When families travel to Norway, evenings in cabins or hotels can be enriched by watching Norwegian classics. Films like Pinchcliffe Grand Prix, the Askeladden fairy-tale shorts, The Fox Widow, and the Olsen Gang comedies offer a window into Norway’s humor, folklore, and cultural identity. Subtitled versions make them accessible to international visitors, ensuring that travelers can relax while immersing themselves in authentic Norwegian storytelling.
Cozy Evenings in Norway
After a day exploring fjords, mountains, or villages, travelers often seek a relaxing way to connect with local culture. Watching Norwegian films is a perfect choice, blending entertainment with cultural immersion.
Folklore on Screen
Ivo Caprino’s fairy-tale adaptations bring Espen Askeladd, trolls, and magical helpers to life. Classics like The Fox Widow and The Seventh Father in the House capture the charm of Norwegian storytelling traditions. Even more entertaining are tales such as The Boy Who Had an Eating Match with a Troll, where the clever underdog tricks a troll in an eating contest, or the helper who runs to the world’s end to fetch water in The Ash Lad and His Helpers. Another favorite is Veslefrikk med fela (“Little Frikk with the Fiddle”), where a poor boy is granted a wish and cleverly asks that no one can deny him the first thing he requests—leading to magical adventures with a fiddle that makes everyone dance.
Comedy with the Olsen Gang
The Olsen Gang series follows Egon Olsen and his companions in lighthearted heist adventures. Subtitled versions allow international audiences to enjoy the humor that has entertained Norwegians for decades.
Pinchcliffe Grand Prix
This stop-motion masterpiece is Norway’s most beloved film, combining inventive animation with a heartwarming story. It remains a family favorite across generations.
Scandinavian Comedy Abroad
Norwegian humor also shines in the Swedish Sällskapsresan films (The Charter Trip series). These comedies follow the awkward Swede Stig-Helmer Olsson and his confident Norwegian friend Ole Bramserud. Ole was played by Jon Skolmen, a Norwegian actor who became one of the main characters across the series. Because of his role, we let these films slide into the recommendations—they’re a hilarious look at Scandinavian holiday culture and the friendship between Swedes and Norwegians.
The Films
- Sällskapsresan (The Charter Trip, 1980)
- Sällskapsresan II – Snowroller (Snowroller: The Ski Trip, 1985)
- Sällskapsresan III – SOS (SOS – The Sailor Trip, 1988)
- Sällskapsresan IV – Den ofrivillige golfaren (The Accidental Golfer, 1991)
- Sällskapsresan V – Hälsoresan (The Health Trip, 1999)
With Jon Skolmen’s Norwegian presence, these films are a fun addition for travelers who want to see how Scandinavians laugh at themselves while on holiday.
Why Travelers Should Watch
- Accessible with English subtitles
- Perfect for family bonding on quiet evenings
- Authentic immersion into Norwegian folklore and humor
- Memorable cultural experiences beyond sightseeing
A Cultural Movie Night
For tourists, these films provide more than entertainment—they are a gateway into Norway’s soul. Whether laughing with the Olsen Gang, enjoying Jon Skolmen in Sällskapsresan, or marveling at Caprino’s fairy tales, families can enjoy a timeless connection to Norwegian culture during their travels.
Keep It Norwegian 100
To make the evening truly authentic, pair your movie night with Norway’s favorite frozen pizza, Grandiosa, and a bottle or two of Coca-Cola. For extra flavor, place slices of creamy Jarlsberg cheese directly on top of the pizza before putting it in the oven. Once baked, the melted Jarlsberg adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s the ultimate Norwegian comfort combo—simple, cozy, and beloved across the country.
Snacks to Complete the Experience
No Norwegian movie night is complete without snacks. Grab a bag of Smash!—crispy corn cones dipped in milk chocolate with a sweet and salty crunch. Enjoy Cheese Doodles on their own for that classic puffed cheese flavor. And for chips, go with sour cream & onion and prepare the traditional dip: mix the powder packet with hel rømme (full-fat sour cream) to create a creamy, tangy dip that Norwegians love.
If Christmas Time
Christmas in Norway carries its own magic, and for many families two films are simply part of the ritual. The original Reisen til julestjernen (Journey to the Christmas Star, 1976) tells the enchanting story of a young girl searching for the Christmas Star, and has been broadcast by NRK every Christmas Eve for decades. Equally beloved is Tre nøtter til Askepott (Three Wishes for Cinderella, 1973), a fairy-tale classic that Norwegians watch religiously each Christmas Eve. Both films are available with English subtitles, making them perfect for travelers who want to share in Norway’s festive traditions.
And later in the day, when the films have warmed the heart, the table calls: the classic Norwegian Christmas dinner of pinnekjøtt—salted and dried lamb ribs steamed over birch sticks, or these four other popular christmas dinners in Norway. If you enjoy a drink, a glass of akevitt is considered essential. Its spiced, herbal character isn’t just tradition—it’s the perfect way to cut through the rich fattiness of the meat. Beer also pairs beautifully, making the combination of pinnekjøtt, akevitt, and beer a cornerstone of Norway’s holiday celebrations. Sharing in these flavors alongside the films earlier in the day gives travelers the chance to experience Christmas exactly as Norwegians do: with stories, laughter, and a meal that lingers long after the last toast.
