A Filming Tour Of Jo Nesbo's 'The Snowman' In Norway

It’s October, and Norwegians couldn’t be more excited because Jo Nesbø’s bestseller, The Snowman (the seventh book starring his famous detective Harry Hole), is coming to the big screen. Apart from being mesmerised by Michael Fassbender’s depiction of Harry Hole, fans can also join the thrill: both the book and the movie take place in Oslo and Bergen.

Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Oslo

Museum, Park

Although not that important to the story (Mathias, Rakel, and Oleg are here on a date in chapter six of the book), the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is a beautiful place to start a pilgrimage. Catch one of the exhibitions at this modern art museum, admire the sculptures, or just marvel at the view while planning a Harry Hole trip.

Restaurant Shrøder, Oslo

If not specifically looking for it, this classic Norwegian cuisine place may just fly under the radar. But it shouldn’t because Harry Hole is a regular here in the books (and the movie), so having dinner here as part of the Snowman tour is a must.

The police station in Grønland, Oslo

The police station in Grønland | Courtesy of Oslo Politidistrikt

Any attempt to see through Harry Hole’s eyes wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the detective’s workplace. Granted, the police station in Grønland may not be the most visually impressive stop on this list, but the diversity of the neighbourhood will help tourists maybe start seeing the world like Detective Hole does.

Ulriken Mountain, Bergen

In the book, there was a horrific murder committed in Ulriken, one of Bergen’s seven mountains. The real crime, however, would be not to come up here and take in the awe-inducing view of Bergen.

The Fram Museum, Oslo

Museum

In this museum in Bygdøy, marvel at the strongest wooden ship ever made and feel like an explorer while reminiscing about how Harry met Rakel here.

Oslo Spektrum Arena, Oslo

The Oslo Spektrum Arena should be on the to-do list, and not just because Oleg and Harry went there to see a Slipknot concert in the book. This huge arena is the place to be for big concerts as well as sports events and some theatrical performances.

Bryggen, Bergen

The picturesque Hanseatic wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also the background to one of Harry Hole’s murder investigations. Trace the detective’s steps while walking amid the colourful wooden houses.

Holmenkollen Jump Tower, Oslo

Ski Resort

Spoiler alert: this is where the dramatic ending of The Snowman takes place. But short of murder, there are other ways to raise the adrenaline pumping at the Holmenkollen Jump Tower. The zip line, for instance: it’s 361 meters (1,184 feet) long and offers unforgettable views of Oslo during the 107.5-meter (352-foot) drop. Do it at night when the city lights are at their most majestic. Harry would approve of this finale.

About the author

Danai Christopoulou

Danai is a writer and editor by day, a tarot card reader by night, and a cat person, 24/7. Born in Athens, Greece, Danai spent the last 5 years as the Editorial Director of Savoteur in NYC before deciding to relocate to Scandinavia and learn how to forage berries. When not covering all things Norway for Culture Trip or all things relationships for Marie Claire, she enjoys watching superhero shows, baking cakes for loved ones and trying to live each day as magically as possible. Want to share ideas for cool features, or just cat videos? Reach out at danai.christo@gmail.com