow all year round,” says Mari Arnøygard Wedum, general manager at Visit Jotunheimen. “It is, after all, the Home of the Giants. The scenery is magical and exotic, a natural choice for a film like Troll.”

Elveseter Hotell, where visitors can trace the footsteps of the Troll, has been a favoured venue of kings, heads of state and adventurers for over 150 years. The hotel is currently run by the sixth generation of the Elveseter family. Magnificent nature, a unique art collection and exquisite cuisine provide a rich experience. If Jotunheimen wins the EUFCN Location Award 2023, a lucky name among voters will win a stay at Elveseter Hotell.

In addition to spectacular mountain tours, visitors of the Jotunheimen National Park can enjoy a wealth of memorable experiences such as glacier hiking, cave hiking, fishing, horse riding, Galdhøpiggen summer ski centre, the climbing park, cycling, rafting in Sjoa or a visit to Lom National Park Village.

The film’s spectacular and inventive use of Norwegian nature led to a nomination for the prestigious LMGI Awards, in the category “Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature Film”.  A sequel is currently in development.