In 2013, Disney released one of its highest-grossing animated films of all time, Frozen. The movie was a heart-rending story that not only had children gushing over it, but also adults. It was like a fire that kept on burning for years, making people obsessed with it, including the stars of the movies themselves. Then in 2019, gasoline was added to that fire when Disney released a sequel and yet again, Frozen 2 was the talk of everyone, young and old.
For all those who have that fire still burning, even after watching both films over a hundred times, the good news is that Frozen was actually inspired by real places in Norway. Meaning, fans of the films can see some of the buildings that helped to create Arendelle.
Here are 10 places in Norway that inspired both Frozen duck Frozen 2.
10
St. Olaf’s Church Was The Inspiration For The Chapel That Held Elsa’s Coronation In Frozen
In the first film, once Elsa comes of age, she must have a coronation to take her place as Queen of Arendelle. The building her coronation takes place in was actually inspired by a gorgeous stave church out in Balestrand, Norway called St. Olaf, explained Norwegian Reward. The real question is though, was this church also the inspiration for the name of our favorite snowman?
9
Akershus Fortress Was The Inspiration For The Exterior Of Arendelle Castle In The Movies
Ever notice how gorgeous the exterior of the Arendelle castle is? Well, we have Akershus Fortress to thank for that. Supposedly, the brick pattern along the outer walls of Arendelle castle and the peak roofs we can see along the brick fence surrounding the kingdom were inspired by the exterior of Akershus Fortress in Trondheim, Norway.
8
It’s Said That Nærøyfjord Inspired The Body Of Water That Surrounds Arendelle In The Movies
That absolutely gorgeous body of water that surrounds the kingdom of Arendelle and becomes a large block of ice after Elsa loses control of her powers and sends the kingdom into a deep freeze, that was inspired by a notable UNESCO site in Norway known as Naeroyfjord. We have the water and villages surrounding the mountains to thank for breathing life into Arendelle.
7
The Look & Feel Of Arendelle In The Movies Was Said To Come From Bergen Village
There are two different towns that inspired the look, feel, and placement of Arendelle. How Arendelle sits on the side of a mountain next to a large body of water comes from the Austrian town of Hallstatt, but the look and feel of the town come for the Norwegian town of Bergen.
6
Silfra Fissure Is The Inspiration For The Water Scene Where Elsa Meets The Shape-Shifting Water Spirit In Frozen 2
For those who have seen Frozen 2remember the scene where Elsa encounters the Nokk, aka the mythical Norwegian shape-shifting water spirit? Well, the setting of that watery scene was inspired by the Silfra Fissure, which is located between two continents in Iceland and is the only place in the world where someone can swim between two tectonic plates.
5
Djúpalónssandur Was The Inspiration For The Black Sand Beach Elsa Stands On In Frozen 2
In Frozen 2there is a scene where Elsa is on a black-sandy beach, there is a fierce thunderstorm going on and she is looking out towards the sea about to do something crazy. That beach was actually inspired by the black lava pearl beach known as Djupalonssandur on the Snaefelsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland.
4
Stiftsgården Was The Inspiration For The Inside Of Arendelle Castle In The Movies
Earlier it was stated how Akershus Fortress was the inspiration for the exterior of Arendelle castle. For the interior though, Disney got their inspiration from the royal residence of Stiftsgarden, a gorgeous castle that stretches over 190 feet, dates to 1778 and is one of the biggest wooden structures in Scandinavia.
Related: 10 Magical Real-Life Castles That Inspired Disney Films
3
The Town Of Roros Was The Inspiration Behind Elsa’s Magical Powers Throughout The Movies
Unlike the other town and locations listed in this article, this town wasn’t really the inspiration for Arendelle or other locations in the movies, but more for Elsa’s magic. Winters in Roros can be harsh, but gorgeous. The harsh winters are what helped the creators to bring Elsa’s powers to life.
Related: 10 Honest Facts About Disneyland That (Almost) Ruin The Magic
2
The Museum In Fetsund Lenser Was The Inspiration Behind The Ice Cutting Scene In The Beginning Of Frozen
At the beginning of the first film, there is a scene where a group of men, plus young Kristoff and baby Sven, are cutting ice on a large frozen lake. It’s not a major scene in the movie, but still deserves credit. Disney got their inspiration from the museum known as Fetsund Lesner, which is a 200-year-old timber processing plant that sits on the Glomma River, explains CN Traveler.
Related: 10 Haunted Places In Norway (& The Stories Behind Them)
1
The Landscape & Countryside Of Sognefjord Was Inspiration For Many Of The Exterior Scenes Throughout The Movies
When it comes to Sognefjord, there isn’t going to be one exact place that inspired any location or feature in the movies. Instead, the entire landscape and countryside around Sognefjord helped bring to life a lot of the exterior scenes through the movies. Take a close look and it will be easy to spot the fjord, the towering cliffs, and even the dramatic waterfalls.
Next: 10 Disney Movies That Should Have Had Park Rides/Attractions