Filming in the Land of the Midnight Sun: Northern Europe’s Unique Offerings

Northern Europe, with its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural heritage, has become a hotspot for filmmakers from around the world. From the rugged fjords of Norway to the stylish streets of Stockholm, and from the windswept coastlines of Ireland to the trendy bars of Copenhagen, Northern Europe offers a diverse range of locations that can double as almost anywhere in the world.

In recent years, a growing number of high-profile productions, including TV shows like “Game of Thrones” and “The Bridge”, and films like “Let the Right One In” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, have taken advantage of Northern Europe’s stunning scenery, favorable filming conditions, and generous tax incentives. But what makes Northern Europe such an attractive destination for filmmakers? 

1. Natural Light: During the summer months, Northern Europe experiences almost 24 hours of daylight, providing filmmakers with an abundance of natural light. This phenomenon, known as the “Midnight Sun,” allows for extended shooting hours and creates a soft, ethereal light.
2. Diverse Landscapes: Northern Europe boasts an incredible range of landscapes, from the fjords of Norway to the forests of Sweden and the rugged coastlines of Iceland. These diverse environments offer filmmakers a wide range of settings for their stories.
3. Unique Architecture: Northern Europe is home to some of the world’s most distinctive and well-preserved architecture, including Viking-era villages, medieval castles, and modernist cities like Copenhagen and Helsinki.
4. Tax Incentives: Many Northern European countries offer competitive tax incentives and film funding programs to attract international productions. These incentives can help reduce production costs and make filming in the region more financially viable.
5. Skilled Workforce: Northern Europe has a highly skilled and experienced film workforce, with many talented professionals having worked on international productions.
6. Cultural Heritage: Northern Europe has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of storytelling, folklore, and mythology. This cultural depth can provide inspiration for filmmakers and add authenticity to their stories.
7. Accessibility: Northern Europe is relatively easy to access, with many major cities having international airports and well-developed transportation infrastructure. This makes it simple for cast, crew, and equipment to travel to and within the region.

Just a few of Northen Europes top film locations

Norway

• Fjords: Norway’s iconic fjords, such as the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, offer breathtaking scenery and have been featured in films like “The Snowman” and “Captain America: The First Avenger”.
• Oslo: The capital city’s modern architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront make it an attractive location for films like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.
• Trolltunga: This challenging-to-reach rock formation has become a popular spot for adventure films and commercials.

Sweden

• Stockholm: The capital city’s stunning Old Town, picturesque canals, and modern architecture have been featured in films like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Let the Right One In”.
• Lapland: The vast, snowy landscapes of Lapland offer a unique and rugged backdrop for films like “The Revenant” and “The Day After Tomorrow”.
• Gothenburg: Sweden’s second-largest city has a charming, small-town feel and has been featured in films like “The Bridge”.

Denmark

• Copenhagen: The capital city’s colorful buildings, picturesque canals, and iconic landmarks like the Tivoli Gardens have been featured in films like “The Killing” and “The Bridge”.
• Aarhus: Denmark’s second-largest city has a vibrant cultural scene and has been featured in films like “The Hunt”.
• Bornholm: This small island in the Baltic Sea has a unique, rugged landscape and has been featured in films like “Wallander”.

Finland

• Helsinki: The capital city’s modern architecture, scenic waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods have been featured in films like “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.
• Lapland: Like Sweden’s Lapland, Finland’s northern region offers a unique and rugged landscape, perfect for adventure films and commercials.
• Turku: This medieval town has a charming, historic atmosphere and has been featured in films like “The Girl King”.

Iceland

• Reykjavik: The capital city’s colorful buildings, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings have been featured in films like “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Game of Thrones”.
• The Golden Circle: This popular tourist route takes in some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, including the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area.
• Vatnajökull National Park: Europe’s largest national park offers a vast, rugged landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches.

Ireland (Northern Ireland)

• Belfast: The capital city’s historic docklands, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings have been featured in films like “Game of Thrones” and “The Fall”.
• The Causeway Coast: This stunning coastline features iconic landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
• The Mourne Mountains: This scenic mountain range has been featured in films like “Game of Thrones” and offers a unique and rugged backdrop for adventure films and commercials.

How does the costs in Northern Europe compare with the rest of Europe?

When comparing costs, Northern Europe tends to be pricier than other regions in Europe. For instance, countries like Norway and Sweden have higher production costs due to their strong economies and high cost of living ¹.

In contrast, Eastern Europe, comprising countries like Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, offers a more competitive pricing landscape. These countries provide a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and skilled crews at a lower cost than Western Europe ¹.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay in different European regions:

• Western Europe: High production costs, especially in countries like the UK, France, and Germany.
• Northern Europe: Higher costs, particularly in Norway and Sweden, due to strong economies and high cost of living.
• Eastern Europe: More competitive pricing, with countries like Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria offering affordable options.
• Southern Europe: Mixed pricing, with countries like Spain and Italy offering a range of options, from affordable to high-end.

Keep in mind that these are general trends, and actual costs can vary depending on specific locations, crew rates, and equipment rental fees.

The pros and cons of filming in Northern Europe and how to overcome the challenges

The Pros are – 

1. Film-friendly governments: Governments in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland provide support for film productions, including tax incentives and funding.
2. Experienced crews: Northern Europe has a pool of skilled and experienced film professionals, including directors, cinematographers, and production designers.
3. Modern infrastructure: Major cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Reykjavik have well-developed infrastructure, including airports, transportation systems, and accommodation options.
4. Diverse landscapes: Northern Europe offers a wide range of landscapes, from fjords and mountains to forests and coastlines, providing a unique and varied backdrop for films.

However, there are also some challenges to consider:

1. Weather conditions: Northern Europe’s climate can be unpredictable, with cold winters, short summers, and limited daylight during the winter months.
2. Remote locations: Some filming locations, particularly in rural areas, can be difficult to access, requiring specialized transportation and equipment.
3. Language barriers: While many Northerners speak English fluently, there may be language barriers in some areas, particularly among older populations.
4. Permitting and regulations: Filmmakers may need to navigate complex permitting and regulatory processes, particularly when filming in sensitive or protected areas.

To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to:

1. Plan carefully: Research locations, weather conditions, and local regulations before filming.
2. Work with local partners: Collaborate with local production companies, fixers, and guides to navigate the region’s unique challenges.
3. Be flexible: Be prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions, location availability, and other unexpected challenges.

By being aware of the potential challenges and taking steps to mitigate them, filmmakers can have a successful and enjoyable experience filming in Northern Europe.