Sweden’s cinematic locations span a wide variety of genres and eras, from the streets of Stockholm in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to the eerie coastal cliffs of The Seventh Seal. Visiting these film locations is a unique way to explore Sweden’s stunning scenery while stepping into the world of your favorite movies.

Urban Adventures in Stockholm

Stockholm’s mix of historic and modern architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for a range of films, from contemporary thrillers to haunting suburban tales.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009, 2011)

The streets of Stockholm play a prominent role in both versions of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the Swedish-language and English-language adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel. The city’s winding alleys, gothic architecture, and frosty winter ambiance set the mood for this dark and gripping mystery.

Visitors to Stockholm can retrace the footsteps of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, walking through the same streets and alleys that feature in the movie. Södermalm, a trendy area known for its cafes and boutiques, is a popular spot for fans of the Millennium series, with several real-life locations that were used as settings for key scenes.

Let the Right One In (2008)

A very different Stockholm neighborhood takes the spotlight in the critically acclaimed Let the Right One In, a chilling vampire film set in the suburbs. The movie was filmed in Blackeberg, a residential area just outside the city center, where the story of a young boy befriending a mysterious vampire unfolds. The cold, stark atmosphere of Blackeberg enhances the eerie, lonely feeling that permeates the film.

For fans of Let the Right One In, visiting Blackeberg offers a unique opportunity to see the hauntingly quiet playgrounds, apartment blocks, and snowy streets where the film’s pivotal moments take place. There are no particular tourist attractions here, but it can be fun to visit to experience the atmosphere of this modern horror classic firsthand.

Historical & Cultural Explorations

Many films that explore Sweden’s past, both real and imagined, have used historical sites as their settings. Two cinematic masterpieces by legendary director Ingmar Bergman, Fanny and Alexander and The Seventh Seal, brought Swedish culture and history to the world stage.

Fanny and Alexander (1982)

Ingmar Bergman’s semi-autobiographical film Fanny and Alexander is a rich tapestry of family drama and mystical elements, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Sweden. While much of the movie was filmed in studio settings, the town of Uppsala, where Bergman spent much of his childhood, provided the inspiration for the film’s setting. Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth-largest city and one of its most historic, with beautiful old buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and the majestic Uppsala Cathedral towering over the skyline.

Visitors to Uppsala walk through its centuries-old streets that reflect the same atmosphere found in Fanny and Alexander. Uppsala University and its Gustavianum museum offer insights into Sweden’s academic and cultural past, and the city’s quaint streets will transport visitors back to the world that Bergman so carefully crafted in his film.

The Seventh Seal (1957)

Few images in cinematic history are as iconic as the scene in The Seventh Seal where a medieval knight plays a game of chess with Death on a windswept beach. This legendary scene was filmed at Hovs Hallar, a breathtaking natural reserve in the Skåne. The rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and crashing waves created the perfect setting for this medieval philosophical drama about life, death, and the meaning of existence.

The location itself remains largely unchanged from when the movie was filmed, making it easy for visitors to imagine Max von Sydow’s knight walking along the same cliffs, pondering his fate. In addition to its cinematic legacy, Hovs Hallar is a stunning spot for hiking and photography.

Magical Landscapes, Ronja Rövardotter (1984)

Sweden's natural landscapes have served as the backdrop for many films, providing an air of magic and wonder. Based on the beloved children’s book by Astrid Lindgren, Ronja Rövardotter (Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter) is a tale of adventure, friendship, and bravery set in a fictional version of medieval Sweden.

Some of the film was shot in Sörknattens naturreservat, a natural reserve in Åmål with dramatic forest and rocky cliff landscapes. The park’s rugged beauty perfectly complements the film’s story of a young girl discovering her independence while exploring the wilderness.

An Iconic Castle, Melancholia (2011)

Many of Sweden’s majestic castles have been used as filming locations to evoke a sense of grandeur and mystery. Lars von Trier’s visually stunning and emotionally complex film Melancholia takes place largely within the walls of a grand mansion that serves as the setting for a lavish wedding and the eventual backdrop for the film’s apocalyptic conclusion.

This mansion is none other than Tjolöholms slott, located on the west coast of Sweden near Göteborg. The castle’s Gothic Revival architecture, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s dreamlike tone.

Visitors to Tjolöholms slott can explore its beautifully preserved rooms, gardens, and coastal views. The castle is open for guided tours and hosts various exhibitions and outdoor performances throughout the year.

Trollywood, Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Another of Lars von Trier’s films, Dancer in the Dark, features a location that may be less grandiose but equally impactful. Several key scenes from this tragic musical were filmed in the industrial town of Trollhättan, a hub for Swedish film production often referred to as Trollywood. This town provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s factory scenes and working-class setting.

Sweden has inspired filmmakers for decades, and by visiting these iconic locations, you can follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters and relive the cinematic moments that captured your imagination.