Step into the dark, atmospheric world of Nordic noir, where gripping crime fiction meets striking Scandinavian landscapes. Explore the iconic locations that inspired bestselling novels and internationally acclaimed TV dramas.
For crime fiction enthusiasts, the setting often holds as much intrigue as the mystery itself.
Sometimes, it subtly heightens tension or provides a sense of foreboding. At other times, the setting becomes central to the narrative, driving the plot and unravelling clues.
This connection between story and place is a hallmark of Nordic noir, the Scandinavian crime fiction genre that has captivated audiences worldwide.
“We respond to the bleakness. Most Danish and Swedish series don’t present a glossy, touristy view of the countries,” said journalist Barry Forshaw, an authority on the genre.
While Forshaw’s remarks were about the surge of Scandinavian crime dramas on television in the early 2010s, they resonate just as strongly with the novels that inspired them.
Here are some standout Scandinavian crime fiction settings that have drawn visitors in search of their fictional heroes and villains over the years.
The Bridge: Copenhagen and Malmö
The haunting opening of The Bridge, a Danish-Swedish TV series, introduced millions to the iconic Öresund Bridge.
The body discovered on the Denmark-Sweden border not only launched the show’s gripping narrative but also cemented the bridge’s place in Nordic noir lore.
Stretching across the Øresund strait, the bridge connects Copenhagen with Malmö and is easily spotted on approach to Copenhagen Airport.
Along with its accompanying tunnel, it serves as a critical transport artery, carrying vehicles, trains, and even internet cables between Scandinavia and mainland Europe.
Fittingly, the show’s final scene brought audiences back to this now-famous landmark.
Lisbeth Salander’s Stockholm
The late Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, thrust Stockholm into the spotlight, attracting legions of fans eager to explore the world of hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist.
Walking tours inspired by the books focus on Södermalm, the island that Larsson himself called home. A vibrant blend of affluence, student life, and immigrant culture, Södermalm offers visitors a window into modern Stockholm.
Fans can wander past Blomkvist’s flat, Salander’s secretive haunts, and the settings of pivotal scenes, while soaking up the atmosphere of this eclectic neighbourhood.
Wallander’s Ystad
Nestled in southern Sweden, the small town of Ystad is synonymous with Wallander, both in print and on screen.
Whether you prefer the original Swedish series or the British adaptation starring Kenneth Branagh, the charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings of Ystad play a starring role.
The Ystad Studios, where much of the filming took place, is now a popular tourist attraction featuring props and memorabilia from the series. For literary fans, the visitor centre includes tributes to Henning Mankell, the author of the Wallander books.
Exploring Ystad is a delight, with notable spots like Wallander’s fictional home on Mariagatan and the cafes of St Knuts Torg easy to find.
The Killing’s Copenhagen
When The Killing debuted on BBC Four in 2011, it brought subtitled Scandinavian drama into British living rooms and sparked a global fascination with Nordic noir.
Sarah Lund, the show’s tenacious detective, became an icon—not least for her distinctive Faroese jumpers, which sparked a fashion trend.
Lund’s fictional Copenhagen includes her home in the upscale Østerbro district, while much of the action unfolds around central landmarks like Town Hall and Christiansborg Palace. The latter also features heavily in Borgen, another acclaimed Danish drama.
Harry Hole’s Oslo
The anti-hero of Jo Nesbø’s wildly popular crime novels, Harry Hole, may not be an obvious choice for a role model, but his gritty tales have helped put Oslo on the Nordic noir map.
Unlike many fictional settings, Oslo offers a realistic backdrop for fans of the series. Harry’s apartment on Sofies gate, with its buzzer labelled with his name, is a real location, as is his favourite haunt, Schrøder’s Restaurant.
Visitors can enjoy a meal while soaking up the atmosphere of this beloved Oslo institution.
Varg Veum’s Bergen
Gunnar Staalesen’s private investigator, Varg Veum, is one of Norway’s best-loved fictional characters. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Bergen, Veum’s stories have inspired both books and films, with 12 Norwegian-language adaptations to date.
Fans can explore Bergen through walking tours that visit Veum’s home below the Skansen fire station, his office at Strandkaien, and key locations like the now-closed Børs cafe.
A statue of Varg Veum stands proudly outside his fictional office, offering a fitting tribute to this enduring character.
Whether you’re a fan of tense television dramas or gripping novels, these Nordic noir destinations offer a unique opportunity to step into the shadowy world of Scandinavian crime fiction—where every corner holds a mystery waiting to be solved.
Reykjavík: Arnaldur Indriðason’s Detective Erlendur
Arnaldur Indriðason’s Detective Erlendur series, including the critically acclaimed Jar City, immerses readers in the understated yet unsettling atmosphere of Reykjavík.
The Icelandic capital, with its sparse streets and minimalist architecture, provides a stark contrast to the intricate web of human emotions and crime that Erlendur investigates.
Much of the series explores Reykjavík’s quieter side—ordinary homes, unassuming office buildings, and industrial areas—places that hold dark secrets beneath their seemingly mundane surfaces.
The surrounding volcanic landscape, with its brooding lava fields and geothermal springs, mirrors the emotional turmoil and bleak themes of the novels. Fans of Indriðason’s work can experience the city’s duality: a modern, bustling hub with an undercurrent of Nordic noir’s signature isolation and mystery.
Are you a fan of Nordic Noir? I'd love to hear your favourites down in the comments, especially if you've visited any of these locations.
